Different Types of Lathe Machines
Lathes literally keep the manufacturing world spinning. A lathe works by spinning a piece of material, such as wood or metal, at a high speed while a tool is applied to the rotating material. The result is a symmetrical cylinder. Below is a list of the different kinds of lathes being used today.
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Wood Lathes
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Popular with both hobbyist and professionals alike, the wood lathe makes everything from baseball bats to chair legs and bedposts. Most round wood pieces are spun on a wood lathe to achieve a smooth feel and look.
Metal Lathes
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Found mostly on factory floors, and often hooked up to computers with robotic arms, metal lathes are used for precision operations like threading and boring.
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Glass Lathes
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Whether forming the next piece of high-end art or filling an order for a scientific lab, glass workers use a lathe to shape their medium. Glass lathes safely spin glass tubing over a flame until the material is pliable for shaping.
Pottery Wheel
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The pottery wheel is the only lathe where the operator may safely use her hands to shape the material. Though most lathes are horizontal, the pottery wheel spins its material about a vertical axis.
Fun Fact
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The pottery wheel has been around for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
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