- Joined
- Dec 3, 2014
- Messages
- 498
12x24 Lam lathe Milton
This lathe like the older lathes of this size from taiwan has power cross feed. I wonder if busybee is now buying communist china lathes which drop such features in the name of cost cutting
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Busy Bee CX790
- Thread starter Mingy
- Start date
This lathe like the older lathes of this size from taiwan has power cross feed. I wonder if busybee is now buying communist china lathes which drop such features in the name of cost cutting
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2015
- Messages
- 2,554
I downloaded the manual (pdf) from the bb site.
No mention of power crossfeed and the parts list/diagram doesn’t seem to have the components necessary for a power crossfeed.
The manual talks about crossfeed and range of travel, but no indication that it is powered, which usually means its not. Power crossfeed is a selling feature and they will nearly always mention it specifically if it has it.
I’d suggest you find one in a showroom somewhere and check it out in person.
keep in mind if its like most lathes, 12” between centers isn’t a lot. It may work for the projects you do, it may not. Only you can make that call, but I generally won’t go much under 36” between centers.
No mention of power crossfeed and the parts list/diagram doesn’t seem to have the components necessary for a power crossfeed.
The manual talks about crossfeed and range of travel, but no indication that it is powered, which usually means its not. Power crossfeed is a selling feature and they will nearly always mention it specifically if it has it.
I’d suggest you find one in a showroom somewhere and check it out in person.
keep in mind if its like most lathes, 12” between centers isn’t a lot. It may work for the projects you do, it may not. Only you can make that call, but I generally won’t go much under 36” between centers.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2015
- Messages
- 12,472
Yeaah, I saw the single lever on the apron and thought "what's up with that? Hmmm"
Usually there are two, or a South Bend/Logan type of arrangement with a clutch knob (which I really like)
Usually there are two, or a South Bend/Logan type of arrangement with a clutch knob (which I really like)
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2015
- Messages
- 2,554
From the pdf (manual):
“Threads Cutting
Set the machine up to the desired thread pitch (according to the Thread chart Fig. 7). Start the machine and engage the half nut. When the tool reaches the part, it will cut the initial threading pass. When the tool reaches the end of cut, stop the machine by turning the motor off and at the same time back the tool out of the part so that it clears the thread. Do not disengage the half nut lever. Reverse the motor direction to allow the cutting tool
to traverse back to the starting point. Repeat these steps until you have obtained the desired results.”
so no thread dial, they just want you to leave the half nuts engaged and reverse the motor to achieve the proper DOC…
The CX709 manual threading chart indicates cross feed speeds which strongly suggests it has powered cross feed.
This lathe looks identical to my AL320G lathe (Australia) with the same specs. The top apron lever moves in 2 directions to activate either the cross or longitudinal powered feed.
Have had this lathe 8 years now and no major problems to date. It runs smoothly and carbide insert tooling works fine.
The factory stand is not that robust - I have beefed mine up with cross braces and bolted to the floor.
This lathe looks identical to my AL320G lathe (Australia) with the same specs. The top apron lever moves in 2 directions to activate either the cross or longitudinal powered feed.
Have had this lathe 8 years now and no major problems to date. It runs smoothly and carbide insert tooling works fine.
The factory stand is not that robust - I have beefed mine up with cross braces and bolted to the floor.