Hi. I have a 4.5kw one on the shelf from G Penny I will use again one day. It was an 18000rpm model and took a bit of getting used too but for Alloy it was awesome. Steel I would not though its too high rpm. I replaced it with a 6kw ATC that runs to 24000 with a torque curve to match so am now machining a lot faster to keep the power. Both are air cooled, with zero overheat problems. So G Penny? Ive been back to them twice they are pretty good.

@@BoydSofield Hey Boyd thank you for your reply. My concern is running it on 240v single phaze, I'm not sure 10 or 15 amps will be enough. I'm looking at 12000rpm mainly for aluminium but I'd like to be able to do more exotic metals as well but primarily alloy.

I think the 4.5kw spindle only draws full amps at top RPM which in my case was 18000. I put 3ph into my workshop so didnt have that problem. My current one the torque curve is higher so my spindle rpm for alloy with a 3 flute 10mm endmill is around 14600rpm with a feed of around 1800mm/min. Its a huge rooster tail of chips, like crazy on the big jobs. Lose my coolant system, end of endmill. If you were interested I do have a couple of movies of my 4.5kw G Penny spindle in action. Hey also, if you want to machine alloy your machine needs to be super rigid and then more so. I chased that rigidity for several years to achieve it finally. Machine is about 1800kg. Anyways. If you can learn from my mistakes all the better. Oh, you should be able to draw all the amps you need you may need to install a upgraded circuit from your board. Use 6mm2 conductors or larger if you have a long distance from your supply. Your VFD will or should protect your spindle from undervoltage etc. So its all about going large and heavy.

Its been a number of years since new now. I have found the assembly was poor, lots of parts have become loose and need tightening, well, more than I would expect. The machine itself? Its ok. I would give it 6/10. I dont think I would buy a combination machine again is my only statement.

Of course. Are you in NZ?

Oh so I have always just used the cheap Chinese BOB'S and can't fault them. Even my router which is commercial grade has one. Slightly lacking on inputs though. The index is a single pulse with a hall effect sensor I pulled out of a printer.

nothing, same IDENTICAL machine, only 300mm extra between centers

(I have the HQ500)

It can. And that is something I do often. Infact I only tighten the locking bolts when I really need too.

Vfd not so much on a lathe. I was using this ones original motor until I wasn't watching and it threw a large ball into the opposite wall in my shed. The motor burnt out. I replaced it with a DC one and its not much different. Your less prone to feeds and speeds on a lathe.

@@BoydSofield Great thanks. Ive read its better for a belt rather than a gear driven headstock for cnc use. Whats your opinion ?

Hi Tom. Mate I didnt use the gears, didnt need too its now CNC. You might have to work out the gearing you need for the individual threads you are going to cut. Thats all they are for? I am not a machinist just a nutter who wanted a CNC lathe. B

Sorry I just saw this. Recommend using linear rails for your X axis if you have not alreadym

I call it embracing technology ha. Actually I still remember being 16 years old and walking into a workshop to see the boss of a workshop sweating whilst putting a thread onto 30+ rods that were about 300mm long instead of just buying some threaded rod. Funny the things we remember....

Hi Cliff. I actually bought half a container of lathes and lathe/mills. China. This one is a great little lathe.

Hi Boyd. I see. So you must be operating a CNC building business? See my you tube channel under about. Or video ITTP part 6 for email address... if you want to talk.

Hi Daniel. Mate I bought a standard Nema 23 kit off Aliexpress. As for fitting it to the lathe I had to design, manufacture and install all the brackets and hardware myself to suit. The electronics are the hardest part but as for the mechanical stuff you if as a machinist should be fine. So no kit really except for the CNC hardware. Although I still have the files for this particular lathe. Regards

+Anthony Watkins Hi. No problem I bought a bunch from factory.

Hi. I am using a Nema 23. I found it went well when I coupled it to the auto feed. Also it took a wee while to setup the sensor for the RPM and Aliexpress.com was a good source for a sensor. Failing that you can pull apart an old printer. I will look forward to seeing what you have built. Regards Boyd

hi mate , oh nice thanks for your info and fast respose .... :) could you tell me please how bad is HQ800 ( i saw your video ), coz im planning to get one and make it CNC version , thanks