Quicktech MiniMax 25i GBL

The Quicktech MiniMax 25i GBL is the version of the maker's 25 mm (1.0 in) automatic lathe on which the guide bush is an option. In the four-column MiniMax 25i table the guide bush row reads ○ for the other three versions and △ (option) for this one. No other row separates it from the turning-only Eco.

Why would a buyer want that? A guide bush supports the bar right at the tool, which is what lets a sliding-headstock machine turn long, slender parts. It also has costs. The bar must be ground or drawn to a close tolerance to slide through the bush, and a length of every bar is left over as a remnant because the collet cannot feed it past the bush. For short parts those costs buy nothing. A machine run without the bush grips the bar in the spindle collet alone, accepts ordinary bar stock and wastes less of it, at the price of rigidity on long work.

The figures in the table are otherwise those of the series. The spindle runs to 8,000 rpm on 3.7 kW (5.0 hp) with an SR-25R chuck and a 27 mm (1.1 in) bore. Tooling is 7 OD tools on □12 mm shanks and 6 ID tools at Ø20, with no motorized tools and no sub-spindle in this column. Travels are 160 mm (6.3 in) in X1, 300 mm (11.8 in) in Y1 and 100 mm (3.9 in) in Z1.

The maker does not print a separate turning length for running with and without the bush; the only length row is a maximum for front ejection of 100 mm (3.9 in). Ask Quicktech for the usable part length in each mode. The control is a Mitsubishi M80 and the weight is 2,000 kg (4,409 lb).