Lathes on metal: varieties, device, recommendations for selection
As you know, working with metal requires certain skills and special equipment. So, the manufacture of metal products of various shapes can be carried out only on metal lathes. However, before operation or repair in case of breakage, it is necessary to get acquainted with the device of this unit.
Purpose and types of lathes
The main task of any lathe is to make a metal part of the required shape. Various levers and fastenings help this specialist, located on the device. Thanks to them, a handyman can easily make internal or external threads, make complex products or just process the workpiece.
Exist 2 types of lathes are household (home) and manufactured goods. The first option is a reduced copy of its counterpart with some limitations in functionality. The second type of device is designed to work with metal in large enterprises, where many products of different shapes are made every day.
Home devices differ primarily in size. But despite the limited functionality, their working potential is located at a high level. Of course, due to their size, they can only work with small blanks, but at home it is quite enough.
Lathe device
Each product for working with metal has several important details:
- Stanina.
- Front grandmother.
- Rear grandmother.
- Spindle.
- Carriage.
- Wiring diagram and electric motor.
The work of the lathe is based on them, therefore, these components should be considered in more detail.
bed
The bed can be compared to a motherboard, that is installed ??in the PC. It is on this element in one way or another other parts are attached. Therefore, the frame can be safely called the base of a lathe on metal.
The shape of this element is a kind of span of the bridge, which is established on two grounds, interconnected, and detail with longitudinal walls. This design provides rigidity and movement of some parts if necessary.
Front headstock device
There is a detail on the left end of the frame, which is called the front grandmother. This element always has the same shape. The main function is to provide the workpiece rotation and its maintenance during operation. In accordance, if necessary, the speed should be adjusted.
The gearbox is responsible for this, mounted on the front headstock. Thanks to the levers, the master can set the required spindle speed. The node sends a signal to the spindle, rotating due to bearings.
The front head spindle assembly is one of the most important elements. The low quality of this part or failure will not allow you to process the workpiece properly. The straightness and parallelism of the work can be learned from the extreme guides of the frame.
The design of the rear headstock
Component, called the back grandmother, is responsible for fixing the workpieces when they are placed in the machining center of the lathe. You can also attach various tools and accessories to it (drills, taps, sweeps, etc.. D.). Unlike the front headstock, the rear part can have several varieties. Example, on some models there is the usual, and on others - the built-in rotating center.
If the rear headstock has a normal center, then the housing is mounted on a special plate, which, in turn, mounted on rails. At the same time in the case of the lathe on work with metal the opening becomes, on which the quill and nut move.
Built-in rotating centers are often installed on products with accelerated metal processing. This changes the shape and design of the rear headstock of the lathe. So, the main changes will be in the quill, where a hole with bearings and tapered rollers will appear. It is in this hole that the center will be installed.
Axial force in metalworking is assumed by a persistent ball bearing. However, if the sleeve is connected to the PINOLEN, a special locking device, there will be no rotation. This should be taken into account when choosing a lathe for working with metal.
spindle description
The spindle is a threaded shaft, which has a hole in the form of a cone. The importance of this element is justified by the fact, that many components of the lathe are designed specifically for spindle operation. The hole in it is made for fastening various tools, front center and mandrels.
If this element fails, metal processing becomes impossible. Therefore, the quality and serviceability of this product is an important parameter for working on a lathe. Check for backlash or slight slack constantly.
caliper device
This part provides movement of the tool holder. In this case, the movement relative to the axis can be:
- Longitudinal.
- Transverse.
- Inclined.
The movement is provided by t. Vol. sledges, which are installed on the frame. The cutter heads are fixed on top of the caliper.
Wiring diagram and electric motor
The operation of the entire device is based on electrical components, installed in the lathe housing. As you know, electronic circuits are required to connect, supply and regulation of current to certain parts. In the same lathe the electric circuit usually works from the engine, having a short-circuited rotor.
The electric motor drives all components of the unit. Certain varieties can have several speeds and, in accordance, speed control. This allows you to work more efficiently with metal.
Recommendations for selection
Lathe is not a cheap thing. Therefore, before purchasing, you must first clearly indicate the budget and the required functionality. Based on this, you can start choosing a model.
It is worth noting at once, that it is not recommended to take the device for household use, which were already in use. However, if the budget is very limited, you can take risks. The main thing, before buying it is necessary to properly test the device.
so, when choosing should focus on the following points:
- Type of lathe. In most cases, it is enough household (home) type. However, if the processing of blanks will be carried out daily and in large quantities, it is recommended to pay attention to industrial models.
- Supply voltage. The best option is to buy products, operating from a three-phase network.
- Power. To work at home is enough machine with a capacity of 1 kw.
- Dimensions. Bulky and heavy equipment will probably have to be placed on a special fortified table. Therefore, the more convenient the device - the better. Of course, not to the detriment of functionality.
- Maximum processing diameter. The general possibilities on processing of preparations depend on this parameter.
- Additional devices, expanding the functionality of the lathe.
- The presence of automatic caliper movement. Turners are highly recommended to buy models, where there is an automatic movement of this element.
- Number of levers and markings. Usually, the more of these elements, the better. However, it is also recommended to focus on the presence of a gradient scale in the levers, to be adjustable.
It is worth saying, that among similar products the domestic machine tool "Corvette" is in the lead. This model has long been popular and confidently holds the first place in terms of price - quality.
Here are some tips to help you get started
The more often you use the device, the more it wears out. Here are some simple tips to help you extend the life of your components:
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It is recommended to adjust the equipment before work.
- After each use, blow the machine with compressed air.
- It will be useful to clean it from dirt in your free time.
- All moving parts must be constantly lubricated. Machine oil is perfect for this purpose.
- If any component is deformed, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
- If the machine is not used for a long time, do not forget about it. It is recommended to turn it on from time to time to keep it working.
Lathes have a rather complex design. Massive industrial products stand out especially in this regard. However, it is quite possible to understand at least approximately the purpose of certain components.
As in other cases, knowledge of the device of machines for working with metal, will help to understand its features. in addition, this skill will be very useful when repairing or maintaining the unit.
