Precision lathes use computer software to create detailed objects from wood or metal with minimal waste. The lathe has a long history, with improvements made by the Egyptians, Romans, and Middle Ages. Motorized lathes were developed in the 19th century, and precision lathes with computer technology in the 20th century. Precision lathes can create accurate products and are used for mass production. Training is required to operate the lathe, and when purchasing one, it is important to review specifications and warranty details.
A precision lathe is a computerized lathe used to create detailed solid objects from a single piece of wood or metal. Using sophisticated computer software, the precision lathe can produce a nearly finished product with minimal waste. A lathe works by turning raw materials while cutting, drilling, sanding, knurling, or forming. Using a lathe produces a finished product that is symmetrical about the axis of rotation.
Earlier versions of a lathe have been traced back to the Egyptians, who developed a two-person lathe using a manual process. This design was improved upon by the Romans who added a turning arc to provide a more consistent rate of turn. In the Middle Ages the pedal was added to allow the craftsman to use both hands to work the wood. This type of lathe is called a spring lathe, and the development was instrumental in expanding the types of items that could be created on a lathe. A large lathe was the first lathe to allow the workpiece to turn continuously but was operated by one person turning a crank while the other worked on the workpiece.
Only in the early 19th century was a motorized lathe developed. This change significantly reduced the time it took to complete an item and allowed for metal to be added in the process. The addition of computers in the early 1919s created precision lathes that are used today to mass produce high quality products. This change eliminated the need for master craftsmen and replaced these roles with computer operations engineers.
A precision lathe is capable of cutting and shaping a material with an accuracy of 0.001 inch (0.00254 cm). The cylindrical base of the lathe means that material is clamped at each end and the product is created by the removal of materials from the solid piece. A precision lathe is used to create baseball bats, table legs, posts, and a variety of ornamental pieces.
To work with a precision lathe it is necessary to be trained on the specific equipment used. The original product design is completed by a product design and the actual programming is done by the lathe operator. Repeated tests are completed before mass production work begins. The modern lathe is a very complex machine that can produce thousands of parts per hour.
When purchasing a precision lathe, it is important to review the detailed product specifications. Make sure it has the ability to create the types of products you need. Check the warranty and service contract details to make sure your investment is adequately covered.
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