CNC is an abbreviation for Computer Numerical Control. CNC machining is the process of dictating and controlling the movement and functionalities of a machine using pre-programmed computer software. The CNC machines are useful in many industries, with metal and plastic production having the highest concentration.
CNC machining is more efficient and more accurate than manual machining. CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process, which means that such machines use computerized cutting tools to remove a layer of materials from a workpiece and produce a custom design part.
What exactly is CNC conversion?
CNC conversion is a process of converting your old machines (lathes, mills, grinders, drills, etc.) to use CNC technology.
Converting your manual machines to CNC gives you all of the benefits of a CNC machine without breaking the bank. Simply put, CNC conversion enhances the performance of your manual machines by automating their functions using motors and software.
What exactly is a CNC Conversion Kit?
A CNC conversion kit is a collection of tools that you can integrate into your existing machine to convert it to CNC. It includes new hardware components, motors, and software to keep everything running smoothly. It also includes a new control unit, home and limit switches, and a motor control system.
Some CNC kits are designed specifically for specific machines, while others can be used in a variety of machines.
Some CNC kits are quite comprehensive, including complete electronic packages, control units, and software. Others are more basic, offering only hardware and motors to make your machine CNC-ready.
Here are some of the best mini lathe CNC conversion kits on the market:
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8 X 22 benchtop mini-lathe CNC Conversion Kit
For its small size and superb workpiece quality, the 8 X 22 benchtop lathe is famous among medium-sized machine shops. If you have limited space or your machine shop is in your home, the 8 X 22 benchtop lathe is ideal for you.
We have the 8×22 benchtop mini lathe CNC conversion kit to convert this machine to CNC. This kit is ideal for CNC lathe conversion because it is inexpensive and easy to build. While an 8 X 22 benchtop lathe is well-known for its precision machining, CNC conversion will give you unrivaled accuracy on this machine.
Also distinguishing this CNC conversion kit is the ability to program and run the machine at two different speeds, depending on your machining requirements.
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Grizzly G9972Z benchtop lathe Conversion Kit
It is a mid-sized lathe machine for hobbyists and small workshop owners. Even as a beginner-level metal lathe, this machine outperforms other lathes in its class on the market. The Grizzly G9972Z mini lathe conversion kit is available to convert this incredible machine to a benchtop CNC lathe.
It has simple features and a comprehensive user manual. This CNC conversion kit includes everything you need, from stepper motor mounts to ball screws and nuts to shaft connectors to bearings and mounting hardware, to make CNC lathe conversion even easier.
It has six speeds ranging from 150 to 2400 RPM. In addition, the RPM feed can be easily pre-programmed with a Grizzly G9972Z conversion kit rather than adjusting it manually.
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7×12 benchtop mini lathe CNC conversion kit
The 7×12 benchtop lathe is a popular mid-sized lathe machine in small workshops and among hobby machinists. This is a small, light-duty, and reasonably priced lathe machine designed for model-making and artwork, among other things.
We also have the 7×12 benchtop mini lathe CNC conversion kit to convert this lathe to CNC. It is a truly cost-effective way to automate and transform your lathe into a high-precision machine. It will give your lathe machine dual speed.
So, depending on your requirements, you can program your machine to run at two speeds: 0 RPM to 1100 RPM (for low runs) and 0 to 2500 RPM (for high runs) (for high runs).
In addition, the mini lathe 712 machine and the CNC lathe conversion kit have been ETL listed and tested by us to ensure that they meet the highest safety standards.
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Shop Fox M1099 benchtop lathe Conversion Kit
The M1099 benchtop lathe is a large lathe machine designed for machining large workpieces. And what distinguishes the M1099 benchtop lathe from others in its class is the ease with which it can machine large pieces.
M1099 CNC conversion package includes stepper motor mounts, ball screws and nuts, mounting hardware, bearings, and shaft connectors for effective CNC machining.
It has a 6-speed motor with an adjustable spindle speed ranging from 150 to 2400 RPM. Instead of manually adjusting the RPM feed, CNC lathe conversion allows you to simply pre-program the spindle speed to meet the needs of your workpiece.
The M1099 CNC lathe conversion kit is one of our most popular products due to its low cost and easy-to-install features.
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CNC Lathe 1236 Conversion Kit
A complete retrofit kit for your manual Enco, Birmingham, Jet, Nova, Grizzly, or comparable 12″ X 36″ lathe is available that includes the CNC Lathe 1236 Conversion Kit.
The kit provides sufficient machining power, repeatability, and convenience; once installed, you can use single-point cutting tools to do away with the need for form tooling and the requirement that the operator actively performs all the operations by hand. You’ll be able to use a part program to create machine-perfect duplicate parts. Precision taper and curved cuts are possible.
Pre-wired stepper motors, motor mounting plates with covers, ball screws, pulleys, belts, limit switches, and all mounting bolts are inclusive in the kit.
This package also includes the DriveRack electronics with an integrated MN400 USB controller, as well as the TurnMaster Pro for Windows G-code interpreter and graphical simulation software.
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9×20 CNC Lathe Conversion Kit
It will allow you to convert the popular 9×20 lathe sold by Harbor Freight, Enco, Grizzly, and others. Aside from the drilling and tapping of 5 1/4×20 holes, the kit is a straight bolt-on conversion that includes all fasteners, timing belts, timing cogs, ball bearings, needle thrust bearings, brackets, covers, and so on.
There is 6061T6 aluminum in all the brackets that has been meticulously machined, and they can be made for servo or stepper motors with NEMA 23 or C21 machining. All bearings and belts have a seal for long life.
Under normal operating conditions, it costs between $400 and $500.
In addition, the mini lathe 920 machine and the CNC lathe conversion kit have been ETL listed and tested by us to ensure that they meet the highest safety standards.
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CNC Lathe 1340 Conversion Kit
It is available as a complete retrofit kit for your manual Enco, Birmingham, Jet, Nova, Grizzly, or similar 13″ X 40″ lathe. The kit provides sufficient machining power, repeatability, and convenience. O
nce installed, you can use single-point cutting tools to do away with the need for form tooling and the requirement that the operator actively performs all the operations by hand. You’ll be able to use a part program to create machine-perfect duplicate parts.
The kit comes with limit switches, pre-wired stepper motors, mounting plates with covers for the motors, ball screws, pulleys, belts, and everything needed for mounting. Along with the aforementioned elements.
This package also includes the DriveRack electronics with an integrated MN400 USB controller, TurnMaster Pro for Windows G-code interpreter, and graphical simulation software.
Wrapping it up
While the market is full with CNC lathes and lathe conversion kits, selecting the right one is never easy. That is because machining capabilities and cost are two of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a lathe.
Every workshop and machinist has different needs, so there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution.
You can contact us if you’re looking for the perfect lathe and CNC lathe conversion kit. We offer top-of-the-line lathes from leading manufacturers such as Grizzly and Shop Fox at the most affordable prices. Furthermore, we will deliver your ideal lathe to your workshop for free.
