It is essential to add a lathe machine to your metal business or workshop. It can perform a variety of tasks from shaping workpieces to chipping, knurling, and cutting tools. That is the reason why this tool is also called the ‘mother of all machines’ because of its ability to multi-function, it can take your business to great heights. Though this machine is all advanced with its new features, it is one of the oldest pieces of equipment. Yes, you heard that right! It was invented in the year 1300 BCE (before the common era) in Egypt. During the ‘Industrial Revolution’, the lathe machine was further modernized by the people of England. In this post, we will discuss what a lathe machine does and how to increase it’s lifetime with proper maintenance.
What Does a Lathe Machine Do?
This machine is no less than a revolution in the metal industry which is used to shape various products. It furnishes a wooden or metal piece by rotating it about it’s axis, while the cutting tool on the other hand keeps removing unwanted material from the workpiece to give it a desired shape. This machinery comes in handy when performing not just one but a series of different functions. Here is a brief of them:
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Shaping:
It can be used to shape the metal or wood in a desired form. It can give the workpiece a cylindrical form, create threads on them, generate small beads on the material surface, or simply deform the material, if not required anymore.
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Drilling:
They can drill holes into the workpiece.
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Sanding:
It can be used to sand the workpiece, which means smoothening and flattening the surface of the workpiece.
How to Maintain the Lathe Machinery
With the machinery performing so many important functions in the metal industry, it becomes vital to follow some maintenance tips for the lathe machine to ensure that its lifetime increases and the equipment can become your partner in the success of the business in the long run.
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Do not keep Tools on the Machinery:
Whenever you are working on a lathe machinery, do not ever place any tools on the equipment. It may seem easier to put the tools or equipment that are required on the lathe ways but when the machinery is functioning it is on a constant vibration. It can cause the tools placed there to fall into the machinery which is not only a dangerous accident but can also cause damage to the machine.
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Lubiraction is Essential:
The machine is made from metal components and is always busy chopping, cutting, and shaping the workpiece of wood or metals. During the process, the pathway of the machinery can get blocked due to left residue or dust. That is why, it is essential to lubricate the machinery before you start operating it. Failure to do so can deteriorate the quality of the metal-cutting tool. There is an oil tank reservoir in the machinery that you should check religiously before you hit that ‘on’ button. If it has dropped below the halfway mark, then refill it immediately.
All the parts of the machinery like feed screws and moving joints should be well-lubricated to make sure that the lathe machinery delivers the best results. The load on the machinery is pretty high so the coolant reservoir is also something that should be skipped. Check it from time- to- time, and also ensure that the water tank is filled.
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Clean Debris & Dust:
Continuously working on wood, metals or plastic produces dust that clings to the joints of the machinery. In addition, lubrication can further make the dust stick deep into the machinery. So, cleaning the machinery regularly. The wooden pieces and metal chunks if not removed can damage the machinery internally which may be even beyond repair. The best to clean the lathe machine is by detaching the lathe jaws and inspecting the chunks of any fine metals.
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Protect from Rust
The metal machinery is prone to rust. If the machinery is anywhere near water bodies or is constantly dealing with a humid climate, it’s life can deteriorate. Rust can weaken the body parts of machinery or can lead to corrosion. So, it is essential to clean the equipment regularly to protect it against rust and also coat it with oil. Apart from that at, keep in mind to cover the machinery when it is not in use. If the machinery is not going to be in use for a long- period, then make sure that the cover is ventilated.
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Readjust the settings:
Different parts of machinery are opened during the cleaning and maintenance process. It can lead to tampering with the setting of the functioning and thus calibration is advised before you start using the machinery again. It will allow you to understand the accuracy of the machinery as it may change after the maintenance process. Regular maintenance also results in the creation of perfect workpieces.
Final Words
Lathe machines are very beneficial to certain industries and are a great investment for good returns in the long run. If you take good care of the equipment and follow the above-mentioned maintenance tips, not only it’s lifetime will increase but the work quality will also improve. If you are looking for a good quality and affordable lathe machine in an affordable price range, then you should check out ‘Surelia Industries’ product ranges. They can turn out to be a great partner in your business and take it to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the principle of a lathe machine?
It is one of the most important tools in the metal industry. It operates on the principle of a rotating workpiece and a fixed-cutting tool. The cutting tool is fed into the work-piece which rotates on it’s axis causing the material to get into the desired shape.
What are the main features of the lathe machine?
Lathe machine does not have just function but serves various role in the metal industry. It is an important tool for shaping, boring, drilling, threading, tapering and so much more. This versatile machine is suitable for a wide range of tasks. If these features are used in the best possible way, the business can grow to great heights.
How often the lathe machine should be serviced?
It is essential to get the lathe machine serviced every 6 months. Most of the dealers offer one or two yearly inspection and maintenance services. So, make sure to take a note of it before purchase.
How to clean the lathe machine?
It is best to clean the machinery part with a cleaning solution. Cleaning with a rag dipped lightly in kerosene is also a very effective method. This process is more than just using a good-quality lubricant or having a smooth surface. The above-mentioned tips must be followed at regular intervals for effective cleaning.
