Manual turning is the building block for lathe operators and six new manual machines will helps them to understand the turning process and acquire the basic skills.

Coleg Menai in Bangor, one of the largest Further Education colleges in North Wales, has significantly extended its engineering teaching facilities by acquiring six new Harrison V350 high-speed lathes to add to its six Harrison M300 centre lathes and an Alpha 1330S manual/CNC lathe. The latest machines, which were supplied to the college's Faculty of Technology by Harrison's main regional distributor, [DATAMACH] were grant-funded through ELWa (the National Council for Education and Training for Wales) as part of a GBP 1.5 million technical upgrade programme at the college. Colin Parry, a lecturer in the faculty, introduces groups of local school pupils (14-16s) and an annual intake of around 35 post-16 year old full time college students on a one-year performing Engineering Operations course to basic engineering skills like manual turning.

He explained: 'Most engineering and metalworking workshops have disappeared from schools and so now when the apprentices start out on their courses they have no hands-on experience.' Parry said: 'It is particularly good for the 14-16s to be able to come to the college - it gives them an insight into some of the skills involved and they also receive a qualification at the end of the course.' 'Manual turning is the building block for lathe operators and we believe that operating the manual machine helps them to understand the turning process and acquire the basic skills.

The M300 centre lathe is the ideal first training machine and the new V350 machines give us considerably more flexibility.

These lathes are bigger and have a constant surface speed facility which is very useful in a training context.

When we had the opportunity for funding for these extra lathes, we definitely wanted to buy British.' Parry added:'We have had foreign-made lathes in the past and had problems with maintenance issues.

The Harrison M300 lathes we got last year are very reliable and popular with the students and lecturers, and Harrison has a good brand name.' Apprentices who attend the college's one-year full-time course advance onto a three-year day-release scheme, supported by their employers, and during this time have a further opportunity to progress to using the Alpha 1330S manual/CNC lathe.

The college's facility, incorporating a state-of-the-art computer aided design (CAD) suite to which the Alpha 1330S is networked, represents the ideal way for local companies who are upgrading their own workshops with CNC lathes to train their young engineers: 'With the requirements of the local economy and investment by local engineering-based companies developing all the time, it is vital for us to keep pace with the technology and what is happening out in the market place'.

'Local companies send their staff here to receive training on this type of machine'.

'They realise that this modern technology represents the future for their industry,' said Parry.

Harrison Lathes' sales director, David Smith, said :'I am delighted the students and staff at the Faculty of Technology at Coleg Menai have found this ongoing partnership with Harrison so useful in training the engineers of tomorrow'.

'I am confident that the latest six V350 lathes they have acquired will enable the students to maximise their skills and prepare them well with the turning skills they will require in their careers and everyone at Harrison wishes them well.'

Manual machine tools remain popular in training organisations and maintenance departments, for which a range of budget priced turret mills, lathes and grinding machines is available.

Manual machine tools remain a popular choice for training organisations and maintenance departments but price is always a constraining factor. With this in mind XYZ Machine Tools has added the budget priced e series of turret mills, lathes and grinding machines to its product portfolio. Sourced from China, prices start at GBP 4500 for the eMILL 2000 and the smallest of the three models of eTURN, and GBP 9000 for the eGRIND 1020.

Despite their ultra low price tags, these machines are of solid ribbed cast iron construction and are fitted with European-sourced bearings and electrical components.

All have full CE approval and will be backed by a UK company that has become synonymous with quality, reliability and value for money.

Standard on the 3 hp eMILL 2000 is a dual speed range 60-4200 rev/min spindle, powerfeed to the 1270mm by 254mm table and two-axis digital readout.

Options include a 5000 rev/min inverter driven spindle, power feed to the cross slide and three- or four-axis DRO.

The three models in the eTURN range - 1430, 2060 and 2680 - offer spindle speed ranges from 45-1800 rev/min to 26-2000 rev/min, a swing over the bed from 356mm to 660mm and a between centres distance from 750mm to 2000mm.

In similar vein the eGRIND 1020 is the ultimate 'economy' grinding machine, providing a maximum grinding length of 500mm and a maximum grinding width of 250mm.

Maximum spindle speed courtesy of a 2 hp spindle motor is 3000 rev/min for a standard 180mm diameter wheel, and standard equipment includes a 250mm by 500mm electromagnetic chuck, dust extraction and flood coolant.

A manual/CNC straight bed lathe is a low cost, 'entry level' machine has a control system that can be mastered within a day, even by users with no previous CNC experience.

The new 400 mm swing over bed, 54mm spindle bore XYZ ProTURN SLX 1630 manual/CNC straight bed lathe is XYZ Machine Tools' answer to requests for a low cost, entry level ProTURN. This new machine, which has a distance between centres of 760mm, retains features such as solid castings for the main elements, oversize 'vee and flat' bedways that provide a large bearing surface, heavy duty tailstock and high quality gears and bearings in the headstock, while introducing the ProtoTRAK SLX control. This latest version of the innovative ProtoTRAK control has been designed to provide entry level CNC technology that can be mastered within a day, even by users with no previous CNC experience.

It's unique 'traking' feature allows the operator to physically wind through the tool path, ensuring collision-free operation and boosting user confidence.

Other features include constant surface speed, colour graphics and Windows XP operating system.

The XYZ ProTURN 1630's 5.5kW spindle motor provides a variable speed range of 150-2500 rev/min, and standard equipment includes a 200mm diameter three-jaw chuck, four-way square toolpost, joystick control for rapid movement, electro-magnetic spindle brake, and interlocked chuck and swarf guards.

Optional equipment includes DXF file converter, RS232 interface, USB thumb drive flash memory, Dickson quick change toolpost and six holders, steadies and collet closers.

A heavy duty flat bed 'combination' lathe - with 800mm swing and 170mm bore - has Fanuc 210i-TA control with its single screen program creation software and six methods of programming.

Colchester Lathe's heavyweight Combi 6000 flat bed combination lathe, with a massive 800mm swing over the bed and a 170mm large bore that is ideal for oil and gas industry type applications, has bed length options of 2000; 3000 and 4000mm between centres and will be under power on the Colchestersales (UK) stand at MACH 2006 featuring its optional eight-station VDI 50 disc turret. While having a muscular specification, it is the Fanuc 210i-TA control with its single screen program creation software and six methods of programming that really set this flat bed combination machine apart from the competition. It has the flexibility for cost-effectively producing single cycle turning operations using the intuitive menu selection and extensive 960 tool library memory with simple to use macros giving step by step operation sequences.

However, most important is its ability to re-enact programmed cycles in automatic mode for batch production.

Having some 26kW of power available at the spindle with a low and high range providing speeds between 10 and 1,500 rev/min according to specification, it is the control system that enables the versatility of the machine to be fully explored according to the skill level available or type of machining required.

For instance, the Fanuc 210i-TA control can act as a simple digital readout in conjunction with electronic handwheels, be used in a teach and repeat mode or the operator can make full use of the on-screen icon-based command CADCAM capability and virtual tool and solid modelling programs.

In addition, the system will accept off-line created program download via DNC.

With each method, the control will automatically convert the input data into G-code format which means editing at the machine is very simple using copy and paste similar to a PC editor.

Once created, programs can be transferred or used with any Fanuc compatible machines.

Programs can be stored on the hard drive in the control and once prepared can be subjected to 'fast-check' simulation cycles involving the tool tip shape depicting the relevant toolpath.

The Combi 6000 has a swing in the gap bed of 870mm, ideal for face plate work and has a cross slide travel of 400mm.

The quill diameter of the power operated tailstock is 120mm with 210mm travel and there is a choice of toolposts from Multifix (size C) or Parat size 3 or 4.

As an aid to batch machining, the machine can be specified with a choice of two types of VDI 50 automatic indexing turret, an eight-station disc or four-station head unit.

Both are fully programmable.

There is also a range of stationary or travelling steadies, face plates up to 790mm diameter and three jaw self-centring 400mm or 535mm chucks or four jaw independent chucks of either, 460mm or 610mm diameter.

A budget priced series of turret millers and lathes, with prices starting at GBP 4950 for a milling machine are fitted with European bearings and electrical components, and all have CE approval.
Manual machine tools remain a popular choice for training organisations and maintenance departments but price is always a constraining factor. With this in mind XYZ Machine Tools has added the budget priced e series of turret mills and lathes to its product portfolio. Sourced from China, prices start at GBP 4950 for the eMILL 2000 and the smallest of the three models of eTURN.
Despite their ultra low price tags, these machines are of solid ribbed cast iron construction and are fitted with European-sourced bearings and electrical components.
All have full CE approval and are backed by a UK company that has become synonymous with quality, reliability and value for money.
Standard on the 3HP eMILL 2000 is a dual speed range 60-4200 rev/min spindle, power feed to the 1270mm by 254mm table and two-axis digital readout.
Options include a 5000 rev/min inverter driven spindle, power feed to the cross slide and 3- or 4-axis digital readout.
The three models in the eTURN range - 1430, 2060 and 2680 - offer spindle speed ranges from 45-1800 rev/min to 26-2000 rev/min, a swing over the bed from 356mm to 660mm and a between centres distance from 750mm to 2000mm.

Subcontract machinist said his customers knew he had acquired a manual/CNC (combination) lathe because he could make several parts in the time needed previously to machine one.

Chris Evans has been running Buckwood Engineering on his own for the past 20 years, and that is just the way he likes it. 'After 15 years in the family business, which employed 350 people, I decided I could do without the aggravation and set up on my own. I like being hands-on and will machine anything that comes my way.

I am never going to be a millionaire but I enjoy what I do.' Half of Buckwood Engineering's 1000ft2 premises at Markyate, Hertfordshire, is leased to another one-man engineering business, while the remainder is home to manual machines and, more recently, two manual/CNC machines supplied by Burlescombe, Devon-based XYZ Machine Tools.

Evans said: 'I bought an XYZ Edge 1500 manual/CNC turret mill as a replacement for an old manual turret mill and thought it would be my last machine tool purchase.

It proved to be an unbelievably good machine and I found myself taking a third of the time to complete a job, even though I had no previous CNC experience.

I did not even go for training because it is so easy to use.' Despite this success Evans continued to rely on a manual lathe until he realised that he was losing out on turning work from existing customers and decided to do something about the situation.

One month later, in January 2005, he took delivery of a new XYZ ProTURN VL 355 lathe equipped with ProtoTRAK CNC.

'My customers know I have the ProTURN because I can now make several parts in the time needed previously to machine one.

This allows me to quote lower prices while still earning enough to pay for the machine and to put money in my pocket.' According to Evans, he opted for the 5.75kW, 360mm swing over bed XYZ ProTURN VL 355 because it matched the capacity of his DRO-equipped manual lathe while offering a choice of manual machining or, courtesy of the ProtoTRAK VL control, partial or full CNC control.

This flexibility is ideal for a small business like Buckwood Engineering that is called upon to machine a wide range of work pieces in varying batch sizes.

'There is not a turning job I can not do on the ProTURN because it is so simple to program, usually taking two to three minutes, and the program can be stored and recalled if I get a repeat order.

Although a one-off takes around a quarter of the time needed on a manual machine, a production batch probably takes 10 to 20% of the time, with a guarantee that every part will be identical.

I have just completed a 120-off job in a cycle time per part of six minutes compared with about an hour on the manual lathe, and within those six minutes I completed a second operation milling and drilling cycle on the ProtoTRAK mill.' Although adamant that the ProTURN lathe, definitely, is his final machine tool purchase, Evans says the move to CNC has made a very real difference to his life.

Manual and CNC lathes include three 'value-for-money' models of heavy duty, geared head manual lathes with 400mm, 500mm and 560mm swing-over-bed dimensions respectively.
MACH 2006 sees the world launch of a completely new range of 'value' manual and CNC lathes from 600 Group - the Clausing CV-Series. Three of these affordable, versatile lathes will be shown to MACH visitors on Clausing's stand (Hall 4, Stand 4578), with new and existing UK-based distributors having the first opportunity in Europe to offer the new machines to their customers. Based in Michigan, USA, Clausing Industrial , is a world-leading machine tool manufacturer and importer, which has been part of 600 Group - the UK's largest machine tool company - for over 20 years.
Clausing's latest CV-Series lathes are products resulting from a 600DMTG project which is a collaboration between 600 Group, its specialist subsidiary 600 Lathes, Clausing and 600 Group's manufacturing partner Dalian Machine Tool Group (DMTG), based in China.
All the new export-quality lathes are being built to 600 Group's performance specification and every machine will pass through 600 Group's own pre-delivery quality inspection process at the factory in China.
The Clausing CV-Series machines will be available in the UK market within four to six weeks after MACH 2006, and will be launched in the USA later this year.
Clausing CV-Series Heavy Duty Geared Head Lathes The new Clausing CV-Series will consist of three value-for-money models of heavy duty, geared head manual lathes with 400mm (16in), 500mm (20in) and 560mm (22in) swing-over-bed dimensions respectively.
Machines will be available in the UK with a choice of distances between centres, namely 1m (1000mm/40in) 1.5m (1500mm/60in) and 2m (2000mm/80in).
All versions feature large spindle bores 105mm (4.13in across the range), high-precision Gamet tapered roller bearings, hardened and ground heavy duty head stock gears and the flexibility of 16 spindle speeds, ranging from 26-1700 rev/min.
Further standard technical features of Clausing CV-Series manual lathes are as follows.
* Spindle bearings, gears and shafts lubricated by a forced lubrication system.* Easy-to-read index plate for fast selection of the correct feed or thread.* Extra-wide bedways 395mm (15.5in) for maximum accuracy and minimal wear.* Chuck guard, saddle-mounted chip guard, full splash guard and leadscrew cover.* Clutch drive, reverse leadscrew with spindle turning for faster thread cutting.* Clutches operated by levers on apron and headstock for forward/reverse.* Wide range of standard and optional accessories Options include quick-change tool-post and digital read-out.
Clausing CNC CV-Series Lathes Engineered for CNC performance, wedded to maximum affordability and versatility to handle a wide variety of turning applications, the new Clausing CNC CV-Series machines being unveiled at MACH 2006 are available in four models with 350mm (14in), 400mm (16in), 500mm (20in) or 560mm (22in) swing-over-bed.
As with the manual Clausing CV models, the two larger CNC machines offer customers a choice of three distances between centres, namely 1m (1000mm/40in), 1.5m (1500mm/60in) and 2m (2000mm/in).
The new series is equipped with the advanced FANUC Oi-TC Mate control system, offering great value and reliability, to simplify operation and maximize productivity.
All Clausing CNC CV-Series lathes benefit from heavy duty, flat-bed construction, a wide range of variable spindle speeds with automatic speed range change for more efficient parts turning and horizontal four-position electrical toolpost, among a host of advanced, standard features.
Ideal for first-time CNC buyers and workshops wanting to increase output - as well as operators such as education and training facilities requiring a low-cost lathe with CNC facilities normally only found on higher priced machines, the brand new Clausing CV-Series is especially suited to producing highly accurate one-offs and low-to-medium production runs.
Stephen Le Beau, product strategy and marketing director of 600 Group, said: 'These exciting new Clausing CV lathes have been developed with the expertise of three leaders in the world machine tool industry - 600 Group, Clausing and DMTG - which means customers can order with total confidence.
They represent a fantastic opportunity to acquire the latest quality-built, advanced design lathes at a highly attractive and affordable price.' The launch of the Clausing CV-Series at MACH 2006 means that lathes featuring 600 Group's long-established know-how, reliability and technical excellence are now within the reach of many more tool-rooms and workshops than ever before.
They offer true value for money.
Clausing CV-Series lathes making their world debut at MACH 2006 will be the CV-1640 and CV-2280 manual lathes and the CV-2060 CNC The Clausing stand at MACH will be staffed by Clausing Industrial , and 600 Group personnel from 600 Machinery International who will be pleased to meet potential new distributors for the Clausing CV-Series lathes, and details of product pricing, full specifications and availability will be supplied.

Toolroom Lathe has a proprietary conversational operating system that makes cutting parts and creating part programs nearly effortless, and operation ranges from manual to CNC.
With a functional range from manual turning to full CNC, the Haas TL-1 Toolroom Lathe features a proprietary conversational operating system that makes cutting parts and creating part programs nearly effortless. The operator chooses an operation, touches off the X and Z surfaces, and is then prompted to enter basic dimension information. Default values for feed per revolution, spindle speed and depth of cut are automatically entered by the control, but may be changed by the operator.
Once all necessary information is entered, a push of the Cycle Start button performs the desired operation.
A Recorder function allows information to be saved for future retrieval.
The TL-1 operates in four modes.
In all modes, the Haas control provides extremely accurate digital read-out (DRO) of position, displayed to 0.0005in when using the manual handwheels or to 0.0001in when using the electronic jog handle.
Electronic soft stops may be set to limit the travel of the lathe.
In manual mode, the X and Z axes are moved via standard handwheels.
In semi-automatic mode, the TL-1 performs simultaneous linear interpolation for both axes using a single handwheel.
ID/OD chamfers and tapers, for example, are easily cut in semi-automatic mode.
In automatic mode, built-in machining cycles (both single- and multi-pass) are available for rough and finish profiling, chamfering, grooving, parting off, threading, drilling and tapping.
In full CNC, the TL-1 is programmed using standard G code, and all axis motion is regulated by the Haas control via a G-code program.
Operations that would be difficult or impossible on a manual machine, such as radii, tapers, profiles, grooving, ID and OD threading, and rigid tapping, are all possible on the TL-1 - without knowledge of G-code programming.
Help menus are available directly on-screen, and a dry-run graphics feature allows operators to check their work before running a part.
MACH 2006 witnessed several new machines from Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool manufacturer in the world.
Haas demonstrated machines and metal cutting technology for aerospace, automotive, medical, mould and die and general machining industries.
More than 25 CNC technology products were on show demonstrate vertical and horizontal machining and turning applications.

A manual/CNC lathe has a large 104mm spindle bore, which combined with a 560mm swing over bed and a choice of 1000mm, 1750mm or 3000mm between centres, gives maximum flexibility.
The vital statistic of the new XYZ ProTURN SLX 555 manual/CNC lathe is its large 104mm spindle bore. This, combined with a 560 mm swing over bed and a choice of 1000mm, 1750mm or 3000mm between centres, guarantees maximum flexibility, whether machining one-off components or in small batch production mode. However, it is not just the physical dimensions and structural integrity of the ProTURN SLX 555 that prompts XYZ Machine Tools to describe its new lathe as ideal for such applications.
With just a few hours training even someone with little or no CNC experience will be confident of producing complex parts, because the unique 'traking' feature of the ProtoTRAK SLX control ensures that the operator is always in control.
This feature allows the operator to physically wind the hand wheel and so to move the machine through the program at a speed proportional to the speed at which the hand wheel is moving.
Stop or reverse the hand wheel and the machine will do the same.
This allows the operator to check the programmed toolpath before switching to computer control, thereby avoiding collisions and boosting operator confidence.
Standard machine equipment includes a 300mm diameter three-jaw chuck, Dickson quick change toolpost with six holders, air-assist 'floating' tailstock, interlocked chuck and swarf guards, and joystick control for rapid movement.
The ProtoTRAK SLX control contributes constant surface speed, tool tip radius compensation and a host of other features.
Together it adds up to a productivity package that is many times faster than a manual lathe and often faster than a turning centre on low volume and one-off production.

The latest generation of advanced customised controls and conversational programming systems feature on the first Harrison manual/CNC lathe to have a milling facility.

The new Alpha X Series lathes from British lathe manufacturer T S Harrison, which was premiered at EMO 2005, features the latest generation of advanced customised controls and programming systems developed by Harrison design engineers in partnership with the industry-leading automation technology specialist, GE Fanuc. The Alpha X Series, comprising the XT, XS and top-of-the-range, 3-axis XM - the first Harrison lathe produced with milling capability - takes the Harrison range into a new era of performance, with significant enhancements in the crucial parameters of turning speeds, power and reliability. All new Alpha X Series lathes incorporate Fanuc's latest conversational programming software facility and offer the fastest, easiest set-up of any lathes in the market.

* Controls and control features - the 'entry-level' Alpha XT models (comprising the 1350XT, 1400XT, 1460XT and 1550XT) are all equipped with the GE Fanuc Oi Mate TC control.

This is loaded with the new Fanuc Turn Mate i conversational system.

The new controls for Harrison Alpha XT lathes feature: * 7.2in LCD mono operator touchscreens.

* ISO standard CNC.

* Full Fanuc CNC keyboards.

* One-click-one-micron feel handwheels.

* Sliding operator console for maximum convenience during loading and set-up.

* Rapid traverse joystick.

The Turn Mate i system on the XT models enables up to 40 separate operations to be stored in the software, allowing multiple options for profiling, grooving, facing, threading, drilling and tapping, radii and chamfers, boring, tapering and simple stops.

For the first time on the Alpha T range of machines it allows full contour programming at the control.

Another 'first' for the Alpha XT range, compared with the previous Alpha T models, is the ability to switch the control to full ISO functionality (CNC).

This empowers more experienced operators to run programmes previously used on other machines and/or to generate programs in the CNC format.

This is also the first time that any Alpha T model has been available with an eight-station bi-directional turret which increases its automation capability.

As with all previous Alpha machines, Harrison's Alphalink CAD/CAM software is supplied to customers free of charge.

The Windows-compatible system allows simple generation of standard ISO (CNC) programs and the use of previously-generated DXF files.

David Smith, Harrison's sales director, explained that the customized control system for the Alpha XT models has been extensively developed to provide a 'total system solution' for optimum integration of all key systems: servos, spindle, drives, control, operator panel and electrical components.

'Like all versions of the X Series, the Alpha XT lathes are perfectly suited to producing 'one-offs' and small-batch turned parts.

No other lathes on the market today, including full CNC machines, can compete with the X Series for speed of production when it comes to these small volume turning applications,' he said.

The new Harrison Alpha XS line-up (comprising the 1350XS, 1400XS, 1460XS, 1550XS, and 1800XS), was similarly developed between Harrison and GE Fanuc.

The Alpha XS lathes have the GE Fanuc 21i TB control, loaded with custom-written Alpha mode programming software, which is unique to Harrison Alpha lathes, and the Fanuc Manual Guide i conversational programming system.

The key specifications are: * Ultra high-speed GE Fanuc 21i TB CNC control.

* 10.4in colour operator touchscreen.

* Two software systems (Alpha system + GE Fanuc Manual Guide i).

* Industry standard ISO programming.

* High-speed fibre optic data transfer.

* PCMCIA (flash card) and RS232 communication ports.

* Twin MPG handwheels.

* Rapid traverse joystick.

'The Alpha system software is well-recognised as the easiest control in the world to both learn and operate by a manual-lathe trained operator.

Its functions start with electronic stops, which directly mimic the familiar manual stops, and progress to automatic machining of complex forms.

At no time does the operator require any knowledge of CNC programming,' explained Smith.

'Manual Guide i is an easy-to-use, intuitive programming system designed to assist the less experienced operator to gain full advantage of the features of even the most complex of machining functions.

It is important to note this has been customised by Harrison to make the Manual Guide i fitted to these XS machines absolutely unique to the Alpha products and faster to programme than any other similar lathe.' The customised control system fitted to all Alpha XS lathes are designed to allow operators to utilize the machines to their full potential and capability with minimal training.

The Manual Guide i system offers a full range of easy, conversational cycles for direct 'at the machine' component set up.

Following programming the cycles may be simulated using 3D solid model graphics.

The new Alpha 1550XM lathe is identical in operation to the XS range, but has the additional functionality of a C axis and driven tool capability.

These machines utilise a standard headstock and newly-developed servo-driven worm and wheel drive.

Engagement of the drive to establish C-axis control is achieved via an electrically-driven actuator.

The tool-mounting options offered with the Alpha 1550XM are a Duplomatic 8-station turret (4 driven tool positions) or a Sandvik Capto driven tool-post allowing manual change of standard, Capto or driven tool holders.

A compact precision toolroom lathe has full CNC, but can also be operated manually - the machine's distance between centers is 18in, cross-slide travel is 8in and spindle speed is 0-3000 rev/min.
As technology advances toward miniaturization, machines and machine components get smaller and more efficient. Many shops are purchasing smaller-size lathes to produce these parts. Haas Automation's new compact HHLV-1 precision toolroom lathe is a perfect choice for producing high-quality small- to medium-sized parts without the expense of purchasing a larger machine.
The new HHLV-1 is a hybrid precision toolroom lathe that has a full CNC control, but can also be operated manually.
The distance between centers is 18in, and the cross-slide travel is 8in.
The machine has a part swing of 14in over the guide rail, with 6in over the cross slide.
For versatility, spindle speeds are infinitely variable from 0-3,000 rev/min, and the 5C collet nose accepts a variety of workholding options.
The HHLV-1 has a compact 77' x 32.5in footprint that occupies very little floor space, and the machine is slim enough to fit through a standard 36in doorway.
Haas Automation designed the HHLV-1 to be easy to use and efficient.
A No 3 Morse-taper tailstock and 10-gallon coolant tank are standard equipment.
The heavy steel base includes a utility cabinet with a built-in tooling rack, utility shelf and plenty of room for storage.
The cabinet also allows easy access to the coolant tank.
Options for the HHLV-1 include 4in and 5in 3-jaw chucks, a cam-lock tool post for 1/2in tooling, a steady rest and an 8-station automatic tool turret.
The famous Haas CNC control makes the HHLV-1 easy to program and operate, even for beginners.
Its bright, color LCD display and thoughtful keyboard layout make it a pleasure to use.
The machine comes standard with the Haas Intuitive Programming System, a conversational operating system that guides the operator through basic CNC operations - from initial set up to pressing the Cycle Start button.
You don't have to know G-code to cut make parts, and that makes it one of the most user-friendly CNC controls in the industry.
In manual mode, the standard handwheels and precise digital readout ensure high accuracy and ease of operation.
Manual machinists will be making parts almost immediately.
The tough HHLV-1 is a small, high-precision CNC lathe that incorporates the design philosophy and high quality that make Haas the largest machine-tool manufacturer in North America.
And because it's built in the USA by Haas, it's backed by the worldwide Haas Factory Outlet network of support and service.
* Haas Automation at IMTS 2006, Chicago, USA, September 6-13, South Hall, Booth A8000.

A compact clock, watch and instrument makers' lathe accepts the 8mm horological collets in headstock and tailstock spindles and has a saddle lever feed for sensitive or rapid traverse.
A compact clock, watch and instrument makers lathe accepting the 8mm horological collets in both headstock and tailstock spindles. Constructed from cast iron and steel, individually built and issued with an Engineers Test Certificate, the 90 CW is mounted on a cast aluminium base with integral thyristor speed control and is a portable unit. * Lathe bed - a one piece massive iron casting of cantilever form ground on all faces.
The bed has a central tee slot providing a positive and accurate location for the tailstock, incorporating a gap permitting the accommodation of large diameter clock wheels, total swing is 120mm (4.7in), the bed is in dovetail form.
* Saddle and slides - the cast iron saddle can be rapidly or sensitively traversed via the saddle lever feed (a leadscrew can be fitted if preferred).
A long tee slotted steel crosslide permits the mounting of accessories such as the Jacot (RG59) unit or Roller (RG53) filing rest, for example.
The crosslide has an etched angular scale 45-0-45 deg and carries the swivelling topslide to permit taper turning.
A quick change height adjustable tool holder is fitted.
All slides are fitted with full length adjustable gib strips.
Handwheels are steel and incorporate laser etched, re-set to zero calibration dials, clearly marked and graduated in 0.025mm increments.
* Tailstock - the tailstock is cast iron, bored and honed to accommodate the hardened ground steel barrel.
The barrel accepts the 8mm horological collet, which is secured in the conventional manner with a draw-in bar.
The barrel is lever fed to facilitate high sensitivity drilling.
Locking handles are fitted to both body and barrel.
The tailstock may be off-set for the turning of long and shallow tapers

Combination' or 'half-NC' lathes combine conventional turning, electronic cycle turning and full CNC turning in one machine and the user needs no CNC training to use electronic turning cycles.
Centre lathe turning has progressed at an impressive rate since the conception of electronics, driving axis and spindles, and computer driven programming. The Ajax Evolution range of machines, combines all the virtues of conventional turning, electronic cycle turning and full CNC turning all in one machine. The Ajax Evolution machines can be used as a manual lathe by using the electronic handwheels and axis joy stick, the control is used as a simple DRO measuring system.
For the 'one-offs' and small batch production the Ajax Evolution can be programmed, using the flexible electronic turning cycles, its quick, its convenient and you do not have to be CNC trained to use the electronic cycles.
You can produce tapers, radii, grooving, multi point profiles and screwcutting by answering simple questions direct from the Fanuc screen.
These electronic cycles can then be linked together to give a complete electronic programme.
For complicated shapes and batch production, full ISO programming on the Fanuc Oi Turn Mate control is possible.
The Ajax Evolution machines include fully enclosed guarding, meeting CE regulations, automatic four-way indexing toolpost, automatic speed range change and new Fanuc touch screen control and monitor on sliding pendant.
Machine programs can be up and downloaded through the RS232 port or saved directly to the PMCIA card.
The range starts at 165mm centre height to 325mm centre height, with bed lengths varying from 750mm to 5000mm, spindle speeds vary for sizes of machines but all have CSS fitted as standard.
Axis and spindle drives are all Fanuc to give reliability and longevity of service.
* Prices - for example - Evolution 200 x 1000mm BC is GBP 23,500.00 + carriage + VAT and Evolution 260 x 1500mm BC is GBP 28,650.00 + carriage + VAT.

'Operations Link' software offers operators of manual/CNC 'combination' lathes further important advantages in time-saving, automatic linking of operating cycles and workshop efficiency.
British lathe specialist T S Harrison has significantly enhanced its successful Alpha XT Manual/CNC lathe range with the introduction of 'Operations Link' software, which now offers operators further important advantages in time-saving, automatic linking of operating cycles and workshop efficiency. Technical designers at Harrison, part of the internationally-renowned 600 Group machine tools company based at Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, have worked closely with the market-leading control systems provider, G E Fanuc, to develop this new software. 'Operations Link' will be incorporated on all newly-supplied Alpha XT machines.
It is also being offered to existing Harrison XT customers free of charge as an easily-installed update.
The four-version Alpha XT range (XT 1350, XT 1400, XT 1460 and XT 1550), is equipped with Fanuc's latest Oi TC Mate control which enables no fewer than 40 advanced, individual machining cycles to be programmed and stored, using the system's Fanuc TurnMate i conversational shop floor programming.
Now, thanks to the launch of 'Operations Link' these cycles can be linked together to create a fully-automatic and continuous machining sequence from start to end, without the need for the lathe operator to tend the machine or switch between cycles.
Philip Stockdale, technical support engineer at T S Harrison, said: 'The early versions of the Alpha XT required the operator to complete each operation and then move from one cycle to the next.
For example you might want to create cycles for a facing operation, followed by a rough and finish turning cycle, and then a threading cycle.' He said: 'Fanuc and Harrison engineers have created the ability to link together these separate operations to produce a complete program, which operates the whole sequence completely automatically with just one press of a button which makes it more like a CNC machine.' The second major benefit of 'Operations Link' is that multi-cycle programs can be transferred via a memory card and stored on a PC for future use - or, crucially, for off-line programming/simulation of complex parts and safety-checking prior to machining.
Furthermore, up to five of these complete programs can be stored on the Alpha XT's Oi Mate control itself, for maximum operating flexibility.
Stockdale explained: 'For small to medium numbers of turned components, the new software speeds up the all-important 'floor-to-floor' time, especially when the Alpha XT lathes are used with the multi-station tool turret.
For these types of turning operations, the quicker and easier it is to complete the machining, the better and more cost-effective it becomes for the toolroom.' He added: 'There are also important benefits in programming time, because large numbers of complete turning programs can be stored.
Operators can create a directory of complete programs on their PCs, which can be downloaded onto the lathe again and again.' As well as Fanuc TurnMate i conversational programming, the advanced Alpha XT lathe range features the ability to switch to full ISO (CNC) functionality.
All Alpha XT customers also receive Harrison's 'Alphalink' CAD/CAM software which is a fully Windows-compatible system for flexible off-line programming.