A lathe is a machining tool used primarily for shaping materials by rotating the workpiece against a stationary cutting tool in precision applications. There are many types of lathes specialized for different materials in boring, cutting, drilling, facing, knurling, threading, and turning operations. Wood lathes are also available for turning, cutting, sanding, knurling, and drilling at higher speed applications.
Technical Guide to Industrial Lathes
Discover essential technical insights about lathe machines and learn more about the different types of lathes, related equipment, and accessories.
Parts of a Lathe
Lathe Parts Essential Tips:
The headstock is located on the user’s left side of the lathe bed. It contains the main spindle, oil reservoir, and spindle speed mechanism. The apron in front of the lathe is used for powering the feed and threading operation. The spindle has a full-length hole for accommodating longer workpieces.
The tailstock is located on the user’s right side of the lathe bed (opposite location of the headstock.) It is designed to support one end of the workpiece when machining between the centers. It can handle longer pieces that are held by a chuck as well as drills, reamers, and taps when used with a drill chuck.
Types of Lathes
Choosing the right lathe is critical for the performance of your operation. The correct lathe machine type is determined by several factors, including the type of material being machined and the swing size bed length.
Bench Lathes
Bench lathes are mounted onto a workbench or stand. They are used for light to medium-duty work and can handle larger machinery work than hobby lathes with swings of 9" to 13".
Toolroom Lathes
Toolroom lathes offer a higher level of accuracy than engine lathes. They are used for making precision parts and tools like dies, gauges, jigs, and fixtures.
Engine Lathes
Engine lathes, also known as center lathes, are the most popular type of lathe and are commonly found in machine shops. They are designed for heavy-duty work, featuring a robust cast-iron base, built-in coolant systems, and foot brakes. The swing range typically starts at 13 inches and extends to larger sizes.
Turret Lathes
Turret lathes are used for the repetitive reproduction of a part. The turret is an indexable tool holder that can be used with different cutting tools for multiple cutting operations. They index out of the cutting area after the task is completed.
Miniature Lathes
Miniature lathes, also known as hobby or micro-lathes, are used for machining small parts. They can have swings that range from 3" to 9".
Spindle Speed
Spindle speed control indicates the type of mechanism used to drive the speed at which the spindle turns.
- Frequency drive systems, also known as electronic variable speed control (EVS), are similar to gear change systems, except that the speed is controlled electronically. These systems feature several speeds within a specified speed range.
- Geared head lathes generally feature drive belt(s) from the motor to the headstock. Speed changes are made by shifting gear lever combinations in the headstock.
- Variable speed pulleys are driven by a V-shaped belt system and a variable speed assembly, which has an infinite speed range regulated by the turn of a dial.
- Phase: Refers to how the current passes through a motor.
- Single-phase refers to one phase line (coil) that connects to and runs voltage through the motor. Single-phase lines are not as efficient as three-phase motors.
- Three-phase refers to three individual lines (coils) that connect to and run voltage through the motor. Each line alternates in a sequence as it reaches its voltage peak. They provide a more stable flow of voltage and more horsepower for the equipment.