A lathe shapes raw materials using movable cutting tools. Vertical lathes are used for heavy and bulky materials, and have the same basic parts as horizontal lathes. They can be computer-controlled and used for precision parts. They save space and are preferred by some hobbyists.
A lathe is used to shape a rotating piece of raw metal, wood, or composite into a precise configuration using movable cutting tools or bits set at varying depths. The process, known as turning or machining, is often done with a horizontal lathe. Often, however, space or material constraints, sometimes even personal preferences, require the use of a vertical lathe.
Essentially a horizontal lathe turned on one end, a vertical lathe, also called a drill tool, is composed of essentially the same parts as a horizontal lathe. As implied, the functions of vertical lathes are performed up and down, rather than side to side, as is the case with horizontal lathes. This vertical alignment allows you to machine short, heavy and bulky materials more efficiently than with a horizontal lathe.
All lathes, vertical or horizontal, consist of the same basic parts. The headstock encloses the mandrel and chuck, the parts that actually turn the material. The bed collects the chips and also acts as a support for the horizontal lathe. The auger and lead screw, mounted on the lathe carriage, regulate the speed and distance the cutters travel along the blank. The cross slide and compound mount position the toolbox, which in turn mounts the bits.
The tail strut, at the opposite end of the lathe chuck, grips the stock and supports it, eliminating wobble and vibration. The headstock and tail post may be at the top or bottom end of a vertical lathe or at the right or left end of a horizontal lathe. Either way, the headstock is one end of the lathe, the tailstock, the other.
Vertical lathes can be vertical turret lathes (VTLs), where one turret holds various toolboxes, allowing for little time-consuming resetting of bits during the machining process. There are also computer numerically controlled (CNC) vertical lathes where the entire machining process is controlled by computer.
At the top of the lathe pyramid are CNC vertical turret lathes, most often used to turn stainless steel into precision parts for engines, turbines, transmissions, etc. These machines, while expensive to buy and operate, are perfectly suited to the task, saving space, as well as overstressed equipment. A VTL CNC can also be used on alloys to efficiently turn precision bearings and gears.
A vertical lathe can be used on rough wood in a home workshop, mainly due to its space-saving attribute. Many home hobbyists, however, simply feel more comfortable turning the wood up and down, rather than side to side. Overall, the vertical lathe is a very capable and versatile tool.
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