YouTuber and developer Chris Borge presents a lathe that he made using 3D printing technology. The project combines modern manufacturing techniques with classic mechanical engineering and enables DIY enthusiasts to get into metalworking at a manageable cost.
The design is based on a 3D-printed housing that is filled with concrete. This combination gives the lathe the necessary stability and vibration damping. Less than one kilogram of PLA filament is required for printing. The material mix reduces the overall costs to between 66 and 100 US dollars, including basic tools.
The special feature of the project is its simple assembly. In addition to a 3D printer, hobbyists only need a handsaw, screwdriver and wrench. A belt sander is also required. The developer designed the headstock as a separate component, as it is subject to the greatest load and can be replaced if necessary.
Technically, the design relies on tapered roller bearings for precise movements. It is driven by a small electric motor from a discarded printer, which operates at around 1,000 revolutions per minute. This deliberately low power is for safety reasons – the motor stops when the tool is tilted instead of developing dangerous forces.
The lathe is primarily suitable for machining small workpieces. Borge makes the design data available free of charge on the Printables platform. However, he expressly warns against installing more powerful motors, as this would jeopardize the safety of the system.
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