Intro to the metal lathe: Difference between revisions
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[[:Category:Lathes -- Metal|Metal lathes]] are versatile tools that we use to make precise round parts. These kinds of precise round parts show up in everything from small consumer goods to heavy industrial machinery, and they make smooth and efficient movement possible. Metal lathes achieve this through accurate linear movement and rigidity, which allows us to make parts with exacting dimensions and concentric features. In this class, we'll learn how to safely operate the manual metal lathes, produce some simple parts, and explore some of the many ways we can fabricate parts with a manual metal lathe. | [[:Category:Lathes -- Metal|Metal lathes]] are versatile tools that we use to make precise round parts. These kinds of precise round parts show up in everything from small consumer goods to heavy industrial machinery, and they make smooth and efficient movement possible. Metal lathes achieve this through accurate linear movement and rigidity, which allows us to make parts with exacting dimensions and concentric features. In this class, we'll learn how to safely operate the manual metal lathes, produce some simple parts, and explore some of the many ways we can fabricate parts with a manual metal lathe. | ||
[[File:Eccentric.png|alt=an eccentric bullseye|thumb|300x300px|The circular components of this bullseye do not share the same center, so they are ''eccentric.'']] | |||
== How does a metal lathe work? == | == How does a metal lathe work? == | ||
=== Concentricity: the superpower of a metal lathe === | |||
[[File:Concentric.png|alt=Bullseye with concentric rings|thumb|This bullseye has circular components that share the same center.]] | |||
Concentric objects share the same center. On a lathe, we're mostly concerned about concentric, coaxial parts. A metal lathe creates concentricity because the spindle rotates in an accurate circle, so every cut will be concentric to the spindle bore. | |||
Revision as of 19:55, 2 April 2024
Metal lathes are versatile tools that we use to make precise round parts. These kinds of precise round parts show up in everything from small consumer goods to heavy industrial machinery, and they make smooth and efficient movement possible. Metal lathes achieve this through accurate linear movement and rigidity, which allows us to make parts with exacting dimensions and concentric features. In this class, we'll learn how to safely operate the manual metal lathes, produce some simple parts, and explore some of the many ways we can fabricate parts with a manual metal lathe.
How does a metal lathe work?
Concentricity: the superpower of a metal lathe
Concentric objects share the same center. On a lathe, we're mostly concerned about concentric, coaxial parts. A metal lathe creates concentricity because the spindle rotates in an accurate circle, so every cut will be concentric to the spindle bore.
