Conventional Lathe
What is Conventional Lathe
The conventional lathe is a standard lathe that is used for holding and turning various types of materials such as metal, wood, plastic etc. against a cutting tool in order to produce a cylindrical object. Besides this it can even perform many other functions like grinding, boring, threading, polishing, reaming, drilling etc. It is one of the oldest and most important machine tools used in manufacturing and machining processes.
Benefits of Conventional Lathe
Versatility
Conventional lathes can handle a diverse range of materials and shapes. Whether it’s turning cylindrical objects, facing surfaces, or creating intricate threads, these machines excel in various machining operations.
Cost-effectiveness
Compared to more advanced CNC machines, conventional lathes often come at a lower price point, making them an attractive option for small to medium-sized businesses. Additionally, the simplicity of the machine design requires less maintenance and reduces the overall cost of ownership.
Skill Development
Operating a conventional lathe requires a certain level of skill and craftsmanship. Through hands-on experience, machinists can hone their abilities and understand the nuances of metalworking, fostering a sense of pride in their craft.
Reliability
With fewer electronic components and a simpler mechanical design, conventional lathes have a reputation for their reliability and longevity. This factor is particularly crucial in industries where downtime can lead to significant financial losses.
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![Conventional Lathe CW6180 600mm]()
Conventional Lathe CW6180 600mmThis series lathe is universal metal maching equipment, mainly used for turning the internal and external cylindrical surface, conical surface and other rotating surfaces, as well as turning...read more -
![Conventional Lathe CW61100 600mm]()
Conventional Lathe CW61100 600mmThis series lathe is universal metal maching equipment, mainly used for turning the internal and external cylindrical surface, conical surface and other rotating surfaces, as well as turning...read more -
![Conventional Lathe CW61160 755mm]()
Conventional Lathe CW61160 755mmThis series lathe is universal metal maching equipment, mainly used for turning the internal and external cylindrical surface, conical surface and other rotating surfaces, as well as turning...read more -
![Conventional Lathe CW61140 600mm]()
Conventional Lathe CW61140 600mmThis series lathe is universal metal maching equipment, mainly used for turning the internal and external cylindrical surface, conical surface and other rotating surfaces, as well as turning...read more -
![Conventional Lathe CW61140 755mm]()
Conventional Lathe CW61140 755mmThis series lathe is universal metal maching equipment, mainly used for turning the internal and external cylindrical surface, conical surface and other rotating surfaces, as well as turning...read more -
![Conventional Lathe CW61100 755mm]()
Conventional Lathe CW61100 755mmThis series lathe is universal metal maching equipment, mainly used for turning the internal and external cylindrical surface, conical surface and other rotating surfaces, as well as turning...read more -
![Conventional Lathe CW61125 755mm]()
Conventional Lathe CW61125 755mmThis series lathe is universal metal maching equipment, mainly used for turning the internal and external cylindrical surface, conical surface and other rotating surfaces, as well as turning...read more
Why Choose Us
Our Services
Experienced after-sales team. Online after-sales service provides fast response. Professional technicians provide 24-hour remote video guidance.
Production Equipment
The company's main products include pipe threading lathes, CNC pipe threading lathes, CNC inclined bed pipe threading lathes, CNC lathes, spindle boring lathes, CNC spindle boring lathes, CNC automatic pipe cutting machines and other 12 series.
Experienced
Our factory has dozens of advanced mechanical processing equipment and nearly 100 experienced technical processing personnel, with an annual production capacity of more than 500 lathes, and has strong product research and development capabilities and production and manufacturing capabilities.
Professional Customization Service
Rich accessories selection services will meet customers' various production and processing needs. Strict factory inspection process. Ensure the high quality of each machine tool. Strong production capacity. Able to provide goods to customers quickly and in a timely manner.
What is the Difference Between a Conventional Lathe and a CNC lathe
Different Structure
The feed system of the conventional lathe includes a feed box and a slide box. It is used for turning the surface of the workpiece by the lead screw and the smooth bar; the CNC lathe has a numerical control system, feed and hydraulic systems, etc., and the thread processing of the workpiece surface is carried out in the turning center. The latter is more conducive to production management.
Different Machining Methods
Conventional lathes need to be manually operated to light the workpiece, and workers must manually shake the tools to process the parts in strict accordance with the lathe use regulations; CNC lathes directly process product parts in accordance with the prescribed instructions issued by technicians through data control.
Different Machining Precision
There are few types of parts that can be processed by conventional lathes. Due to the lack of automation, the processing accuracy and quality of parts are not as good as those of CNC lathes; CNC lathes can process parts with complex shapes by changing the control program, and the stability and repeatability of the processing quality are higher.
Different Applicable Conditions
Because conventional lathes are more flexible in manual operation, the equipment is subject to large forces, and it is not easy to process complex parts, and it is more convenient to process single products; CNC lathes with the same large equipment are less stressed, and each part is more precise, suitable for more complex processing. And the production of high-volume mechanical parts.
The Cost Of Construction And Maintenance Is Different
The cost of conventional lathes is low, the investment is small, and debugging can be done conventional before use. The maintenance of ordinary lathes is mainly due to the wear between components, and the maintenance cost is not high; the use cost of CNC lathes is high, and the investment is large, and multiple debugging must be carried out before use. , The preparatory work is complicated, and all systems including CNC programs are regularly maintained, and the maintenance cost is high.
Different Installation Requirements
Conventional lathes must strictly control the ambient temperature, humidity, power supply voltage and other conditions; CNC lathes level the position on the basis of avoiding direct sunlight and humid airflow as much as possible, and the reading of the level meter does not exceed 0.04/1000mm.
What Materials Can Be Used on a Conventional Lathe?
Metals
Metals, including steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and titanium, are commonly used on conventional lathes for their strength and durability. Metal lathes, equipped with precise cutting tools, are capable of shaping and forming these materials into desired shapes. The machining process for metals involves turning, drilling, and threading, demanding high precision and appropriate cutting speeds.
Plastics
Plastics like acrylic, nylon, PVC, and Teflon (PTFE) are increasingly used on conventional lathes, especially for parts requiring lower weight and high corrosion resistance. When machining plastics, it’s crucial to maintain appropriate speeds and feeds to prevent melting or chipping.
Wood
Conventional lathes are specially designed for woodworking projects, shaping materials like oak, maple, pine, cedar, and exotic woods. Hardwoods, like oak and walnut, are popular for their durability and grain patterns, used in furniture and decorative items. Softwoods, such as pine, are easier to shape but less durable, often used in carving and sculptural works.
Composite Materials
Composite materials, including fiberglass and carbon fiber, are used for their strength-to-weight ratio and are commonly found in automotive and aerospace industries. Machining composites require specialized tools and techniques to handle the material’s properties, like its abrasiveness and the need for precise cutting to maintain integrity.
What to Consider When Choosing Conventional Lathe
Application and Workpiece Specifications
When choosing a lathe, the first consideration should be the type, size, and material of the workpieces you intend to process. Your choice of lathe should be based on whether it's used for general metalworking, heavy-duty machining, or precision engineering.
Lathe Size
The bed length, swing over the bed, and maximum turning diameter of the lathe are critical factors that determine the size of workpieces you can process. Choosing a lathe with the appropriate dimensions ensures that your machining needs are met.
Power and Speed Range
Selecting the appropriate speed range based on the material and machining requirements is crucial. Consider the spindle speed of the lathe and whether it offers the suitable speed gears and ranges for your specific needs.
Accuracy and Repeatability
Different production requirements call for varying levels of accuracy and repeatability. For applications requiring high precision, choosing a lathe with high accuracy specifications is key.
Safety Features
Operational safety is an aspect that cannot be overlooked in industrial manufacturing. Ensure that the chosen lathe is equipped with adequate safety features, such as emergency stop switches and guards, which are essential for the safety of the operators.
Budget and Price
After considering all technical specifications and functional requirements, your choice should also take into account the budget. Selecting a lathe that fits your budget while meeting all your needs is a wise decision.
Machinery
Conventional lathes are one of the indispensable equipment in mechanical manufacturing, used for operations such as making parts, disassembly and assembly, repair and maintenance. For example, shafts, threads, bearings, gears and other parts all need to be processed by lathes to meet the needs of industrial manufacturing.
Automobile
Conventional lathes are used to manufacture automotive parts, such as pedals, handlebars, front and rear wheel hubs and other parts. Through precise lathe operations, product quality and service life can be improved.
Aerospace
In the aerospace manufacturing process, conventional lathes are used to process aircraft engine shafts, threads and other highly wear-resistant parts, which usually require extremely high precision. High-precision processing of conventional lathes can effectively improve product quality.
Molds
Conventional lathes can ensure the processing accuracy of molds and avoid errors in mold parts due to processing technology problems. Automotive molds, plastic molds, die-casting molds, etc. all require lathes for processing.
Components of Conventional Lathe
Bed: The main parts of the lathe machine are installed on the bed, so that they maintain an accurate relative position during work.The carriage and tailstock slide on a finely machined bed surface.
Main Spindle: The main spindle consists of the spindle and the spindle drive system. The main spindle contains many of the moving parts of the lathe, including the motors, gears and chuck. The C-axis drive that helps position the material is also mounted with the spindle.
Sub-Spindle: The sub-spindle works in synchrony with the main spindle to complete the first and second cutting operations on a lathe. This improves efficiency and output per cycle.
Headstock: The headstock is mounted rigidly to the bed and holds all the mechanisms, including various kinds and combinations of pulleys or gears. Headstock medium spindle is a key part of the lathe.
Feed Box: The feed box is equipped with a speed change mechanism for feeding motion. Adjust the speed change mechanism to obtain the required feed amount or pitch, and transmit the motion to the tool holder through the smooth screw or lead screw for cutting.The lead screw is specially used for turning various threads. When turning other surfaces of the workpiece, only the smooth screw is used instead of the lead screw.
Chuck: A chuck is a vice-like structure that grips the workpieces to be machined. It is attached to the main spindle that rotates both the chuck and the workpiece.
Tool Holder: The tool holder is composed of several layers of tool posts. Its function is to clamp the tool and make the tool move longitudinally, laterally or obliquely.
Tailstock: As a rear center for positioning support, it can also be installed with hole processing tools such as drills and reamers for hole processing.
Guide Way: It is what allows the tool to move horizontally and vertically to achieve a smooth cutting process.
How to Maintain Conventional Lathe
Keep Tools Off The Lathe Ways
Any tools necessary while working with the conventional lathe should be placed on a separate table and not on the lathe ways. While it may seem convenient to put tools on the lathe ways, the vibration when running may cause them to fall into the lathe machine. This is a health hazard to the personnel and can also cause severe damage to the machine.
Lubricate
The conventional lathe is primarily made of metal components. Lathe operators should always ensure that the machine is well lubricated before operating. Failure to do so could lead to severe compromise in the precision of the metal cutting tools. The oil level in the reservoir tanks should be checked frequently and topped up if it has dropped below the halfway mark. The feed screws, moving joints, and bearings should also be lubricated to work smoothly before any project. In addition to lubrication, the coolant reservoir should be inspected periodically. While the coolant may not be as frequently used as the oil, it is recommended to ensure that its reservoir is filled.
Clean Spindle Tapers
Spindle tapers can experience axial or radial runout. Axial runout occurs when the spindle rotates outside its axis. Radial runout is an error that occurs in the motion perpendicular to the spindle axis. The spindle tapers should be inspected and cleaned with a soft, lint-free cloth when tools are being changed. A coat of all-purpose machine oil should also be applied.
Clean Dust
Working with cast iron, plastic or wood will produce dust. This dust can cling to workpieces and on the conventional lathe. Dust from cast iron is abrasive and can stick to the machine’s lubrication. Operators need to wipe off the dust on the machine, workpieces, and way wipes. The way wipes should be replaced once they are worn out. Fine metal chips can cause damage to the chuck if not removed. The lathe jaws should therefore be detached before inspecting the chucks for any fine metal chips lodged there during operation.
Protect The Machine From Rust
Rust is always a big factor to consider when working with metallic machines. Proper protection has to be made for machines. It is essential with machines near large sea bodies because of the high humidity levels. Rust can cause weakening of the conventional lathe structure, corrosion, and damaged parts. To guard against rust, conventional lathe should be cleaned regularly and coated with oils that inhibit corrosion. The machine should also be covered when not in use. The cover should be ventilated if the lathe machine will remain in storage for long.
6 Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Conventional Lathe
Your Machine Setting Is Too Fast
Your lathe machine can operate at various speeds depending on what material you are using. Changing the speed of your lathe can result in your setting being too fast for cutting threads. Maintaining the right speed and feed of your lathe machine is crucial. Like a car, it can quickly lose control when a lathe is working at an increased rate. This makes the cutting process more difficult and even dangerous.
You Are Cutting Too Slowly
Not only will a slow cutting process affect the quality of your workpiece, but it can also increase friction, causing excess heat. Having the correct speed ensures a clean and precise cut, which you aim for when making a high-quality product. Setting the machine too slow limits its performance and potentially damages your work. The added friction also increases fire risk, mainly when working with wood, putting the user's safety at an increased risk.
Lack of Maintenance
Failure to properly maintain your lathe machine is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. If you use a device that is not regularly serviced and repaired, you will lose your safety certification and put users at extreme risk. Faulty lathes can lead to costly replacements or worse payouts for workplace injuries.
Incorrect Height Setting
Placing your lathe in the correct position is essential in the cutting process. The material you are working with determines where you should put the lathe. If working with metal, the machine should be positioned to the chuck’s right and at middle height. Suppose your lathe machine is set to the incorrect height. In that case, it can affect the dimension of the slashing, affecting cutting accuracy.
Loose Tailstock
Your machine’s tailstock is another factor that can affect the cutting quality and increase imperfections. Before feeding your workpiece into the chuck, you must ensure the tailstock is locked down. You can do this by screwing all of the loose bolts tight. This way, you will ensure a clean cut and finish.
Not Following Safety Regulations
A lathe machine is an extremely powerful piece of machinery, so you need to ensure those using it are thoroughly trained and aware of its dangers. If you know how to operate your lathe correctly, you must ensure that you are following all the correct safety precautions. This will help you maintain a safe working environment for yourself and your workforce. You must wear all of the mandatory protective workwear to minimise the risk of injury.
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