2.Lathes Types and Uses.

Lathe Operations
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the workpiece is held and rotated around a horizontal axis while being

formed to size and shape by a cutting tool. The cutter bit is held either

by hand or by a mechanical holder, then applied to the workpiece. Principal

capabilities of the lathe are forming straight, tapered, or irregularly

outlined cylinders, facing or radial turning cylindrical sections, cutting

screw threads, and boring or enlarging internal diameters.

The typical

lathe provides a variety of rotating speeds and suitable manual and

automatic controls for moving the cutting tool.

b. Types of Lathes.

Lathes can be conveniently classified as engine

lathes, turret lathes, and special purpose lathes.

All engine lathes and

most turret and special purpose lathes have horizontal spindles and, for

that reason, are sometimes referred to as horizontal lathes.

The smaller

lathes in all classes may be classified as bench lathes or floor or pedestal

lathes, the reference in this case being to the means of support.

Engine Lathes.

(1) General. The engine lathe is intended for general purpose lathe work

and is the usual lathe found in the machine shop. The engine lathe may be

bench or floor mounted; it may be referred to as a toolroom-type lathe, or a

sliding-gap or extension-type lathe. The engine lathe consists mainly of a

headstock, a tailstock, a carriage, and a bed upon which the tailstock and

carriage move. Most engine lathes are back-geared and high torque, which is

required for machining large diameter workpieces and taking heavy cuts. The

usual engine lathe has longitudinal power and crossfeeds for moving the

carriage.

It has a lead screw with gears to provide various controlled

feeds for cutting