Lathes: Difference between revisions

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A lathe is the machine you need for [[turning]]: it spins the workpiece around a horizontal axis so that sharp semi-stationary tools can shape it by removing material.
A lathe is the machine you need for [[turning]]: it spins the workpiece around a horizontal axis so that sharp semi-stationary tools can shape it by removing material.
Workpieces are either held on both ends ("between centers") and supported by the motor-driven headstock (''Spindelstock'') and the passively rotating tailstock (''Reitstock''). The tailstock can be moved along the lathe bed as the length of the workpiece dictates.


We have two different lathes at the CoMakingSpace:
We have two different lathes at the CoMakingSpace:
* a [[Metal Lathe|metal lathe]], used with precisely positionable [[Tool Bits|tool bits]] and gears for semi-automatic turning
* a [[Metal Lathe|metal lathe]], used with precisely positionable [[Tool Bits|tool bits]] and gears for semi-automatic turning
* a [[Wood Lathe|wood lathe]], used with handheld [[Woodturning Tools|woodturning tools]] in a more freeform approach
* a [[Wood Lathe|wood lathe]], used with handheld [[Woodturning Tools|woodturning tools]] in a more freeform approach
== Morse Taper ==
Many lathes have tailstocks with Morse taper fittings - a quick-change conical connection that provides very good holding force by its large surface contact area. <sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_taper]</sup>
Drill chucks and collets are among the accessories one could mount using this taper.





Revision as of 18:29, 27 December 2017

A lathe is the machine you need for turning: it spins the workpiece around a horizontal axis so that sharp semi-stationary tools can shape it by removing material.

Workpieces are either held on both ends ("between centers") and supported by the motor-driven headstock (Spindelstock) and the passively rotating tailstock (Reitstock). The tailstock can be moved along the lathe bed as the length of the workpiece dictates.

We have two different lathes at the CoMakingSpace:

Morse Taper

Many lathes have tailstocks with Morse taper fittings - a quick-change conical connection that provides very good holding force by its large surface contact area. [1]

Drill chucks and collets are among the accessories one could mount using this taper.