Not Quite A Lathe, Handwork Assistant

**MpVpRb** · 08-27-2017, 12:10 PM

The world of glassworking tools is a world of extremes
There are hand tools and full size glass lathes
This project is an attempt to create a tool in the middle

It's a single-sided tube/rod spinning machine. All axes can be locked in place by electromagnets, or released by squeezing a lever on the hand control. When released, the head is spring-balanced, and can be oriented in almost any position

The hand controller provides speed control using a thumbwheel. Forward, reverse, pause and step modes are supported

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For more info, see http://nqalha.com

**drew1492** · 08-27-2017, 12:21 PM

That is really cool! I am becoming a big fan of stepper motors after building a lathe.

**menty666** · 08-27-2017, 02:11 PM

Whoa!

**BORO** · 08-27-2017, 04:11 PM

Any idea what kind of weight it will hold?

Weight, but still enough handle tube to not melt the hardware?

If your reading this, but you did not watch the link !! WATCH THE LINK!!!

+1

**MpVpRb** · 08-27-2017, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by BoRo

Any idea what kind of weight it will hold?

After consulting with guys who make big milli's, the design capacity is 5 lbs. Proto 10 can support a 5 lb weight

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Actually controlling a 5 lb piece of spinning hot glass is a different question

Development continues

**MpVpRb** · 08-27-2017, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by drew1492

That is really cool! I am becoming a big fan of stepper motors after building a lathe.

I'm working with Jordan Kube, who is developing an open source, stepper lathe made from off the shelf parts

**Banditt** · 08-28-2017, 05:50 AM

Bad ass man, I need one of these

**PyroChixRock** · 08-28-2017, 08:26 AM

I've worked on the one at marcel's and it is amazing. Really opens up so many possibilities, especially for people with physical limitations. I can't wait to use one again!

**Simian** · 09-02-2017, 11:16 AM

Just curious but how exactly is that useful for milli? Also, 5lbs is pretty arbitrary. I and many others can easily pass 5lbs with the build, moil and handle...and that doesn't cou't the other handle and moil.

**MpVpRb** · 09-07-2017, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Simian

Just curious but how exactly is that useful for milli?

Unknown at this point

Testing and development continues

It's a bit like giving guitar players a saxophone. Music is still the same, but new techniques must be invented to use the new tool

I suspect the first users of the glass lathe in 1924 faced similar questions

**jusbag** · 09-08-2017, 07:27 AM

Super cool!

**AdamCotter** · 10-23-2017, 12:55 PM

Love it

**silicontraption** · 11-11-2017, 06:59 AM

http://nqalha.com/Proto11.htm These prototype 11 pic look so good. The overall aesthetic, the handle, even the motors look awesome and clean. The precision milled parts... Even the PCB looks sexy. I am falling in love with this project. I cant wait to find out what kinda price point this thing is going to end up at. Keep it up Mike!