How to choose a metal lathe. Types of lathes. Criteria for choosing a lathe Which lathe is the best

When making a rating of desktop lathes for metal, it is necessary to understand that the category "desktop machine" includes a fairly wide range of turning equipment. At the same time, the word "desktop" only means that this turning equipment is not mounted on a foundation, but on a special table-stand or workbench. The weight of such machines can range from several tens to several hundred kilograms, and their dimensions can range from tens of centimeters to one and a half to two meters. A very wide range of turning works is performed on such equipment.

At the same time, most of the range of various parts is processed on small bench-top lathes with the following main technological parameters:

  • external turning diameter over the bed - 150-250 mm;
  • center-to-center distance - 200-600 mm;
  • through hole in the spindle with a diameter of 20-30 mm;
  • spindle speed - 50-2500 rpm;
  • engine power - 250-1500 W.

Models under consideration

For comparison, five models were selected whose characteristics correspond to the specified ranges of technological parameters. The most typical models for their class were chosen, which are widely represented on the market and are quite popular among users.

The best bench-top lathes have approximately the same technological characteristics, which, as a rule, are proportional to their weight and dimensions.

In the comparison table (see below), the selected machines are ranked by weight and size. Only their main technical parameters are given here, and the result of the analysis and our rating of table metal lathes are set out in the next section.

Turning diameter over bed, mm280 250 180 210 180
Center-to-center distance, mm700 550 300 400 200
Through hole in the spindle, mm38 26 21 21 20
Spindle speed, rpm50-1800 50-2000 150-2500 50-2500 100-2500
Engine power, kW1.5 1.1 0.6 0.6 0.25
Overall, mm1400 × 550 × 5001100 × 590 × 500830 × 395 × 355890 × 390 × 310600 × 300 × 300
Weight, kg190 120 65 58 33
Estimated price, rub.195 000 145 000 60 000 75 000 50 000

Produced in China by the renowned international brand Stalex. This is the heaviest and most dimensional model from the analyzed group: its weight is 190 kg, length - 1400 mm, width - 550 mm and height - 500 mm. Main drive power - 1.5 kW. Unlike other models, its standard delivery includes two rests.

Model of the same international brand, but somewhat smaller. It weighs 120 kg and measures 1100 mm in length, 550 mm in width and 500 mm in height. Like all Stalex equipment of this type, it has a stepless spindle speed controller with electronic speed indication. Its standard delivery includes a set of forward and reverse jaws for the lathe chuck.

  1. METALMASTER MML 1830V (MML 180x300V Turner)

MetalMaster is a well-known Russian-German group of engineering companies producing metal-cutting equipment in Poland, China and Russia. The MML 1830V has been produced in China since 2016 and is a modified version of the previous model of this machine. Its overall dimensions (length / width / height, mm) are 830 × 395 × 355, and its weight is 65 kg. Engine power - 600 W, control - stepless in two ranges. Includes center thrust and counter cams, and metal replacement guitar gears.

The table turning equipment of the Swiss brand Jet is now manufactured in China. Jet BD-8VS is similar in size and weight to METALMASTER MML 1830V, has the same power and engine speed, but almost a quarter more expensive than the latter. Recently, these Swiss-Chinese machines began to be equipped with a set of plastic replaceable gears.




This model is distinguished by its light weight (33 kg), compact dimensions (length - 600 mm, width - 300 mm, height - 300 mm) and a low-power motor (250 W). In terms of its layout and equipment, it is similar to the older Jet BD-8VS model.

Comparison principle and rating

It is almost impossible to choose the best desktop lathe for metal based on technical indicators alone. These machines have limited resource and technical capabilities. Therefore, they are used for the production of single items, using, as a rule, as needed. Their “target audience” is not even a small machine-building business, but small experimental production facilities in scientific institutions, small repair shops, car services, vocational schools, technical circles, as well as home craftsmen, for whom the best option is a desktop ...

Therefore, we will compare the selected models according to our own criteria, which may be somewhat subjective, but still better than a direct comparison of technical parameters:

  1. Specifications. Their range and usefulness for all user groups.
  2. "Desktop". Accommodation in a confined space without special preparation of the site, as well as the ability to move by one or two people.
  3. Cost. Affordable for all user groups.
  4. Design. Advantages and disadvantages of the machine tool design (silence about design features reported by other manufacturers of this type of equipment will be considered a disadvantage).
  5. Service. Convenience of service and availability of a network of service centers.

For each item, marks are given on a five-point scale, which are then summed up in the final rating. Below is a summary table of ratings and a summary rating for benchtop lathes:

Specifications5 5 4 4 3
"Tabletop"5 5 5 3 3
The cost5 3 3 3 3
Design5 3 3 4 4
Service3 5 5 5 5
TOTAL:23 21 20 19 18

Thus, the best, repair shop, car service and educational institution is METALMASTER MML 1830V.

The volume of the article does not allow describing each assessment in detail, especially since some of them are quite obvious.

Nevertheless, individual estimates need to be briefly explained.

  1. Section "Construction". METALMASTER is highly appreciated due to the fact that he is one of the few who indicates the types of bearings, the way of machining the bed, etc., as well as such key parameters as the radial runout of the spindle. Stalex announces the use of tapered roller bearings in the spindle, but this is limited. Jet's information on this is minimal, and it uses plastic gears, which is mixed by some users.
  2. Section "Specifications". The reason for the high praise of the Jet BD-6 is that this machine, with its modest dimensions, has the best ratio of center distance to length and maximum turning diameter to machine height.
  3. Section "Service" The reason for the low rating of METALMASTER is that this manufacturer does not have a network of service centers in Russia.

As a conclusion, I would like to note that this rating system is not intended to compile narrowly focused ratings, such as "the best lathe for the garage" or "the best machine in terms of price and quality." Its purpose is just the opposite - to analyze the parameters of bench-top turning equipment from different points of view and in the interests of all user groups.


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Often at home it is required to cut metal to make a product.Metal lathe for home is a reduced analogue of the production sample.

Despite the lower performance than industrial equipment, home appliances are indispensable when working with small workpieces.

Why a lathe at home

Very often, a home craftsman needs to make or process any metal part, but he does not have the necessary tools at hand, or they are not enough for this. In this case, you have to apply for a paid service to a specialist or ask your friends for help. Therefore, it is very convenient when at home or in the garage there is a personalsmall lathe... It can be used to perform many tasks:

  1. Internal and external threading at different frequencies.
  2. Boring the workpiece to the required size.
  3. Possibility to grind a cone or cylindrical part.
  4. Turning parts.
  5. End processing.
  6. Drilling holes.
  7. Countersinking.
  8. Reamer of holes.
  9. Grinding grooves and grooves.
  10. Trimming parts.

If you install additionalspare parts for metal lathes, you can extend the relatively small functionality of a small home tool.

Home lathe for turning

Turning equipment for home use in its functionality is analogous to the machine that is installed in factories, but with its help only small parts and spare parts can be processed. However, for personal use this is sufficient.

The equipment is a complex structure of several elements attached to the frame. A mandatory requirement for the bed is its stability.

Lathes for the home workshop equipped with a part that holds the cutter in the required position. Depending on what type of work is being done, cutters and drills are replaced with suitable ones.

Advantages of home equipment:

  1. Low energy consumption. To power a small desktop machine, it is enough to connect to a household power supply with a voltage of 220 V.
  2. The equipment can be adapted for connection to a three-phase network.
  3. Reliability of the unit due to its uncomplicated design, which, moreover, ensures a long service life.
  4. Affordable cost in comparison with professional equipment.
  5. Due to its compactness and low weight, the equipment can be easily placed in a home workshop. There are not just small, but mini-machines that are very convenient for personal use.
  6. The ability to expand functionality after installing additional devices.
  7. You can learn how to work with the instrument from scratch and in a short period of time.

Equipment types

For home use, desktop mini-units and semi-professional equipment are used. Semi-professional equipment, more powerful than mini-machines, is used for piece production, as well as drilling, milling. According to the method of processing parts, the devices can be divided into groups:

  1. Desktop turning and milling machine for metal.Used for the production of cuts and bevels, holes, grooves, facing, threading.
  2. Screw-cutting lathe for metal.It is used for turning and boring workpieces, cutting external and internal threads, production of various recesses. They are characterized by minimal spindle runout, high cost, it can be used to process products from various types of metals.
  3. Universal machines that are used for any kind of work.

Important! The milling machine can process not only metal, but also products from other materials. This versatility is due to the vertical position of the milling part.

Home equipment design

A home unit for turning work differs from industrial designs in lower productivity. Spare parts for this small-sized equipment of miniature dimensions. Structurally, small lathe for metal includes the following main nodes:

  1. Front bollard: This is where the drive motor is located and is started using a button on the front of the unit.
  2. U-shaped rear pedestal: electrical equipment is located here, which carries out high-precision control of the machine. The control panel is located on its upper part. This part of the tool has great stability due to the stiffening ribs located at the bottom and top.
  3. The main body of a turning tool is a frame or bed. It is fixed at the top of both pedestals, connecting them. The lead screw and the rack are located in front, and the headstock moves along the back.
  4. The feed box is equipped with a control panel that sets the required thread pitch and feed. A handle is located close to the console, which starts a screw or a moving shaft.
  5. Front lock (headstock): installed on the bed in a horizontal position, rotates the workpiece to be processed.
  6. The rear retainer secures the fixture and acts as a stop center.
  7. The spindle is a spare part located inside the front retainer.

Important! To ensure trouble-free operation, it is recommended to ensure that all parts of the equipment are treated with grease or oil.

Bench-type turning machines


Today, mainly imported units are produced. However, you can still find reliabletable lathes for metaltimes of the USSR.

Among them, the equipment of the 1M63 model stands out for threading, the manufacture of cylindrical and conical blanks.

Among the advantages are high speed of threading, ease of operation and maintenance.

Another popular model of Soviet times is 1I611P, which is used for high-precision machining of parts made of any kind of metal. The disadvantage of this sample is its heavy weight.

Popular among imported machineshousehold table metal lathe Czech production PROMA SM-250E. It has a low cost (up to 30 thousand rubles), is used for the processing and manufacture of both metal and non-metal products. The maximum part length should be 250 mm, the diameter above the bed is 14 cm, and the diameter above the carriage is 7.6 cm. The equipment performs most of the necessary tasks - from threading to reaming.

The Chinese-made Profi-350 model is also popular. This is a powerful enough machine (up to 350 W), used for processing any materials. The maximum diameter of the product is 18 cm. This equipment has a lot of additional possibilities, including the execution of tasks of processing, grinding and sharpening tools.

Among the more expensive samples, the Metalmaster MML can be distinguished. It is a universal lathe with mechanical and electronic control. Spindle revolutions are taken into account by digital display. One of the advantages is that the equipment can handle long workpieces up to 55 cm.

Garage units


Car enthusiasts probably often wonderwhich lathe to choose for the garage.

Of the small-sized options, the PROMA SM-250E model can be distinguished. Equipment weight 35 kg, the ability to process products with a maximum length of 21 cm and a diameter of up to 140 mm.

In addition, this model is capable of grinding workpieces, knurling, sharpening tools.

One more metal lathe for garage - it is a Corvette 401 or 403. The smallest model is equipped with a 0.5 kW electric drive with an indicator of 2500 rpm. Thanks to the presence of an electronic system, the Corvette keeps the same speed at any speed. The maximum length of the part to be processed must be 20 cm.

Mini machines

Micro lathe characterized by its small size, allowing it to be placed on a miniature stand or table. They are installed in home or school workshops that are not intended for mass production.

Most famousschool lathe for metal Is a TV-6 model. It is intended for teaching turning and is used for simple tasks: preparing holes, cutting off parts of elements, trimming ends, tapping.


Its advantage is its ease of use, as well as the absence of the generation of volatile compounds and dust. This is due to the fact that only non-ferrous metals and steel can be used during operation.

The limitation of the length of the workpiece to be processed is 35 cm, diameter - up to 20 mm.

Another model is the SM-300E. Differs in a small amount of power consumption, only 300 watts. It can be used to cut both metric and inch threads.

The maximum diameter of the workpiece is 1.8 and 1.1 mm. This is not a multifunctional, but miniature (only 73x33x33 cm), easy to maintain and daily use, apparatus.

Rules for choosing home equipment

When choosing a turning unit for home use, you should pay attention to some recommendations that will help you purchase a reliable and functional unit:

Point of choice Recommendation
Lathe power The recommended motor power, which is sufficient for home use, is in the range of 0.5-0.7 kW. Equipment with a capacity of 1 kW or more is semi-professional.
Engine It is recommended to choose models with an asynchronous motor, which ensures longer use of the unit.
The maximum value of the diameter of the workpiece For domestic use, a diameter of up to 400 mm is sufficient.
Gear material Instead of plastic, it is better to choose caprolon gears.
The presence or absence of roller bearings on the spindle Due to the presence of rollers, high machining accuracy is achieved.
RPM speed For the first gear: 0-1500, for the second - 0-2500.
Number of speeds One or two
Front headstock type It is preferable to choose a model with a through hole for grinding long parts.
Weight and dimensions The dimensions should be comfortable for use in a small space, and the weight should be sufficient for the workbench to hold it firmly. The maximum recommended weight is 90 kg.
Power grid parameters Usual mini lathe connected to a 220 V electrical network. Do not give preference to a unit operating from a three-phase network, so as not to lay additional wires.
Limb division step The smaller the scale, the more accurate the equipment works.
Reverse A useful but not required addition.
Additional equipment It is more economical to purchase a model with a basic complete set and expand it in the future with the necessary equipment than to buy a unit in which they are already included.
Manual control of tool movement Model with the ability to independently switch the direction of the cutter is preferable.

In addition, you should pay attention to the following points:

  1. Intensity of exploitation. If you plan to use the device rarely, you shouldn't choose a powerful model.
  2. Accuracy of speed control: the more accurate it is, the more choice of materials to be processed and the better the processing.
  3. The power of the unit will depend on the type of material used for work.

Advice! When choosing a machine, you should focus on Russian manufacturers: their products are easier and cheaper to operate, since service centers and spare parts with consumables are located in Russia.


An equally important criterion when choosing equipment is its lathe price.

Despite the fact that this is not a professional device, the price of a mini-machine can reach several hundred thousand rubles.

Therefore, you need to proceed from your financial capabilities.

You need to choose a machine with the necessary functions, but not the lowest price category.

In order for the equipment to serve for a long time and without interruption, it is necessary to properly service it before and after work:

  1. Before starting up the unit, check if there are any problems. The launch is carried out only after the elimination of the breakdown.
  2. The lead screw and the cutter slides must be lubricated with a special oil: daily for three or four hours of operation and twice a day for more intensive use.
  3. As work is completed, shavings should be removed, the surface of the machine cleaned, and cutting tools removed from the equipment. All units are wiped dry and the drive belts are checked for wear.
  4. The condition of the protective cover should be checked regularly.

Table lathe for metal - useful equipment for every home craftsman. Among the variety of models, you can choose the one suitable for certain parameters. It is important to remember that for long-term operation it is necessary to follow simple rules for servicing the machine.

Desktop is a good model for a home, garage or small workshop, because the functionality of such a device allows you to effectively use it to perform a large list of technological operations. In fact, this is a miniature copy of the factory model, differing from it only in slightly limited technical capabilities.

Features and benefits of bench-top machines

A mini lathe, which is logical, is specially designed so that small products can be processed on it. As with any equipment of the turning group, on a small machine you can perform various technological operations on metal: turning cylindrical and conical parts, trimming their ends, grinding, drilling, reaming holes, cutting external and internal threads, etc.

Despite the fact that processing on such units is performed at a much slower speed than on full-size units, the quality of finished products does not suffer from this. Their quality will be especially high if the mini-lathe is controlled by the CNC system.

Small models for metal, which are very easy to operate, are used not only to equip home workshops, where they can be used to make many products or bring the quality of finished products to the required level. Small shops and vehicle repair shops are no less successfully equipped with such units. Since the times of the USSR, schools and technical educational institutions have been equipped with similar machines, where with their help young people were taught the basics of the profession of a turner.

Among the advantages that a small-sized lathe possesses, the most significant are:

  • use of a household electrical network with a voltage of 220 V to power such a machine;
  • the ability to adapt such a device in order to connect it to a three-phase network;
  • low power consumption;
  • reliability that allows you to successfully operate such a micro-lathe, subject to proper maintenance for more than a dozen years;
  • affordable cost (many can afford to purchase such equipment);
  • compact size and low weight, which makes it possible to install this even in a cramped workshop or garage;
  • the ability to learn how to work on such a device in a short period of time, while the operation and maintenance of the machine will not cause any particular difficulties even for a novice turner.
Among the table-top lathes there is a category of the most compact models, which are usually called mini-lathes. The video below provides an overview of one such portable machine.

An important advantage of such equipment is also the fact that it can be additionally equipped with various devices, which makes it possible to effectively use tools on it for performing milling and complex drilling of workpieces. With the help of such a simple refinement, you get at your disposal already desktop, that is, universal equipment with wide functionality.

Any desktop lathe, regardless of the model, can be characterized by several basic parameters. These include:

  • the mass of the device, which is measured in kilograms;
  • power, measured in kilowatts;
  • the speed, expressed in the number of revolutions per unit of time, with which its spindle rotates;
  • the height of the centers (expressed in millimeters);
  • the maximum length and diameter of the workpiece (in mm) that can be processed on such a unit;
  • the number of speeds that the device drive can provide (as a rule, a desktop lathe has no more than six such speeds);
  • the diameter of the hole in the spindle unit (measured in millimeters).

One of the representatives of compact bench-top machines

Turning units, which are classified as small, can have a mass from 40 to 280 kg, respectively, their overall dimensions also vary. To equip a home workshop, it is recommended to choose devices with a minimum weight: up to 50 kg, which are convenient to install and can even be carried, if necessary. Heavier equipment, even if it is desktop, already falls into the semi-professional category.

The power that small lathes of the group have, usually does not exceed 2.25 kW. Some types of home machines belonging to the low-power category are equipped with a drive with a power of 0.15 kW. Paying attention to this parameter of the machine, you should decide in advance for processing parts from what materials and with what dimensions you are going to use it. It is important to do this not only in order to initially select a household machine of the required power, but also so as not to overpay extra money for a unit that will not be used at its full capacity.

Even with small dimensions, a lathe for a garage or home workshop does not cease to be a complex technical device, the quality of its components directly affects the accuracy of processing, as well as the reliability and durability of the equipment. The build quality of such components is also of great importance, as well as the material from which they are made. The last two parameters are especially important for the following structural elements of the turning unit:

  • machine support, which is responsible for the reliability and accuracy of fastening of the cutting tool, as well as for its movement during processing;
  • bed - a bearing element on which all the units and mechanisms of the machine are located and fixed.

The metal from which these structural elements are made must be of exceptional strength and have a carefully polished surface. Only if these important conditions are met, you can count on the fact that your household machine will last for many years without losing its original characteristics. When choosing a home turning device for metalwork, you should also take into account the frequency of its use, which determines the rate of wear of its constituent elements.

In the domestic market, table-top lathes are presented in a large assortment of models and brands. It is very easy to get confused in such a variety of options, so to help you make the right choice, consider some models of metal lathes from the most popular manufacturers.

JET machines

Desktop lathes, which have been produced by the Swiss company JET for more than 50 years, have won immense popularity among DIYers and small business owners by chance. Even in spite of the fact that recently some of the units of these machines are produced in factories in China, their quality remains impeccable. Providing high quality, precision and efficiency of processing, these units do not cause problems during operation, they are easy to maintain.

The most popular models of machines of this brand include the following.

BD-3 is a miniature machine that can be used equally successfully by both amateurs and professionals. The frame of such a device is made of cast iron, which significantly reduces vibrations during its operation. The guides of the machine, which can be adjusted along the cross slide, are carefully ground, this ensures the accuracy of movement along them. The equipment is equipped with a low-power (0.15 kW), but very efficient motor, which reduces energy consumption. The spindle of such a miniature unit can rotate in the range of 100-3800 rpm. The manufacturer even provided for the possibility of self-service maintenance of the equipment, for which the standard set includes an additional tool holder and a three-jaw chuck with a working section of 50 mm.

JET BD-3 machine, costs from 42,000 rubles

The BD-7 is a machine for a home or a small business, characterized by a number of remarkable design features: a massive cast iron bed that reduces vibration of the unit, two ranges of spindle speed, the data on which is reflected on a digital indicator, the spindle itself, equipped with roller bearings. Such a metal machine is very reliable. The tailstock of this model can be adjusted, which makes it possible to use it for processing tapered surfaces. Due to the presence of a reverse mechanism, the workpiece on such a unit can be fed in two directions. On such a device, it will turn out to cut a thread, since its spindle can rotate in different directions. Compared to the previous model, this machine has more power, it has a 0.37 kW electric motor.

JET BD-7 machine, costs about 80 thousand rubles

BD-8A is a bench-top machine in which the longitudinal and transverse feed are automated. such a machine is quickly rearranged, it is also equipped with a reversing mechanism, allowing it to be used for threading. In the holder of the unit, four tools can be installed simultaneously, and its thrust center is made according to a non-rotating pattern. The three-jaw chuck of the machine with a working diameter of 100 mm is protected by a special screen, which increases the operator's safety. As a drive, this machine is equipped with an electric motor with a power of 0.55 kW.

JET BD-8A machine, price from 170,000 rubles

The JET company also produces more powerful machines, which are often purchased not for the home, but for equipping small workshops. Such equipment, in particular, includes BD-9G, BD-920W, BD-11W.

Equipment from other manufacturers

On the domestic market, the products of the Czech company PROMA, which have been producing such equipment for more than 20 years, have proven themselves to be excellent. Among the variety of lathes and screw-cutting lathes for home or small businesses that this company produces, the following devices should be noted.

  • The SM-250E is a truly micro lathe weighing only 23 kg. With its modest dimensions, such a unit can boast of excellent technical characteristics. It is this machine that is best installed at home if you are going to perform metal turning work at an amateur level. What is important, due to the high reliability of its design, such a miniature machine practically does not need special service during the entire warranty period.
  • SK-400 is a universal unit with a mass of 120 kg. This machine, with which you can perform the entire range of metal turning and drilling of workpieces, is mainly used to equip vehicle service stations.
  • SPA-500 is a semi-professional model that can often be found not only in small workshops, but also in repair shops of manufacturing enterprises.

PROMA SPA-500, cost about 130,000 rubles

A number of models of machine tools produced under this trademark enjoy well-deserved popularity: SPA-500P, SK-550, SPB-400/400, SPA-700P.

Domestic lathes for metalwork are also presented on the modern market; they can often be found in educational and home workshops. Using devices that are unpretentious in operation and maintenance, you can quickly learn the basics of the turning profession. Among the models of miniature lathes produced by domestic manufacturers are TV-6, TV-9, TV-16.

In addition, for equipping a home workshop or a small business, you can pay attention to lathes from the following manufacturers.

  • OPTIMUM is a German trade mark, under which lathes are produced, including miniature lathes, well known and appreciated by specialists throughout Europe. The most famous models of machine tools for metalwork of this brand, on which the CNC system can be installed, are D140x250, D210x400, D250x550.
  • The Chinese company Weiss Machinery, which produces inexpensive, but high-quality, reliable and functional turning equipment. The most popular models that are known in many countries around the world are: WM-180V, WM-250V, WM-250G, WMP-300A, ML-200.

Desktop CNC machines

Any CNC-controlled metal lathe is capable of performing all the same technological operations as a manual unit. But such a machine does it much faster and more accurately, and it is very important that the human factor does not negatively affect the correctness of the processing process, and this practically excludes errors.

Due to the control with the help of a computer program on such machines, the tool is quickly changed, and the accuracy of all technological operations is constantly monitored. Carrying out high-quality processing, such machines work almost independently, to operate them requires minimal human intervention, which in the best way affects the quality of work.

Such machines (including small ones) are very effective when performing such technological operations as marking, engraving, shaped turning, etc. Naturally, to perform all operations, it is necessary to install the appropriate tool on the machine.

The most popular models of metal lathes equipped with CNC systems, which are presented on the domestic market, are devices manufactured under the OPTIMUM trademark: D210x400, D240x500G, TU2506, as well as JET products: BD-8CNC, etc.

In particular, the products of the OPTIMUM trademark are distinguished by the following advantages:

  • you can urgently turn off the machine using a special button;
  • processing accuracy is high, as it is provided by an intelligent CNC system;
  • machine guides, which have a prismatic shape, are made of cast iron, hardened and carefully ground;
  • to make the frame of the device even stronger, it is subjected to natural aging, which lasts six months;
  • on machines of this brand, you can cut any type of thread;
  • the electric motor installed on OPTIMUM machines is maintenance-free.

Formation of control commands on such machines is provided by a special computer program NC Drive. This program, which is a universal tool, can control such options of the machine as changing the cutting tool, machining cycles, movement of the equipment axes, movement of the cutting tool relative to the workpiece: linear, circular, spiral.

The choice of a lathe is a purely individual matter. When choosing it, it is necessary to take into account, first of all, the purpose in production. The dimensions and weight of the machine itself depend on the number of operations that are supposed to be performed on it, the size of the workpieces in diameter and length. When choosing a machine for large batches of production of the same type of parts, it is better to choose a CNC machine with a multi-spindle head if the part needs to be processed with several cutters at once.

General view of a screw-cutting lathe with DRO

Universal machines with the ability to process one or more cutters at the same time are classified as light and medium-weight machines. When choosing a lathe for an enterprise equipment repair workshop or a car park garage, it is better to opt for universal metal equipment with manual or semi-automatic control. When manufacturing parts from bars, it is necessary to measure the diameter of the spindle bore with the diameter required for the production of bar parts.

To choose a reliable lathe, you need to pay attention to the material and method of fastening the bed guides, it serves not only as a box for attaching headstock, guitar, apron, but its transverse guides are used to move mechanisms directly involved in the work process along them. The more reliable, massive and stable the bed, the less vibrations and the higher the accuracy of the machine.

Machine selection video

When working on metal, the guides of the machine are subjected to strong loads, so the bed must be made of very strong metal, mainly cast iron. The fastening of the rails to the uprights can be done by bolting or welding. This does not affect the structural rigidity of a large role, but the bolted connection will have to be checked more often.

In the organization of the workplace, pedestals play an important role, but their main purpose is to ensure that the bed stands on them without distortions, which can lead to subsequent rejects of products. For short machines up to 1 ton, the weight of the pedestals can be 2. For longer and wider lathes that work metal, the pedestals can be 3 or 4.

Not all car workshops need large universal machines. For example, in a tire service for grinding bolts and nuts for attaching disks to car hubs, a desktop machine may well satisfy the needs of a workshop, for threading metal or turning to replace worn parts with new ones.

Choosing a desktop lathe

Home craftsmen and motorists who are independently engaged in the manufacture of metal parts are more interested in a desktop machine that can be used at home, in the garage or elsewhere, because it is easy to transport. It should be noted that there are machines weighing about 200 kg and costing about $ 4000 on the lathe equipment market among desktop machines. It is unlikely that this metal machine will be appropriate for installation in a home workshop or garage. First of all, when choosing a desktop machine, you need to pay attention to such characteristics as:

  • connection method;
  • required mains voltage;
  • the diameter and length of the workpiece that can be processed on this machine.

It is obligatory to check that there is no backlash in the quill and other moving parts.

For home use as well as for a repair shop, a universal metal machine is required. The narrow specialization of home equipment is not very effective, you can never know in advance what metal work will be required in the process of repairing plumbing, home heating systems or household appliances.

The versatility of the machine does not depend on its appearance, but on the number of possible independent upgrades with the help of special turning devices, regardless of whether they are included with the machine or they can be purchased separately.

A machine equipped with all sorts of devices will cost more, but not the fact that all the things will be needed in the work. It is easier to buy a cheaper model with the possibility of self-completing with the necessary devices that will be useful for performing certain metal operations.

The main thing when choosing any lathe is to make sure:

  1. that at all speeds declared by the manufacturer, it works flawlessly, without interruptions;
  2. make sure that there are no backlashes of all moving parts;
  3. the accuracy of the tasks, which is directly related to the first two.

Buying a knowingly inaccurate machine in the hope of self-revision is not the best way out. It is difficult to search for a desktop machine made in Russia or in European countries. According to the orders of our companies, most of the table machines are assembled in China, which does not make them worse. Domestic assembly of machine tools is more about industrial turning equipment.

Industrial turning equipment has a wide range of weight, specialization and other parameters. How to choose it correctly, each production technologist determines for himself. The general requirements are the required accuracy of the turning equipment and productivity.

It is best to choose the deductive method, going from the general to the particular - your lathe, which will solve your problems at no extra cost.

Determine the type of machine. It is chosen based on the scope and focus of future work: vertical, automatic with CNC program control, semi-automatic or manual. The class of the machine displays the amount of work for which its nodes and parts are designed.

The answer to the question whether the machine will be able to solve those specific tasks that are needed are displayed in its technical characteristics.

They answer questions - whether he will be able to process parts of the required size, what is the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be inserted into the spindle, whether the spindle rotation speed is sufficient to process the materials you need, what chuck the machine has, what cams are on it.

Maximum spindle speed is a determining factor in a machine's ability to handle hard materials.

The characteristics of the metric thread index and the number of other threads are equally important ..

The size limit for workpieces is the "Swing over bed D" characteristic.

Examine the characteristics of the tool post.

What type of electric motor drives the spindle. If it is a collector - make sure that the gearbox provides control over the acceleration of massive workpieces.

Is it possible to carry out milling work, what accessories can be installed on this machine.

Video: features of milling on a lathe.

Pay close attention to the characteristics of the electric motor.

If it is supposed to process workpieces with a diameter of ten and a length of over seventy, the machine's motor must be asynchronous.


Do you have enough funds to pay your electricity bills? Is there enough space to install it? Engineering developments in the machine tool industry have made it possible to produce machines that consume less electricity while maintaining their productivity.

Acquisition budget. Naturally, everyone wants to save money. Still, do not be like the hero of the Arabic proverb - a cheap cow milks the owner when the earned starts to be lost due to endless repairs.

When choosing a machine that suits your needs, compare not only prices, but also terms of delivery and installation, adjustment, warranty and post-warranty service, availability and cost of spare parts.
The possibilities of a lathe are limited only by the turner's imagination.

Video: a lathe breaking thought patterns.

 

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