Types of Lathe Machine

Lathe machine is a heavy machine. We can do all kind of job work on lathe machine. A work we need to do to complete the job work can be done on lathe machine. Operating lathe machine is difficult. Only those people can operate lathe machine who know how to operate them. Many kind of job work is done on a single lathe machine like drilling, plain turning, step turning, facing, parting, boring, threading, forming etc. One who know how to operate lathe machine can operate all machines. The lathe have been classified into various types according to their design, construction and application.

Engine lathe or centre lathe:
Centre lathe is the most important member of the lathe machine family and is commonly used in industries. The machine has a large number of speed steps, and the tool supported on a tool post can be given controlled power feed with the help of a carriage, feed rod or a lead screw. The machine is capable of performing a wide variety of operations such as turning, facing, drilling, boring and threading etc.

Bench lathe:
Bench lathe is a small lathe machine which can be mounted on the work bench. Its constructional features are the same as that of engine lathe; it differ only in size and mountings. Lathe of this type are used for doing small precision and light jobs such as instrument making and watch repairing etc.

Tool room lathe:
Tool room lathe is a modern engine lathe having all geared headstock with a very wide range of speeds. The machine is equipped with accessories such as quick changing gears, separate lead screw and feed rod, steady rest, taper turning attachment, draw in Collete attachment etc.

Speed lathe:
Speed lathe is the simplest of all lathes and consists of a bed supported on legs, a headstock, a tail-stock and a tool post for support in the tool. There is no gear box, lead screw and carriage. The tool control is manual. The tool is feed and controlled by hand wheel. These machines run at high speeds and are advantageously used for wood turning, metal spinning and polishing operations.

Turret and Capstan lathes:
These are production lathes used for producing large number of identical components. The turret can accommodate six tools which can be indexed and fed into the workpiece in a proper sequence. This aspect helps in time saving in changing and setting tools, avoids unnecessary movement and achieves better quality control. With these machines, the supervision is simplified and much less skill is needed except for setting the machine.

Automatic lathes:
Automatic lathes machines are high speed heavy duty lathes in which the various controls like feeding the raw material, tool change, feed, speed change and unloading the workpiece are automatically controlled. Once the particular attachment and tools are set, all the operations performed automatically till the job is completed.

Special purpose lathes:
Special purpose lathes machines are designed for producing definite type of work that involves certain specific operations that cannot be performed on standard lathe machines.