Amish Factory

Working With Lathes

A lathe is a type of tool that is used most commonly in the woodworking industry to assist in the creation of a range of crafted projects. A lathe works to turn an object while a craftsman uses tools to shape, carve, or form the item. This ultimately allows a piece to be changed or detailed in appearance in a more uniform way. The turning action of a lathe is also used to build or create various pieces, such as in the case of glass-working, metalworking, or the creation of watches or jewelry.

There are different types of lathes that have various parts, but many are composed of several of the same basic pieces. Larger lathes sit on a stand, usually a bench or table that holds the lathe up and positions it at a working level. The bed of a lathe is the flat base on which the working parts are attached. The bed is also a place where used fragments may fall. For example, in woodworking lathe, sawdust and small wood chips may fall into the bed during use. At one end of the lathe is the headstock, which contains the bearings used to control the turning action of the lathe. Turning may be electrically powered or by use of a foot pedal; the mechanism for turning, such as a motor, is found within the headstock. This is then transferred to the spindle, which is the shaft that rotates and turns the material.

At the opposite end of the lathe is the tailstock, which has a barrel and holds up the other end of the piece that is being worked on. The tailstock can slide down the lathe for shorter or longer lengths, depending on the size of the material being used. The carriage is the part of the lathe that helps control the tools that are operated. The carriage consists of a cross-slide and a tool post. When a tool is to be used on a piece of material in the lathe, it is mounted on the tool post. The cross-slide then shifts to control the tool while in operation. The carriage is found on metalworking lathes. Woodworking lathes have a banjo instead of a carriage, which holds the tools and can be managed by the lathe operator.

  • Lathe: A photograph and descriptions of the basic parts of a lathe
  • Let’s Use a Lathe!: Instructions about the basic operations of a lathe. Includes photographs.
  • Lathes: A description of the construction of a lathe and how to use it.
  • Lathe Parts: A brief explanation of the names and functions of the parts of a lathe.
  • The Lathe: The structure and parts of a lathe, as well as information about cutting and tools.

Lathes have been used for centuries for the purpose of building materials, or changing the structure of an item. Early lathes were used by two people: one person turned a shaft that rotated the material, while the second person operated a tool on it. This process was used as early as the 12th century B.C. in Egypt. The Romans instituted the use of a bow lathe for their procedures. Instead of a second person turning the lathe, a bow was placed over part of the device and moved back and forth to rotate the piece. The use of pedals developed during the Industrial Revolution, with a foot pedal and treadle providing the power to turn the lathe. This method was used almost exclusively until the early 20th century when electric motors were installed into the headstock of the lathe, providing electricity to do much of the work.

Lathes are used in various industries for different types of work, and the lathes used are very industry specific. The size and system of the lathe depends on the product that is being created. Woodworking lathes are used to create various items made of wood, such as plates, furniture, banister spindles, woodwind instruments, candlesticks, and other items. Woodworking is one of the oldest uses of a lathe. A metalworking lathe is a large type of lathe that is used for heavy materials. Metalworking lathes are used in industrial settings to make such items as parts for machines or car accessories. Glass-working lathes are used in the production and shaping of glass. The lathe turns the glass over high heat while it is shaped and designed.

Metal spinning lathes are used for pieces of sheet metal or in place of die formations. They are used to make a variety of formations, including metal cylinders, urns, and funnels. Ornamental turning lathes are used to decorate and polish materials. Depending on the type of material utilized, ornamental turning lathes can be used to carve and decorate designs into furniture, handles of utensils, or chess pieces, among many other things. A reducing lathe is a special type of lathe that reproduces objects. One item is placed on the lathe, while a second blank item is mounted next to it and the lathe reads the details of the original item and copies it onto the second item. This process is sometimes used in coin making, where details must be exactly the same. A rotary lathe is used to take larger pieces of wood and strip them into smaller sheets to be used for building. This type of lathe creates plywood or wood veneer pieces. A watchmaker’s lathe is a smaller type of lathe that is used for the creation of watches. These lathes work precisely with very small parts to put together the fine pieces of a watch.

  • The Lathe: An explanation and history of this important production tool.
  • History of the Lathe: A descriptive timeline of the lathe and how it has advanced throughout history.
  • Historic Lathes: The history of the lathe as it developed for use throughout the world.
  • Lathes: An extensive description of the different types of lathes and their uses.
  • Glassblowing Lathe: Photographs and descriptions of the parts of a glassblowing lathe.
  • The Ornamental Turning Lathe: Types, attachments, and purposes of an ornamental turning lathe.
  • Lathes and Attachments: The parts and functions of a watchmaking lathe.

A lathe can be purchased by independent sellers or through equipment and machinery manufacturers. Depending on the type of lathe, prices can run from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. When considering buying a lathe, it is best to inspect the item thoroughly before purchase to check for wear. The lathe should be operated to determine how well it works and to see that all parts are in good condition and proper order. A buyer should consider what the primary use of the lathe will be and research the best product for purchase. Some people prefer motorized machines with high power, but for one doing smaller projects around the house, a foot-powered lathe or one with a smaller motor may work well and may also be less expensive. Lathes are indispensable as tools for creating and designing many useful items. The work of a lathe continues to be important and operating this special type of machinery takes a specific skill for those who have mastered it.
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