News & Events

A Guide To Buying A Lathe

Buying a lathe is a big decision. A machine shop owner should consider the type of work they plan to do and future plans.

What to Look For

The lathe is one of the more complex machinery available to home workshop owners, or industrial production shops. It is also one of the most expensive tools to purchase. This is due to the level of engineering that goes into this machine, which can create metal shapes with incredible precision and accuracy. It is no wonder that this tool is so sought after for making everything from aircraft parts to automobiles.

When shopping for a new lathe, there are a few essential factors that should be kept in mind. The first thing to consider is what you will be using the machine for. The size of the work that you will be doing is important as well. It may not be the final decision-maker, but it will help narrow down your options as you shop.

Other things to look at include the swing measurement and bed measurements. Swing is the maximum diameter of a workpiece that can be turned, and bed is the overall length of the lathe that you will be working with. Also be sure to check out the chuck, as this is what will hold your workpieces. Most lathes will have a chuck that can secure workpieces up to about 66 inches in diameter. Some chucks will even have a through-hole, which can allow longer barstock to extend into the back of the lathe.

You will also want to see if the lathe has a quick change gearbox. This makes it much easier to swap out the gears depending on what you are doing, and will save you a lot of time and frustration. The quality of the gears is another important factor; a good set will have little to no backlash and will run smoothly.

A final factor to consider is the power of the motor. The more torque a lathe can provide, the better it will be for things like screw and thread cutting. Many smaller lathes will use a brushed DC motor, but larger machines will likely have an AC induction or brushless DC motor. These are more efficient than a traditional brushed motor and provide more consistent power, especially at lower speeds where the most torque is needed.

Power

Most modern lathes are powered by a geared headstock. This is attached to a carriage for longitudinal movement and a cross slide for axial motion. The geared headstock drives a series of changeable gears, and this in turn provides plenty of power to the rotating spindle.

Depending on the type of work being done, you’ll need different types of accessories. For example, if you’re turning long shafts, you’ll need a steady rest. This bolts to the bed of the lathe and supports the shaft while you’re working on it. You’ll also need a live center and a dead center to hold the workpiece in place. For the tailstock, you’ll want a three-jaw or four-jaw chuck. You can also add a faceplate to work on larger pieces that cannot be held in the tailstock.

Another feature you’ll want in a lathe is speed control. This allows you to run the tool at the correct cutting speed for any diameter you’re working on. This can be manually done by changing belts on stepped pulleys or electronically with a rheostat similar to a light dimmer.

Stability

Before purchasing a new lathe, machinists need to decide what type of work they will be doing with the tool. Lathes are divided into a few categories, including engine lathes and turret lathes for metalwork and woodworking lathes for other projects. When deciding what kind of lathe to purchase, shop owners must also consider the size and geometry of the parts they plan on producing. For example, if a project requires a long, slender shaft, it’s best to buy a lathe that can accommodate this length or consider an addition of a tailstock to the machine.

The basic two-axis lathe consists of the headstock with spindle, chuck for holding the part, carriage and cross-slide, and tool turret. If a project requires the part to be turned on an axis other than the headstock, then a mandrel can be used to hold it. A mandrel is a tapered axle that can be forced into the hole in the workpiece. This can be used for supporting the piece between centers or in a faceplate.

To ensure that a machined workpiece is accurate, the tool bits must be made from the correct material and ground to the proper angles. For example, a roughing tool should have a smaller radius than a finishing tool. In addition, the overall shape of a tool bit can affect the quality and performance of the cutting action.

Shops must always keep a good supply of spare parts and accessories on hand to make the most of their lathes. These include three- and four-jaw chucks, faceplates, live center, and various Morse taper adapters for the tailstock. They should also consider adding a collet chuck and a steady rest to their arsenal of lathe equipment. Lastly, it’s important to have enough power capacity for the lathe machine. If possible, a 220-volt, three-phase electrical system should be used. If not, a phase converter can be purchased to increase power capability.

Safety

A lathe is probably the most important machine tool in any shop. In fact, anything that involves moving or round parts probably has a part made by a lathe somewhere in its construction. This makes it a vital tool for the engineer to have, and one that requires careful consideration when buying.

First of all, the size of the workshop is a major factor in what type and size lathe to buy. There is little point in buying a large, expensive lathe that will only be used for small jobs. On the other hand, a smaller, cheaper machine might be left unattended and unused for long periods of time. In this case, the value of the machine may drop significantly in comparison to its original purchase price.

The next thing to consider is the headstock spindle and chuck. The spindle should be a good fit for the chuck and should not have any looseness. The condition of the chuck should also be considered, as this will affect how true the chuck will spin. In addition, the threads and bearing surfaces on both the spindle and chuck should be well-lubricated.

Finally, a steady rest should be included with the lathe to support shaft work and other longish pieces while turning. This should bolt to the bed and provide a solid mount for between centers work. It should be drilled through with a Morse taper for both live center and tailstock work.

There is no substitute for hands-on experience with a machine, so if you can find a used lathe at a garage sale or at an auction, try it out and see if it meets your needs. It is always better to do this than to be disappointed when you buy a machine that has a number of features that aren’t useful to you. In this way, you can avoid a costly mistake and get the best value for your money.

If you’re interested in purchasing a lathe machine, browse our extensive inventory of used vertical lathe machines and used horizontal lathesContact us at Tramar Industries and we’ll help you find the right machine for the job.

How to Become a CNC Lathe Machinist

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, a career as a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Lathe Machinist is both rewarding and in high demand. CNC Lathe Machinists play a crucial role in the production of precision components and parts. This article will guide aspiring individuals on the best route to becoming a CNC Lathe Machinist, offering […]

6 Important Rules In CNC Machinery Safety

Introduction In the realm of manufacturing, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines play a pivotal role in automating processes, enhancing precision, and boosting efficiency. However, with the power and complexity of these machines comes a heightened responsibility for ensuring safety in their operation. Neglecting safety protocols can lead to severe consequences, including accidents, injuries, and damage […]

Vertical vs. Horizontal Lathes

What Is a Lathe? Lathes are essential machining tools that support cutting, knurling, facing, and turning operations. They have been around for thousands of years and are one of the oldest machine tools. They work in a similar way to milling machines but, instead of the tool rotating, the piece rotates. They come in a […]

CNC Machining Vs Sheet Metal Fabrication

When it comes to making your custom metal products, there are many factors to consider. One of these factors is which manufacturing process you choose. CNC Machining is a great choice if your design can be machined, but sheet metal fabrication may work better for other types of designs. Here are some of the key […]

Surface Grinders vs. Angle Grinders

Surface Grinders Metal surface grinders are important tools in the metalworking shop, used to smooth a variety of parts. These machines are designed to grind flat surfaces with precision. They can also be used to grind hard materials that are difficult to machine with other methods. This type of machining is often used to eliminate […]

An Introduction to CNC Turning

When it comes to manufacturing precision components, CNC turning is one of the most important processes. This article will give you an introduction to CNC Turning so you can better understand this complex and versatile manufacturing process. The CNC turning process utilizes a lathe or turning center to construct cylindrical shapes. It can also be […]

3-Axis Vs 5-Axis CNC Machining

Extra axes on a CNC machine allow the cutting tool to approach a part from all directions without the need for extensive fixtures. This enables undercutting that may be possible on machines with fewer axes but requires time-consuming and costly repositioning of the workpiece. 5-axis machining offers greater precision, accuracy, and design flexibility when compared […]

The Basics of CNC Milling and Turning

CNC machining is computerized production technology that uses pre-programmed software to control various types of machinery. However, many people are confused by the terms CNC turning and milling. Milling machines create custom-designed parts or components by progressively carving away material with rotating multi-point cutting tools. Unlike CNC turning, which only uses one point of contact, […]

A Guide To Buying A Lathe

Buying a lathe is a big decision. A machine shop owner should consider the type of work they plan to do and future plans. What to Look For The lathe is one of the more complex machinery available to home workshop owners, or industrial production shops. It is also one of the most expensive tools […]

What Are the Basic Types of Surface Grinders?

Surface grinders are a common fixture in heavy industry. These machines are used to refinish items such as pins, pistons and connecting rods, as well as machine tool components like ball screws, indexers and roller bearings. They are also commonly used for finishing molds and dies, especially those with flat surfaces. They need to be […]

How to Sell Your CNC Machine

If you have an industrial scale CNC machine and you are looking to sell it, there are many ways that you can do so. While some of the below ways are good routes to take, Tramar is the best fit for anyone looking to buy or sell used CNC machinery. With a wide variety of types […]

What Are The Three Types of Machining Process?

A machining process removes excess material to shape, size, and process a product into the desired final form. Unlike other manufacturing methods, machining can remove high amounts of material from hard materials without damaging them. It can also produce a higher production rate and reduce labor costs. Turning Turning, also known as rotary machining, is […]

The History of CNC Machining

CNC, or computer numerical control, is a method of controlling machine tools through programmable computers. It allows for highly precise machining that eliminates human error, and is now used across industries. The history of CNC machines traces back to the 1940s, when John Parsons worked on a system that was fed punch cards that told […]

What Is a Boring Mill?

Boring mills are machines that can bore through solid material, such as metal, without damaging the material itself. They work by using a bar with an insert attached to the end, which is fed into an existing hole in the workpiece and rotated until a chip forms on the surface. The insert itself can be […]

3 Types of CNC Lathe Machines

Brief Background: Lathe Machine Invented at around 1751 by Jacques de Vaucanson, the Lathe machine is a tool used even during the ancient times, dubbed as the “Standard Machine Tools’ Father/Mother” and is considered as the machine that is the most flexible, in terms of function, among all the other machines. Purpose and Types: CNC […]

The History of FANUC Corporation

About FANUC Corporation FANUC, which stands for Fuji Automatic Numerical Control, was a company founded by Doctor Seiuemon Inaba – the person who developed the concept of Numerical Control (NC) – at Minamitsuru, Japan in the year 1956. The company is currently considered as the “Largest Robotics company in the World”. The company initially developed […]

What is a CNC Lathe and How Does it Work?

To better navigate an object, having basic knowledge regarding its background (such as – what it is, its purpose, types, and outcomes) is important. CNC Machines, such as CNC Lathes, are required to be programmed to produce results. These machines can be programmed in two ways – either by using the CAD/CAM system or directly […]

Industries That Benefit from CNC Machines

In the manufacturing industry, the use of CNC machines has become dominant. It promises improved processing and quality results. It also holds the key for a fast, accurate and cost-efficient operation – it helps minimize expense as it cuts costs on paying workers that serve the same function as the machines. In terms of benefits, […]

Tips To Increase Your CNC Machine’s Longevity

CNC machines are reputed for their ability to work non-stop and produce quality outputs. However, in order to maximize its lifespan, it needs to be maintained. Much like humans, machines are prone to over-working and require regular maintenance. They need to be cleaned, lubricated and treated well in order to last long. If your CNC […]

Types of CNC Machine

Due to its efficacy, accuracy, and precision – Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machines have become a vital tool for manufacturing companies, especially those that cater the demands of these industries – Medical, Optical, Military Defense, Commercial Goods, Aerospace, Transportation, Petroleum, Marine, and Electronics – these machine are vital for reproducing high quality and reliable parts […]