What Is a Metal Turning Lathe?

Posted on Apr 18, 2021

Metal turning lathe

Also known as a metal lathe, or a metalworking lathe, a metal turning lathe is a type of lathe that’s designed specifically for metal workpieces. Wood lathes are only used for processing wooden workpieces, but metal lathes can work with both metal and wooden workpieces.

Introduction to Metal Turning Lathe

Also known as a metal lathe, or a metalworking lathe, a metal turning lathe is a type of lathe that’s designed specifically for metal workpieces. Just like other types of lathes, metal turning lathes are used to perform a number of machining processes, such as cutting, sanding, drilling, and turning. They also execute these processes utilizing the same technique — with the workpiece rotating against a stationary cutting tool. 
 
Metal-turning lathes live up to their names; they focus on the ability to turn metals on the lathe machine. Metal turning lathes are frequently utilized to deform and reshape wooden workpieces. Wood, of course, is considerably softer than most metals and alloys. If a manufacturing company wants to deform or reshape a metal workpiece, it will likely need the assistance of a metal turning lathe. It’s quite essential to recognize that a metal turning lathe can still be utilized on wooden workpieces. Wood lathes are only used for processing wooden workpieces, but metal lathes can work with both metal and wooden workpieces.
 
The metal turning lathe has two ends, the headstock, which spins, and the tailstock, which stays still to uphold the workpiece. There are two standard measurements in lathes to look into. One is the distance between the centers of the headstock and the tailstock and the other is called the center height. It generally gives the idea of the swing measurement while buying a lathe. Swing measurement designates the distance between the pivot of the headstock and the bed. Some mini lathes only have three speeds or pulse width modulated motors. In contrast, some might have gearboxes that can be even up to 6-speed gearboxes ranging from 140 to 1710 rpm to rotate the spindles. Nevertheless, there are some gears in some of the lathes to change the speed of the lead screw as well.


Types of Metal Turning Lathe

All metal turning lathes are designed particularly for use with metal workpieces. They support a wide extent of metals, as well as alloys, some of which include steel, aluminum, iron, and copper. With that being said, there are numerous types of metal turning lathes, each of which utilizes a different approach to operation. Centering metal turning lathes, for instance, feature a dual-head design in which the workpiece is secured in place while the head moves towards it. Centering metal turning lathes are usually utilized for centering metal workpieces.
 
Besides centering metal turning lathes, there are also tool room lathes. A tool room lathe is a type of heavy-duty lathe that’s utilized for tool room operations. It’s looked upon as one of the highest-quality types of lathes. Toolroom lathes can carry out all of the same machining processes as other lathes, but they offer a higher level of precision. We can’t talk about the distinctive types of metal turning lathes without mentioning turret lathes. A turret lathe is a type of metal turning lathe that’s employed for mass-production operations. It can execute repetitive tasks, such as duplicating a product, faster and more efficiently than other types of lathes.

:: Read more: What Is a Turning Lathe Machine?


Who Should Use a Lathe?

Known as the "mother of machining tools," lathes can be employed for myriad purposes. They are used to perform shaping, drilling, sanding, turning, cutting, and more. This kind of versatility in a tool is tough to beat, and that's why so many metal- and woodworkers count on lathes for the foundation of their work. If you need an accurate cutting and shaping tool, a lathe might be ideal for your project. Lathes are ideal for production settings where a versatile piece of machinery capable of applying multiple cutting tools is required.


Main Components of Lathe


● Motor

Like most power tools, a metal turning lathe contains a motor. The motor serves as the power source of the lathe. A power-on switch and a speed control dial are attached to the motor in order to control the power output. Metal lathes that can go in both a reverse and forward direction will have a switch, so you can alter these movements accordingly. The power output of a motor is measured in horsepower (HP), and the HP typically ranges from 1/8 HP to 3HP. Higher speeds can be achieved, which differs in the model.


● Chuck and spindle

The motor on a metal lathe drives the spindle turning to perform the machining processes. The workpiece is mounted onto the spindle with a clamping system, such as a jaw chuck. The workpiece clamped on the spindle will rotate in accordance with the motion of the spindle. This allows you to then employ your tools to shape the piece you’re working on as it rotates – allowing you to effectively turn your metal. These are on the headstock of a lathe. 
Fundamentally, chucks are clamps, which hold the piece you’re working on in place. Chucks can be discovered in 3-jaw, which is known as a universal chuck, and a 4-jaw chuck, also known as an independent chuck. There are also specialized chucks/faceplates that are able to fit stocks that aren’t ordinary shapes accessible, and some of them are included as accessories bundled with your lathe.


● Tool rest

Tool rests are exactly what the name suggests – a function of the lathe which you can rest the tools you are utilizing to shape the metal. As using a metal lathe can be hazardous at the best of times, so this is a very essential respect to have on your lathe. Tool-rests are adjustable, so you’re capable of moving this into the position that’s best for the metal you’re working on. Some metal lathes can hold up multiple machining tools at once, making interchanging between tool bits convenient.


● Bed, tailstock, and headstock

The ‘bed’ on a lathe refers to the horizontal beam that runs across the foundation of your metal lathe. Generally speaking, beds are made from cast iron – and the reason for this? To keep the entire lathe weighted. This eliminates inaccuracies, as the heavyweight of the cast iron construction minimized vibrations. One typical term you’ll see all the time with metal lathes is the ‘bed swing’. This determines the size of the material that the lathe can fit. The other important features of a metal lathe are the headstock and the tailstock. The headstock is mounted on the left of the lathe and is fixed into place. This helps in rotating your stock, using the chuck. Unlike the fixed headstock, tailstock can be shifted and is utilized to fit the stock comfortably, in spite of its size.


● Cross slide and carriage

The carriage is carried by the carriage hand-wheel, which is positioned on the front of the lathe. This moves the carriage towards the headstock, and also in the opposite direction – and this movement depends entirely on the direction you’re moving the hand-wheel. The cross slide enables you to move your tools into your pieces and has a dial on the handle. This handle is extraordinarily useful, as it pinpoints the location of the cross slide, with a very tiny error rate.


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