Procedure for Operating Horizontal Lathes
1. Preparation
1) Before commencing any operation on a lathe, a complete visual inspection should always be made to ensure that no dirt or debris has been left in any of the working areas of the lathe.
2) Any tools, accessories or parts that will not be used during the operation should be removed from the area as to not interfere with the task at hand.
3) Ensure that all safety guards are in place and correctly adjusted before commencing the operation.
4) If a chuck is to be used, ensure that it is securely attached to the lathe spindle.
5) Ensure that the work piece to be machined is accurately measured and is securely clamped to the face plate or chuck.
6) It is always recommended to read the instruction manual for your particular type of lathe before attempting to use the machine.
2. Operations
1) Once the lathe is set up and ready, the operator should select the correct cutting tool for the job.
2) Make sure that the correct speed is selected for the type of material being machined. For example, softer materials require slower speeds while harder materials require higher speeds.
3) Make sure that the work piece is securely clamped and that the work piece is past the centre of the lathe as to not put undue stress on the lathe spindle.
4) When ready to start the job, the operator should slowly increase the speed of the lathe, carefully monitoring the cutting tool for any signs of vibration or abnormal noise.
5) Once the job is started, the operator must constantly monitor the cutting tool for any signs of wear or damage and adjust the speed and feed as necessary.
6) The operator should ensure that the work piece is securely clamped throughout the operation, and should use coolant as necessary.
7) After the job is finished, the operator should reduce the speed of the lathe and shut it off.
3. Maintenance
1) After completion of any machining job, it is important to ensure that the lathe is properly cleaned and inspected.
2) Remove any debris from the working areas and dispose of it properly.
3) Check for any signs of excessive wear or damage on the lathe, the cutting tools, and the work piece.
4) Properly store any tools and accessories once the operation is complete.
5) If a chuck is to be used for future operations, it should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any wear or damage before use.
6) A periodic inspection and maintenance of the lathe should be carried out on a regular basis as outlined in the instruction manual.
These are the fundamental procedures for operating a horizontal lathe. It is important to ensure that these procedures are followed to ensure a safe, efficient and effective machining operation.
