Guide To Lathes and Lathe Tools

Reviewed by Karl Ralph, Technical Support Engineer (December 2024)

Lathes are essential machine tools used by industry, craftspeople, and hobbyists alike. They turn metal, wood, and plastic into machined parts. With an illustrious history, today, computer-controlled lathes are the powerhouses of factory shop floors, employing ultra-durable tooling to shape parts for automotive and aerospace applications.

If you’ve ever wondered about what lathes do, or what are lathe tools, we’ve got you covered. Read on.

Just what is a lathe and what are lathes used for? A lathe is a tool for shaping materials like wood or metal. Lathes make everything from musical instruments to furniture parts, automotive components, and screws by rotating the workpiece around a cutting tool to remove material. The operations that can be performed on lathes are varied. They include turning, facing, threading, drilling, boring, tapping, facing, and knurling.

The modern lathe was invented in the early 19th century. Today, the computer numerically controlled (CNC) lathes used in manufacturing are capable of handling huge volumes of parts, while watchmakers continue to use lathes for precision machining of the tiniest components. Lathes are also widely used in woodworking, metalworking, and toolmaking.

Lathes are notable for their versatility. They are able to create customised shapes and may be cheaper options for producing small batches of parts than bespoke machinery. They can also work with a range of materials, including not just metal and wood but also plastic and composites. There are a variety of lathe types out there, including:

• CNC lathes. Computer-controlled lathes perform high-precision machining tasks that are impossible with manual lathes (or would take much longer). CNC lathes are used in industries such as aerospace and automotive where complex parts are needed in large volumes.
• Turret lathes. Turret lathes are metalworking lathes that feature a turret containing a range of cutting tools, enabling multiple cutting operations for production of duplicate parts. Operation is quick and easy, with no need for the engineer to change and install fresh tooling. There are also vertical turret lathes available that hold the workpiece vertically and are able to handle very large, heavy, short workpieces.
• Wood lathes. Wood lathes are specifically designed for turning wood and can be used to make everything from bowls to artwork. (There are also metal lathes that are specially designed for metalworking, and lathes that are designed to shape glass.)

Lathes consist of a robust base known as a ‘bed,’ a headstock containing the lathe’s spindle, which rotates the workpiece; a tailstock, which supports the workpiece; and a chuck, carriage, lead screw, toolpost, and feed. The engineer carefully selects what lathe tool to use and fixes it to the toolpost. The workpiece is fastened in the chuck, which is designed to keep it in place during machining. The lathe’s spindle, which is powered by an electric motor, then rotates the workpiece at the correct speed depending on the type of cutting operation. The lathe’s feed brings the cutting tool into contact with the rotating workpiece to start machining.

As the workpiece rotates, the lathe gradually removes material. Different types of processes such as turning (removing material from the outer diameter to produce a cylindrical shape), facing (creating a flat finish by cutting the end of the workpiece), and threading (making threads on the outer or inner surface) are performed by moving the tool in a variety of ways against the object that is being machined. During machining, the engineer monitors the cutting process and adjusts the feed and spindle speed as necessary. Once complete, they must ensure the workpiece is accurate and meets the specifications of the job.

Now that we’ve introduced lathes and what they do, it’s time to ask, what is a lathe tool?

Lathe tools occasionally need to be sharpened. There is a standard method if you’re wondering how to sharpen lathe tools. It involves refinishing edges that contact the workpiece using a grinding wheel or bench grinder, which helps prevent your lathe tools from rounding off. Without sharpening tools, there is a risk that surfaces are incorrectly finished, or tool chattering (unwanted vibration) takes place.

Be sure to include wearing the correct PPE when sharpening lathe tools as part of any lathe risk assessment. A face shield and ear protection are essential.

Cutting fluids aid the machining/cutting process, speeding up machining time and reducing tool wear. Cutting fluids are deployed during processes like drilling, stamping, turning and milling as well as for cutting metals. They are available in various formats like gels, pastes, sprays and liquids.

As well as sharpening lathe tools, don’t forget to inspect and replace damaged lathe tools like bits and chucks. The lathe itself should also be regularly maintained. Clean and lubricate to prevent rust, and check the alignment of the bed, tailstock, and tool rest frequently, making any adjustments needed.

Get these basics right, and you’ll enjoy the power and versatility of your lathe for many years. They truly are wonderful tools for everyone from the seasoned shop floor engineer to the at-home woodworking enthusiast. That’s why at RS, we stock all the tools you need for your milling and lathing journey.

RS also supplies a wide range of power tools for every application.