A lathe is a machine made up of many parts used to turn metal and wood. The metal lathe is more advanced and uses precision gears to move tools, while the wood lathe depends more on the operator. Lathe operators keep spare parts on hand to avoid shutdowns and ensure maximum performance. A lathe is […]
A midi lathe is a small lathe for turning small wooden objects, suitable for home joineries and large-scale factories. It has a more powerful motor than mini lathes and can support larger workpieces. Accessories are available, and it can be purchased new or used. It’s ideal for beginners and experienced carpenters. A midi lathe is […]
A hand lathe is a woodworking machine that spins a stock to allow a craftsman to chisel and create products with perfect radial symmetry. Most modern lathes for hobbyists turn stock into wood with variable speed electric motors. The hand lathe has been adapted to be operated by a single individual with various mechanisms allowing […]
A lathe center holds a workpiece in place and prevents wobbling. There are two types: live and dead centers. A center screw is used for making bowls, while a center spur is used for cutting wood. A lathe center mounts in the tailstock of a lathe and is used to hold a work piece stationary. […]
A milling lathe is a woodworking tool that uses an electric router to cut decorative flutes or grooves into round pieces of wood. It is similar to a traditional wood lathe but has a router mounted perpendicular to the axis of the lathe bed. The router is fed along the lathe bed by a screw […]
Regular maintenance of a lathe is essential for functionality and safety. Preventive maintenance can avoid unnecessary expenses. A checklist covering all parts of the machine should be reviewed frequently. It is important to not lose any parts, check drive belts, adjust gibs, inspect all components, and keep the machine clean. Complex repairs should be done […]
The vertical turret lathe positions the workpiece at a 90-degree angle to the floor, allowing for precision cutting without operator interaction. It can be controlled using computer programs and improves the quality and speed of mass-produced parts. The operator’s primary function is to ensure proper operation and material supply. The vertical turret lathe is a […]
The lathe tailstock supports the workpiece and prevents wobbling. It can accommodate different length parts and has various center points. A live center rotates with the stock, while a dead center is fixed. The tailstock can be removed when turning a bowl. The tailstock of the lathe is used to keep the end of the […]
Lathe milling attachments combine lathe shaping with milling drilling and finishing. They are smaller than milling machines and mostly used by hobbyists. Router accessories work with wood or metal, but are typically made for metal. Lathe milling attachments are usually manual and can be equipped with different bits for versatility. A lathe milling attachment is […]
Metal lathe tools are designed for specific applications, including cutting, shaping, threading, and finishing steel. Different tools are needed for different tasks, and dull tools will produce lower quality results. Most tools come in right and left-hand styles and can be made of carbide, tungsten, or steel. Boring tools and spindles are common, and even […]
A Swiss lathe, also known as a Swiss turning center or Swiss automatic lathe, uses a recessed collet behind a guide bushing for additional support and better tolerances. There are mechanical and CNC Swiss lathes, with the latter offering precision and increased functionality. However, a disadvantage is the longer remnants of bars. A Swiss lathe […]
A lathe headstock contains a motor, spindle, gear or belt drive, and bearings. The electric motor is usually in the base and delivers rotational power through a belt to the transmission. Some lathes may have a variable drive, and woodcutting lathes have a lighter construction. Swiss-style lathes have a sliding paddle to feed stock material. […]
Wheel lathes are machines used to manufacture and recondition railroad car wheels. They work by turning the wheel on a fixed cutting point to trim its profile. There are different types of wheel lathes, including floor-mounted, portable, portal, and horizontal lathes. Modern wheel lathes use computer numerical control (CNC) for automated programming. They are used […]
A lathe chuck is the part of a lathe that holds and rotates the material being worked on. Lathes come in various sizes and configurations, and cutting tools can be built-in, mounted, or hand-held. The chuck usually consists of a plate or disc with a grip to hold the material. The spindle and tailstock jam […]
The lathe bed is the machine frame that keeps the lathe level and stable. Made of heavy steel, it extends from the headstock to the tailstock and has bed rails for tool storage and measurement. It can be adjusted for vertical turning and has threaded rods for automatic components. Keeping the bed clean and oiled […]
A bench lathe is a machine that reduces materials to create symmetrical objects. It can be used for wood, metal, glass, and ceramics. The lathe has a horizontal bed, headstock, and chuck for attaching accessories. The spindle is moved by an electric motor or foot pedal. When selecting a bench lathe, consider the materials it […]
A winch lathe uses a rotating turret to quickly change cutting bits for creating the same parts repeatedly. Newer machines may use computer numerical controls for time savings, efficiency, and tight cutting tolerances. Manual capstan lathes require mechanical blocks to be placed by hand. A winch lathe is a milling machine used to create the […]
CNC lathes vary in size, working dimensions, materials they can work on, and rotation speed. Consider these factors before purchasing a lathe. Check the specifications for the materials and sizes the lathe can handle, and the RPM for the desired industry. Automatic Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathes are used in every type of industry and […]
When choosing a lathe stand, consider height, strength, stability, construction, and material. Look for a holder that absorbs vibration and positions the lathe at elbow height. A manufactured steel stand is often the best option, but a well-built home version can work. Reputable manufacturers offer storage space, light attachment, and floor mounting options. If you’re […]
Choosing the right lathe tool holder depends on the project size and tooling type. A longer tool rest is ideal, and shape is important for reaching open turns. Repositioning the rest is necessary as the project progresses, and the holder can be adjusted for comfort. A damaged holder can still be used for roughing or […]
