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

Compiling 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" means only that this turning equipment is not mounted on a foundation, but on a special stand table or workbench. The weight of such machines can be from several tens to several hundred kilograms, and the dimensions - from tens of centimeters to one and a half to two meters. On such equipment, a very wide range of turning operations is performed.

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

  • diameter of external turning 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 watts.

Models under consideration

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

The best bench lathes have about the same technological characteristics, which, as a rule, are proportional to their weight and size parameters.

In the comparative 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 desktop metal lathes are presented in the next section.

Turning diameter over bed, mm280 250 180 210 180
Intercenter 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
Dimensions, 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 well-known international brand Stalex. This is the heaviest and most dimensional model from the analyzed group: its weight is 190 kg, length is 1400 mm, width is 550 mm and height is 500 mm. Main drive power - 1.5 kW. Unlike other models, it comes with two steady rests as standard.

Model of the same international brand, but slightly smaller. It weighs 120 kg and measures 1100 mm long, 550 mm wide and 500 mm high. 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 a 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. 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. The package includes a thrust center and reverse cams, as well as metal replacement gears for the guitar.

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




This model is characterized by low 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 model Jet BD-8VS.

Principle of comparison 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 products, using, as a rule, as needed. Their " the target audience"is not even a small machine-building business, but small pilot production in scientific institutions, small repair shops, car services, vocational schools, technical circles, as well as home craftsmen, for whom the best way- it's 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". Placement in a confined space without special preparation of the place, as well as the possibility of moving by one or two people.
  3. Price. Affordability for all user groups.
  4. Design. Advantages and disadvantages of the machine design (silence about the design features reported by other manufacturers of this type of equipment will be considered a disadvantage).
  5. Service. Ease of maintenance and availability of a network of service centers.

Each item is scored 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 of bench lathes:

Specifications5 5 4 4 3
"Desktop"5 5 5 3 3
Price5 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 a detailed description of each assessment, especially since some of them are quite obvious.

Nevertheless, individual estimates need to be briefly explained.

  1. Section "Design". The high rating of METALMASTER is due to the fact that he is one of the few who indicates the types of bearings, the method of processing the frame, etc., as well as such key parameters, as the radial runout of the spindle. Stalex reports the use of tapered roller bearings in the spindle, but this is limited. Information from Jet on this question is minimal, plus it uses plastic gears, which is ambiguously perceived by some users.
  2. Section "Technical characteristics". The reason for the Jet BD-6's high rating is that this machine, despite 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 for compiling 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 desktop 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 perform metal cutting for the manufacture of any product.Lathe for metal for homeis a reduced analogue of the production sample.

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

Why a lathe at home

Very often, a home craftsman needs to make or process some metal part, but there is no necessary tools, or for this they are not enough. 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. Application of internal and external threads with different frequency.
  2. Boring the workpiece to the required dimensions.
  3. Possibility to machine a cone or a cylindrical part.
  4. Turning details.
  5. End processing.
  6. Drilling holes.
  7. Reaming.
  8. Hole reaming.
  9. Grooving and notches.
  10. Trimming details.

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

Home turning machine

Turning equipment for home use in terms of its functionality, it is an analogue of a machine that is installed in enterprises, but with its help only small parts and spare parts can be processed. However, this is enough for personal use.

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

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

Advantages of home equipment:

  1. Low level of energy consumption. To power a small desktop machine, it is enough to connect to a 220 V household electrical outlet.
  2. The equipment can be adapted for connection to a three-phase network.
  3. Reliability of the unit due to its uncomplicated design, which, in addition, provides long term operation.
  4. Affordable cost compared to professional equipment.
  5. Thanks to its compactness and low weight, the equipment is easily placed in the home workshop. There are not just small, but mini-machines that are very convenient for personal use.
  6. The ability to expand the functionality after installing additional devices.
  7. You can learn how to operate 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, grooving, trimming, threading.
  2. Screw-cutting lathe for metal.It is used for turning and boring workpieces, cutting the outer and internal thread, the production of various recesses. They are characterized by minimal spindle runout, high cost, it can be used to process products from various kinds 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. Such versatility is due to the vertical position of the milling part.

home equipment design

The home unit for turning works differs from industrial designs in lower productivity. The spare parts of this small-sized equipment are miniature in size. Structurally, small metal latheincludes the following main components:

  1. Front pedestal: here is the drive motor, which is started using a button on the front panel of the unit.
  2. U-shaped rear pedestal: here is the electrical equipment that carries out high-precision control of the machine. On the top of it is the control panel. This part of the tool has great stability due to the stiffening ribs located at the bottom and top.
  3. The main part of the turning tool is the frame or bed. It is fixed at the top of both cabinets, connecting them. A lead screw and a rail are placed 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. Near the console is a handle that starts a propeller or a moving shaft.
  5. Front clamp (headstock): installed on the frame in a horizontal position, rotates the workpiece.
  6. The rear latch secures the fixture and acts as a thrust center.
  7. The spindle is a spare part located inside the front clamp.

Important!In order for the work to be carried out smoothly, it is recommended to ensure that all parts of the equipment are treated with grease or oil.

Bench type turning machines


Today, mainly units are produced imported production. However, one can still find reliablebench metal lathes times of the USSR.

Among them, the equipment model 1M63 stands out for threading, manufacturing cylindrical and cone-shaped blanks.

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

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

Popular among imported carshousehold desktop metal latheCzech production PROMA SM-250E. It has a low cost (up to 30 thousand rubles), it is used for processing and manufacturing both metal and non-metal products. The maximum length of the part should be 250 mm, the diameter above the bed - 14 cm, and above the support - 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 fairly powerful 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 features, including the tasks of processing, grinding and sharpening tools.

Among the more expensive samples, Metalmaster MML can be distinguished. This is a universal lathe with a mechanical and electronic type management. The spindle speed is taken into account by the digital display. One of the advantages is that the equipment can process long workpieces up to 55 cm.

Garage units


Car enthusiasts often wonderwhich lathe to choose for the garage.

Of the small-sized options, the PROMA SM-250E model can be distinguished. The weight of the equipment is 35 kg, the possibility of processing 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.

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

Mini machines

Micro lathecharacterized by a small size that allows you to place it on a miniature stand or table. They are installed in home or school workshops that are not intended for mass production.

most famousschool metal lathe- This is a TV-6 model.It is designed to teach turning and is used to perform simple tasks: preparing holes, cutting off parts of elements, trimming ends, threading.


Its advantage is ease of use, as well as the absence of the production 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 processed workpiece is 35 cm, the diameter is up to 20 mm.

Another model is SM-300E. It features a small amount of power consumption, only 300 watts. It can cut both metric and inch threads.

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

Rules for choosing home equipment

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

Item of choice Recommendation
Lathe power The recommended engine power, which is sufficient for home use, is in the range of 0.5-0.7 kW. Equipment with a power of 1 kW or more refers to semi-professional.
Engine It is recommended to choose models with an asynchronous motor, which ensures a longer use of the unit.
Maximum workpiece diameter 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 processing accuracy is achieved.
Turnover speed For the first gear: 0-1500, for the second - 0-2500.
Number of speeds one or two
Headstock type, located in front It is preferable to choose a model with a through hole for turning long parts.
Weight and dimensions The dimensions should be convenient for use in a small room, and the weight should be sufficient for the workbench to firmly hold it. The maximum recommended weight is 90 kg.
Mains parameters Usual mini latheconnects to the mains 220 V. Do not give preference to a unit operating from a three-phase network, so as not to lay additional wires.
Step divisions of the limbus The smaller the division value, the more accurate the equipment works.
The presence of a reverse Useful, but not required.
Additional equipment It is more economical to purchase a model with a basic configuration and expand it in the future with the necessary equipment than to buy a unit, in the kit of which they are already included.
Manual control of the movement of the cutter A 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 the device is planned to be used rarely, you should not choose a powerful model.
  2. Accuracy of speed control: the more accurate it is, the greater the 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 consumables are in Russia.


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

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 uninterruptedly, it is necessary to properly maintain it before and after work:

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

Bench lathe for metal- useful equipment for every home master. Among the variety of models, you can choose the one that suits certain parameters. At the same time, it is important to remember that for long-term operation it is necessary to perform simple rules machine service.

Desktop - 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 somewhat limited technical capabilities.

Features and benefits of desktop machines

The mini lathe, which is logical, is specially designed to process small products on it. As with any equipment of the turning group, a small machine 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 significantly lower speed than on full-sized devices, the quality finished products does not suffer from it at all. Their quality will be especially high if the mini-lathe is controlled by a CNC system.

Small metal models, which are very easy to manage, are used not only to equip home workshops, where with their help it becomes possible to make many products or bring the quality of finished products to the required level. Such units are no less successfully equipped with small workshops, repair shops Vehicle. Since the times of the USSR, schools and technical educational institutions have been equipped with such 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 has, the most significant are:

  • the use of a household electrical network with a voltage of 220 V to power such a machine;
  • the possibility of adapting such a device in order to connect it to a three-phase network;
  • low power consumption;
  • reliability, which allows such a microlathe to be successfully operated, provided that Maintenance not one dozen years;
  • affordable cost (many can afford to purchase such equipment);
  • compact size and light weight, which makes it possible to install this even in a cramped workshop or garage;
  • the opportunity 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 desktop lathes there is a category of the most compact models, which are commonly called mini-machines. The video below provides an overview of one of these portable machines.

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

Any desktop lathe, regardless of 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 as 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 assembly (measured in millimeters).

One of the representatives of compact desktop machines

Turning units, which are classified as small, can have a mass of 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 easy to install and can even be carried if necessary. Heavier equipment, even if it is desktop, is already categorized as semi-professional.

The power possessed by small lathes of the turning group usually does not exceed 2.25 kW. Some types of machines for the home, classified as low-power, 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 on the processing of 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 in order not to overpay extra money for a unit that will not be used to its full potential.

Even with small overall dimensions, a lathe for a garage or home workshop does not cease to be difficult technical device, the quality of the components of which directly affects the accuracy of processing, as well as the reliability and durability of the equipment. Of great importance is the build quality of such components, 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 the cutting tool, as well as for its movement during processing;
  • bed - a bearing element on which all nodes and mechanisms of the machine are placed 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 metal work, one should also take into account the frequency of its use, on which the wear rate of its constituent elements depends.

In the domestic market, desktop lathes are presented in a large assortment of models and brands. It's easy to get confused with so many options, so to help you make right choice, consider some models of metal lathes of the most popular manufacturers.

Machines brand JET

Benchtop lathes, which have been producing for over 50 years Swiss company JET, it is no coincidence that they have gained immense popularity among home craftsmen and owners of small businesses. Even despite the fact that recently some of the nodes of these machine tools have been produced at factories in China, their quality remains impeccable. Providing high quality, precision and processing efficiency, these units do not cause problems in operation, they are easy to maintain.

To the most popular machine models of this trademark can include the following.

BD-3 is a miniature machine that can be used equally successfully by both amateurs and professionals. The bed of such a device is made of cast iron, which significantly reduces vibration during its operation. The guides of the machine, which can be adjusted along the cross support, are carefully ground, which 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 independent 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.

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

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

Machine JET BD-7, costs about 80 thousand rubles

BD-8A is a table type machine in which the longitudinal and transverse feeds are automated. such a machine is quickly rearranged, it is also equipped with a reversible mechanism that allows it to be used for threading. Four tools can be installed in the unit holder at the same time, and its stop center is made according to a non-rotating scheme. The three-jaw chuck of the machine with a working diameter of 100 mm is protected by a special screen, which increases the safety of the operator. An electric motor with a power of 0.55 kW is installed as a drive for this machine.

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

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

Equipment from other manufacturers

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

  • The SM-250E is a true micro lathe, weighing only 23 kg. With its modest dimensions, such a unit boasts 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 a special after-sales service throughout the entire warranty period.
  • SK-400 is a universal unit, the mass of which is already 120 kg. This machine, with which you can perform the entire range of metal turning and drilling workpieces, is mainly used to equip vehicle service stations.
  • SPA-500 is a semi-professional model, which can often be found not only in small workshops, but also in the repair shops of manufacturing enterprises.

PROMA SPA-500, cost about 130,000 rubles

A number of models of machine tools manufactured under this brand are also deservedly popular: SPA-500P, SK-550, SPB-400/400, SPA-700P.

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

In addition, to equip a home workshop or a small business, you can pay attention to the lathes of the following manufacturers.

  • OPTIMUM is a German trademark under which lathes are produced, including miniature ones, well known and appreciated by specialists throughout Europe. The most famous models of machines for metal work 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 of the world are: WM-180V, WM-250V, WM-250G, WMP-300A, ML-200.

CNC desktop machines

Any metal lathe controlled by a CNC system is capable of performing all the same technological operations as a manual machine. But such a machine does it much faster and more accurately, and it is very important that it does not affect the correct execution of the processing process. negative impact the human factor, and this practically eliminates errors.

Due to the control using 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, they require minimal human intervention to control them, which is best reflected in the quality of work.

Such machines (including small sizes) 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, OPTIMUM brand products have the following advantages:

  • you can urgently turn off the machine using a special button;
  • processing accuracy is high, as provided by the intelligent CNC system;
  • machine tool 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, the duration of which is six months;
  • on machines of this brand, you can cut threads of any type;
  • the electric motor installed on OPTIMUM machines is maintenance-free.

The formation of control commands on such machines is provided by a special computer program N.C Drive. This program, which is a universal tool, can control such options for the machine as changing the cutting tool, machining cycles, moving the equipment axes, moving 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 by several cutters at once.

General view of a screw-cutting lathe with DRO

Universal machines with the possibility of processing with one or more cutters at the same time belong to 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. In the manufacture of parts from bars, it is necessary to measure the diameter of the spindle hole 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 guides of the bed, it serves not only as a box for attaching headstocks, guitars, an apron, but its transverse guides serve to move mechanisms directly involved in the workflow along them. The more reliable, massive and stable the frame, the less vibration and the higher the accuracy of the machine.

Machine selection video

When working on metal, the machine guides are under heavy loads, so the bed must be made of very durable metal, predominantly cast iron. The rails can be fastened to the uprights by bolting or welding. This does not affect the rigidity of the structure, but the bolted connection will have to be checked more often.

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

Not all car workshops need large universal machines. For example, in a tire shop for turning bolts and nuts for fastening discs to car hubs, a desktop machine may well satisfy the needs of a workshop for cutting metal threads or turning to replace worn parts with new ones.

Choosing a desktop lathe

Home craftsmen and car enthusiasts who are independently engaged in the manufacture of metal parts are more interested in a desktop machine that can be used at home, in a garage or elsewhere, because it is easy to transport. It should be noted that in the market of turning equipment among the desktop there are machines weighing about 200 kg and costing about $ 4,000. It is unlikely that this machine for metal 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;
  • the required voltage in the network;
  • the diameter and length of the workpiece that can be processed on this machine.

It is obligatory to check for the absence of backlash of the quill and other moving parts.

For home use, as well as for a repair shop, you need a universal machine for metal. Narrow specialization home equipment is not very effective, you can never know in advance what kind of 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 it 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 kinds of devices will cost more, but it’s not a fact that all the little things will be needed in the work. Easier to buy more cheap model with the possibility of self-equipping 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 the 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.

Acquiring a deliberately inaccurate machine in the hope of self-improvement is not the best way out. Search desktop machine Russian production or European countries is difficult. By order of our companies, desktop machines are most often 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 variation in weight, specialization and other parameters. How to choose it correctly, each production technologist determines for himself. The general requirements are the necessary accuracy of turning equipment and productivity.

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

Determine the type of machine. It is chosen based on the volume and direction of future work. Vertical, automatic with CNC program control, semi-automatic or manual. The class of the machine reflects the amount of work for which its components and parts are designed.

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

They answer questions - can it process parts of the right size, what is the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be inserted into the spindle, is the spindle speed sufficient to process the materials you need, what kind of chuck does the machine have, what kind of cams does it have.

Max speed Spindle rotation is a determining factor in the machine's ability to process hard materials.

The characteristics of the metric thread index and the number of other threads are no less important ..

The workpiece size limit is the “Diameter of processing over the bed D” characteristic.

Examine the characteristics of the tool holder.

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

Is it possible to carry out milling work, what additional devices 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 more than seventy, the machine engine must be asynchronous.


Do you have enough money 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 performance.

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 earnings start to be lost due to endless repairs.

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

Video: a lathe that breaks patterns of thought.

 

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