Lathe
The lathe is the oldest variety of machine tool; primitive examples existed in ancient Egypt. Medieval craftsmen used manual lathes to make products from wood, soft metals, and ivory.
A lathe works by turning a workpiece, then selectively removing material by applying cutting tools to the spinning object. Lathes create finished products that are symmetrical. (As an analogy, think of the symmetry of the products that are produced on a potter’s wheel.)
In lathe operations, a workpiece is held in place by one or two centers. At least one of these centers can be moved horizontally, allowing the operator to accommodate workpieces of various lengths.
Modern metalworking lathes include the following parts:
Headstock: The headstock contains the most essential components of the lathe: the main spindle, and the mechanisms that control the lathe’s speeds and gear changes. The headstock area is surrounded by a sheet metal housing.
Spindle: The spindle is fitted into the headstock so that the spindle nose projects out of the headstock casting. The spindle is hollow. Its nose end is usually threaded and tapered. Either a faceplate or a chuck and be placed onto the spindle nose.
Bed: The bed is a sturdy metal base that is attached to the headstock.
Carriage assembly: The carriage supports the lathe's saddle, cross slide, apron, and compound rest. The carriage assembly moves lengthwise over the ways between the headstock and the tailstock.
Tailstock: The tailstock slides over the bed ways. It contains the tailstock spindle.
Saddle: This is an H-shaped casting that rides on the outer ways of the lathe bed. The saddle can be moved along the ways.