How to Operate a Metal Lathe
Whether you are operating a manual or a CNC lathe, there are steps that you must follow to maintain accuracy and assure the safety of yourself and your your machine. As machining can be dangerous, it is important that the operator understand the power of the machine and the many safety features built into it for protection. Using common sense and routine, you can safely and effectively operate a lathe.
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Instructions
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Blow off the spindle and the tooling to prevent metal chip build-up. If you insert a new piece of raw material on a chip you can compromise the accuracy of the machining process. Chips in the spindle jaws can also allow raw material to come loose during machining, which can cause damage to the machine and the operator.
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Loosen the jaws of the spindle. On a CNC lathe, press the foot-switch, which will automatically open the chuck jaws to allow you to insert a new piece of raw material. Hit the foot-switch again to re-tighten the jaws. On a manual lathe, use the chuck key to open the jaws enough to fit the new material. Turn the key the other way to tighten the jaws on the raw material for the machining process.
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Close the door on a CNC lathe, as the machine will not start until the door is closed. This is one of the many safety features built into a CNC lathe.
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Press the start button or engage the spindle start on a manual lathe. On a CNC lathe, the tool turret will switch to the first tool listed in the program and bring it toward the raw material. On a manual, you use only one tool, so as an operator, you are to bring it towards the raw material yourself.
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Allow the CNC machine to finish the part and make sure that coolant flow remains constant by looking through the window as each tool is brought to the part for machining. If there is a problem, you can pause the machine and re-adjust the coolant mid-cycle. On a manual lathe, you can set up a mister or use a bottle of coolant yourself to keep the heat down and assure a good finish.
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Remove the finished piece from the jaws the same way you inserted it. Blow off all of the chips from the jaws and the tools and move on to the next part.
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Tips & Warnings
If there are tool changes necessary, you can leave the partly-finished material in the jaw and start the program where you left off.
Watch the tool pressure meter, if there is a spike in pressure, you may have a broken tip or drill.
Never open the door of a CNC lathe until you have paused the machining process.
Always wear eye protection.
