The lathe machine is one of the tools in high demand today, and you will find it in machining companies, maintenance facilities, and wood workshops. Some do-it-yourself (DIY) persons are also buying them for home projects. So, whether you are acquiring a new lathe to be part of your facility’s tools arsenal or for your institution, it is paramount to start by understanding how it works. Keep reading as we dig deeper and reveal everything you need to know about lathes.

A Brief about Lathe Machines

One of the primary attributes of a lathe machine that defines it is that, unlike the standard milling machines, it works by turning the workpiece and not the tool. This is why the work of a lathe machine is referred to as turning, and the final products are cylindrical or round parts. In most cases, lathes are used to reduce and shape materials, giving a smooth surface finish.

Lathe machines can be categorized into two main types; wood lathes and metal lathes.

• Wood lathe machines: These lathes are driven by motors that rotate wooden workpieces between centers against chisels that shape them to give the finished outlook. Wood lathes work with tools such as parting, scraper, skew, and gouge.
• Metal lathe machines: These lathes are like wood lathes in most aspects but are designed to handle metal workpieces. Common processes involved in lathe metal operations include parallel, chamfer, facing off, and parting operations.

The Primary Steps for Using Lathe Machines

Before you can start using a lathe machine, it is important to ensure it is properly lubricated. This will help to ensure the machine works effectively and maintains high accuracy. So, add oil to the distribution tank, which supplies the lubricant to spindle bearings, shafts, gearbox, and headstock. The following are the main steps that you need to follow to safely use a lathe machine:

1. The first step is setting up the lathe and the cutting tool depending on the project. If you are using a small lathe machine, it has to be firmly mounted on a study pedestal or bench

2. Carefully mount the workpiece on the lathe’s headstock using the jaw chuck

3. If your lathe comes with a chuck guard (most of them do), put it on and pick the direction of rotation

4. Wear protective equipment, especially eye and ear protection. Avoid long sleeve shirts and aprons

5. Turn on the machine and let it reach the recommended RPM

6. Now, slowly move the cutting tool close to the rotating workpiece for a light pass

7. Then, slide the carriage according to the set on the cutting tool. Progressively scrape out the material from the mounted workpiece until the final results is achieved

8. If you need to change the tools, stop the lathe before mounting them. Then, turn it on again and repeat the process to get the final shape.

The machine can be used to make products such as doorknobs, threads, metal rings, key rings, and metal mallets.

When following the above steps for the first time, patience is very important. So, repeat the process several times, and you should ultimately be able to create perfectly finished products. Remember that no matter what you are shaping, safety should always come first.

Safety Considerations with Lathe Machines

Like other turning tools, be they motors or pumps, lathe machines can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Therefore, it is important to start by ensuring the lathe is in good condition. Actually, it should not be just the lathe machine but the entire facility's tools and equipment. Then, adhere to the following safety guidelines:

• Avoid wearing full sleeve shirts or dresses because they can easily be grabbed by the moving parts of lathe machines. Also, avoid using ties, aprons, watches, and rings when using lathe machines
• When making adjustments, always stop the lathe machine
• Always use a brush or pliers to remove swarfs and chips and not your hands
• Before changing the spindle speed, ensure the lathe stops completely
• Make sure to use eye protection when working with lathe machines
• Always maintain full concentration on what you are doing because distraction can result in accidents

Working with a lathe machine makes it possible to create round and cylindrical products or parts that could otherwise have been very difficult to make. To get the best result, make sure to start by acquiring the right machine for your facility. Furthermore, maintenance should also be done as per the manufacturer's recommendations, ensuring all bolts are done well, worn-out parts replaced, and all dirt removed.