How Does a Metal Lathe Work?
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Spindle
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A metal lathe works by spinning a piece of metal at a high rate on a spindle. The metal is usually a long cylinder shaped rod or a flat sheet of metal. As this spindle turns the metal, a tool is pressed to the surface of the metal with a certain amount of force. This action forces the metal to be cut or shaped into a form that is symmetrical on all sides. The metal can be gouged or cut, twisted, or formed on the spindle as it turns.
Flat Sheets and Rods
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In the case of a flat metal sheet, a dull pointed tool is pressed to the sheet near the center and pulled across the axis of the spindle. This shapes the sheet metal into a cup shape and is typically used for softer metals like pewter to make bowls and cups. A metal rod may be cut or carved it a metal furniture leg, or an actuator arm for a high tech component. There are many uses of the metal lathe.
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Bits, Carriages and Slides
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The lathe has a headstock where the main spindle and speed controls are located. It also features a bed which is the main body of the machine. The carriage is where the tool bit is located. This is held in position on a long rod that is parallel to the spindle so it can slide along the surface of the metal. The cross slide is mounted on top of the carriage. This is positioned by turning a screw which moves the slide back and forth across the spindle.
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