Lathes are one of the most versatile machines in any workshop or factory. They can be used to make parts with precision or just to have some fun. Lathes are very powerful, but at the same time they're quite limited by their size and weight, which is why they're usually found in factories rather than workshops. When choosing a lathe you should think about which type will serve your purpose best before deciding on anything else.
Lathes can be divided into three types for easy classification: classifying by the main drive mode, classifying according to the number of tool holders and guide rail form, and classifying based on workbench rotation mode.
Tools are used to perform lathe machining. Lathe tools are characterized as turning tools or boring tool, depending on their use.
Turning tools have sharp teeth at both ends (on both sides). The main purpose is to cut material in a round shape with a diameter smaller than the size of the tool head. Turning tools have many different shapes such as round nose chamfer chisel, ball end milling cutter etc., which also affect its function.
One is the classification of the main drive mode of the lathe, including electric direct drive, electric indirect drive and transmission three.
The first is called "electric direct drive", which means that the spindle can be directly driven by an electric motor and has the advantages of small size, light weight and low noise. The disadvantage is that its power is not large enough for heavy cutting work. The second type is called "electric indirect drive", which means that it uses a hydraulic or mechanical power system to transmit energy from one end of a rotating shaft to another end through two sets of gears (outer gear set and inner gear set). In this way, both sides can achieve constant speed rotation simultaneously in opposite directions so as to form different speeds between them (i.e., 60:1 speed ratio between two shafts). Besides being compact in structure and easy to install with simple maintenance, this type has high accuracy because all parts are fixed on their bearings in place rather than being supported by other springs or flexible elements when operating at high speeds like some other types do; also since there are no additional motions apart from those generated by gearing during operation due to no internal friction within each individual segment itself being present as well as insufficient lubrication being used up quickly during prolonged use periods without any corrective measures taken beforehand such as changing out old fluid regularly instead relying solely on gravity alone acting upon said fluids surface area contact points thus causing wear without knowing when exactly they would fail abruptly without warning etcetera...
The second type is classified according to the number of tool holders, including single tool holder, double tool holder, multi-tool holder and multiple tool holders.
Single Tool Holder: The lathe with a single tool holder is called a manual lathe machine. After you install the workpiece on the bed plate of this kind of machine and then turn on the main power switch and start working by hand turning or using a wrench or other tools to rotate it until you can complete your production.
Double Tool Holder: The lathe with two independent front and rear workhead is called a compound cross slide compound turning machine. This kind of lathe machine has many advantages such as large capacity, high precision machining performance, low noise operation etc., which are widely used for various industries such as aerospace industry aircraft manufacturing industry shipbuilding machinery manufacturing automobile industry etc..
The third type is classified by guide rail form, including horizontal guide rail and vertical guide rail two.
Horizontal Guide Rail
The horizontal guide rail is the most common and can be used for different lathes. The main part of the horizontal machine are: (1) Bedway Headstock; (2) Worktable Tailstock; (3) Cross Slide Tailstock; (4) Cross Slide Center Headstock;
(5) Backplate Center Headstock; (6) Compound Rest Lower End Center Headstock.
Vertical Guide Rail
The fourth is classified by workbench rotation mode. Classified into free rotation and forced rotation (slewing) two.
Free Rotation: the workbench rotates around its own axis with the movement of the workpiece, which has no limitation to its speed, but it needs to be operated by hand, and it is only used for small parts or inspection of lathes.
Forced Rotation: under this mode, the workbench rotates around its own axis with high speed under control of drive system or automatic control system. It can be used for large-sized parts such as engine crankshaft machining and hydraulic cylinder assembly etc., though they are usually combined with other machine tools such as milling machines or grinding machines in one set up to meet higher requirements of precision machining
Lathes can be classified in several ways, depending on their purpose.
In conclusion, it is clear that the lathe has many different types and uses. Whether you are an amateur or professional woodworker, these machines are a valuable addition to any workshop. With so many options available, there is sure to be one that meets your needs perfectly!