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SCULPTURE ROCK LATHE
The “Sculpture” is based on
the simple XY linear movement
principle. The X axis moves
across the face of the work
piece (from left to right) and is
driven by a power feed screw.
The Y axis is then left free to
move up and down, guided by
the template tracer arm follow-
ing the shape of the template.
THE “SCULPTURE” ROCK LATHE
(
C
)
(
D
)
(
E
)
(
F
)
A
. The X assembly platform is powered by a gear
motor driving a screw feed that moves the platform
from left to right, keeping the cutting edge of the
blade moving across the length of the work piece.
B
. The Y carriage assembly carries the X platform
and moves it up and down, and is guided in its move-
ment by the template tracer arm following the shape
of the template.
C
. Work piece is held in place by the tightening
rod. The work piece is rotated in place by a gearhead
motor as the blade moves across the work piece, fol-
lowing the template.
D
. Tightening the rod adjusts to fit work piece be-
tween the clamps holding it.
E
. Template tracer arm has a special roller bearing
that fits the edge of the template which must be at
least
1
⁄
4
"
thick. As X platform moves to right, tem-
plate tracer bearing follows edge of template, guiding
Y carriage in moving saw blade to cut desired shape.
F
. Template for egg shaped work piece shown
clamped in place on template table. Template repre-
sents one-half of desired shape of finished piece.
(A)
“X” Assembly
with motor and blade
(B)
“Y”
Carriage
Y AXIS
X AXIS