This Polygon lathe cutter mechanism is a game changer

In many cases, a processed piece on the lathe needs to have some shapes in some parts of it not cylindrical shapes that a conventional lathe cannot create. These shapes can be square, hexagons and generally polygons.

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[robh]

Invented by an Ipswich UK engineer in the 1960's who took the idea to Colchester Lathes. Was told not interested but they then went on to make machinery to produce polygons of pretty much as many faces as you wanted. Colchester Lathes made a lot of money out of it and the engineer got nothing.

[Gin-toki]

The demonstration with the markers was rather neat.

[jamesrogers]

What amazing attention to detail. You created a work of art as well as a tool. I have been looking for someone who has these skills for years in Toronto. I am becoming convinced that you are one of the few geniuses who can still do the work that garages and body shops used to do everywhere. I am glad that you continue to use your talents in machining and metal work. Perhaps one day, I will get to see your workshop in person.

[BlackFenix-jzrs]

Not gonna lie, it has to be the coolest thing to have the machinery (and knowledge) required to upgrade your machinery

[VesperCadha]

Damn... this synchronization is perfect!

[paradiselost]

after much thought, i designed mine to drive a totally different way...

toothed belt behind the chuck. this is also where the ratios are changed. easily removed spline shaft up the back, parallel to bed/ spindle. support arm at end of bed.

sliding pulley on shaft.

four bar "quadrilateral" tensioner with two idlers that maintain synchronisation as the cross-slide is fed in and out, and also slides the drive pulley up and down the splined shaft with the saddle.

not supposed to have an idler on the driven side of a belt, but in this case is necessary as the two sides of the belt must remain symmetrical.

still not finished, but so far its promising to allow for use ANYWHERE along the bed. which was the main goal, and the major shortcoming of every design ive seen... it means i can cut a hex or other profile the full length of travel...

[ChadGarion]

Adam Savage I believe once said the Metal Lathe was his favorite tool because it's one of the most basic automated tools that can make another of itself. I see the same applies to making upgrades.

[khoirulrozikin]

you are indeed a professional mechanic🙂👍

[lesd]

Awesome attachment! Almost hypnotic to watch.

[greggminkoff]

As a retired Machinist, I can say you are a skilled Machinist. Your engineering has 1 fault, the cartridge holding the 2 tapered bearings should be sealed and the bearing packed with grease. Bearing's fail without lubrication. Tapered bearings are made to have a specific amount of preload which you did not measure.

[aussiecro.]

I have to admit...was wondering the whole video what the frig this was gonna do...didnt see that coming! Well done and kudo's!

[opendstudio]

The need for speed!! Appears to be a right handy attachment for the lathe. Also, good for doing the internal sockets as well; cuts are fast, neat and appear to be formed by magic. 👍

[robertryan]

This is fantastic!!! I wish my dad were alive to see this and chat with me about it. He was a machinist and tool and die maker all of his life. He came up the old school way without fancy computers and apps and such. Everything was meth longhand maybe with a simple calculator.
Thanks for posting!

[LordSaliss]

When you "hand tapped" the 4 holes with a cordless drill my soul cried out a little bit

[ptp]

Spent all that time, money and labor to build what any mill with a dividing head can do. This was a project to show slightly above par manufacturing skills. Timing a cutting head to the headstock via the lead screw is a well documented idea but if it was worth the the implementation, you would see it as a standard optional feature on every new lathe. A+ on the video skills.

[Skwisgar]

This is neat, but you can see it doesn't leave truly flat faces. They are curved. It's probably fine in most cases, but if you need a true flat side, you will want to use a mill and collet block.

[Thatdavemarsh]

Really impressed with your attention to safety detail. Great modification to your lathe.

[robjohnston]

It's always interesting watching your videos. It's great to see the things you can think of and then create.

[PhotoArtBrussels]

Fantastic machine! What a wonderful solution to a problem that did not exist; but it is so cooool and great engineering! 🙂

[hectorr]

EXCELENTE VIDEO¡¡... Y MUY FACIL DE ENTENDER¡¡...SALUDOS DESDE MEXICO¡¡