Lathe accessories include centers, extensions, tool holders, faceplates, drives, and chucks. Different types of lathes require different accessories. Chucks are considered the most beneficial accessory, with various types available. Specialty centers and accessories, such as screw centers and quick change collets, can reduce production time.
In addition to cutting tools, there are many types of lathe accessories, including various centers, extensions, and tool holders. Typically, the type of lathe attachment selected depends on the manufacturer’s products and processes. For example, a company that needs to lathe a bowl while protecting its finished surface can use a bowl pad. Other important lathe accessories are faceplates, drives and collets.
A lathe is a woodworking or metalworking machine that rotates a workpiece while a cutting tool cuts away part of the workpiece. Occasionally, companies use lathes for plastics, glass or other materials. The basic shapes of the tools are similar, but other tool characteristics often differ depending on the type of lathe. Most industrial lathes are computer numerical control (CNC) machines, and companies generally purchase the tools through industrial suppliers. In industrial lathes, a tool holder holds the tool, while a hobbyist usually uses a tool holder and holds the tool while working.
Generally, a faceplate or faceplate dogs attach to the lathe chuck and help hold the workpiece in place. Choosing the proper faceplate or faceplate dogs often improves turning accuracy. Industries usually use custom jigs to increase productivity. For prototype work or small orders, most companies rely on temporary jigs or adjustable dogs.
Other lathe accessories that help hold the work material in place are the chuck and chuck. A chuck is a shaft to which the operator secures the workpiece during turning. Machinists usually choose a spindle when machining hollow workpieces, such as bushings or vase-shaped workpieces.
Many people believe that chucks are the most beneficial lathe accessories. There are many different types of chucks, including two-, four-, and six-jaw chucks. An example of a specialized chuck is the independent jaw chuck, which has four jaws that one person can adjust independently of the others. This allows the machinist to clamp irregularly shaped workpieces. Other chucks are the draw actuated chuck, the combined jaw chuck and the spiral chuck.
Turning centers help machinists ensure accuracy when a machinist must repeatedly position the part on the lathe. For example, one person may turn a part, remove it for heat treatment, and return it to the lathe for further work. The centers are tapered to a point, allowing the machine operator to precisely place the center on a precision point on the part. Some centers, such as transmission centers, have spikes that hold the workpiece.
There are several specialty centers available, such as rotating, driving, and live centers. The dead center requires a lubricant and does not rotate with the workpiece. A live center has ball bearings and spins with the workpiece, which allows the operator to use higher speeds without using a lubricant.
Other lathe accessories include extensions that allow one person to turn short pieces, specialty collets, and other items. Sometimes companies need highly specialized accessories, such as light traction units. Train drivers use these drives to make the lamp switch pull. Many companies that make screws and similar items use screw centers. Spring loaded center points and quick change collets are some accessories that reduce production time.
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