Lathe

A lathe is a type of machine used to shape materials. Various kinds of manufacturing processes such as woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, spin welding and glassworking use lathes.

A lathe works by turning a workpiece on an axis and applying a tool to shape it. The machine is driven, usually by an electric motor, to rotate a workpiece on a chuck. The machine rotates the metal, and the cutting tool is manually controlled in different directions to shape the material. Most lathes turn the workpiece on a horizontal axis; the potter's wheel uses a vertical axis. There are various types of lathe machine but horizontal lathes are used widely.

CNC (Computer numerical control) lathes can perform the same functions more accurately than manual lathes. Lathes work by using accessories such as cutting tools and rests.

Examples of objects that can be made using a lathe are: candlestick holders, gun barrels, cue sticks and baseball bats.

Wood lathes

The lathe is driven by a motor that rotates a blank of wood between two centres – the fork centre and the centre – that hold it in place. The machine rotates the wood and the user uses a variety of chisels to shape the wood by moving the chisels along a tool rest.

Metal lathes

A metal lathe is similar to the wood lathe in the type of shapes it can produce but designed to work on metals.

The types of processes involved in metal lathe manufacturing include:

• Turning – The cutting tool cuts parallel to the centre to reduce the outside diameter.
• Facing off – The end of a metal bar is cut level so the end is flat.
• Chamfering – The cutting tool cuts an angle or taper.
• Parting – The cutting tool cuts a notch or groove or cuts through the workpiece to separate it from the rest.

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