Wood lathe: types, design, selection criteria. Rating of wood lathes

For wood, designed for processing small-sized elements from different types of wood. The unit has advantageous features that distinguish it from its predecessor, namely that critical work areas are protected by fencing and equipped with local lighting. In addition, the main electrical circuit has been modernized, a system for reducing vibration and noise levels has been provided, and an installation for removing dust and chips using a mechanized method has been developed.

Purpose

The STD-120M school lathe is used for light wood processing by central interaction, using a faceplate and chuck, as well as for basic drilling. Its functionality includes the following:

Sharpening of cylindrical and profile rotating elements.
Ability to trim, round and cut workpieces at different angles.
Perform turning along the marked profile.
Drilling.
Processing of flat diameter surfaces in decorative and profile terms using a faceplate.

The STD-120M is brought into operation by starting the electric power plant. The motor is located on the left side of the unit. Torque is transmitted through belt interaction. This process is facilitated by a pair of pulleys: the first is mounted on the motor shaft, the second is mounted on the headstock spindle.

Arrangement

The STD-120M machine has some device features, namely:

The speed of rotation is changed by throwing the belt onto certain grooves of the shafts.
The control unit with buttons is located on the headstock, which provides the most convenient access to the controls during operation.
Spindle-type attachments can be changed; they are included in the standard equipment set.
The work area is protected by additional curtains with transparent windows.
You can remove chips and other debris using the optionally connected cleaning unit.

The accuracy of the operations can be increased by special lighting, the operation of which is controlled by a step-down transformer. Electrical interlocking design with switch increases operational safety.

Front headstock of the unit

This unit of the STD-120M turning unit is used for mounting and fixing the workpiece with the subsequent transmission of rotational moments to it. This element consists of a solid cast iron body of an open type. It has a pair of holes bored along its axes, which serve to accommodate radial, spherically made bearings.

The working spindle is a shaped shaft made of steel, which has a thread on the right for mounting a chuck, washer and other special attachments that fix and process the workpiece. At the left end there is a two-stage pulley type drive, activated by an electric motor. On both sides of the headstock there are hatches with felt padding. The spindle is started and stopped using a control unit located on the housing.

Rear element

This part of the STD-120M machine provides support when servicing long products, as well as securing the chuck, drills themselves and other tools. The rear element of the device consists of a frame and a quill sliding along the guide grooves of the body.

On one side of the movable sleeve there is a hole adjusted to a cone, where a back stop, a cartridge or a drill with a corresponding end stop is placed. A bushing with an internal thread is inserted from the opposite side by pressing. The set screw ensures easy movement of the quill and prevents it from rotating around its own axis.

The torque redistribution element is combined with a threaded bushing, on one edge of which a flywheel is installed, secured with a nut. The quill is secured in the required position using a clamping handle. The tailstock is fixed using a nut, a block (washer) and a bolt. To lubricate the working elements, special holes are provided in the housing.

Main and removable devices

The STD-120M wood cutting machine is equipped with several basic elements, namely:

Electrical equipment and technical parameters

Regarding the electrical equipment of the turning unit, it can be noted that there is a connection to an alternating current network with three phases (380 V) with a neutral, which is tightly grounded. The distribution cabinet also contains a lighting transformer.

The technical characteristics of the machine are given in the table:

*Unit name*	*Wood lathe STD-120M*
Height of centers (cm)
Maximum length of workpiece processed at centers (cm)
Maximum diameter of serviced workpieces (cm)
Maximum length of workpiece turning (cm)
Spindle revolutions per minute
Frequency (rpm)
Power supply (V/Hz)
Number of electric motors
Motor Rated Power (W)
Unit length/width/height (cm)

Operational Features

The wood lathe STD-120M does not belong to the category of professional equipment; its main purpose is to familiarize students with the basics of a turner’s work. It is subject to increased security measures.

To ensure the stability of the processing tool, it is better to make the base steel or concrete. Its height must be at least 60 centimeters.

In addition, some operational features should be taken into account:

The wood workpiece must be free of cracks and knots.
The humidity of the part is allowed no higher than 20 percent.
Large elements must be processed at minimum speed.
At least once a year or after five hundred hours of operation, you need to lubricate moving elements and check the equipment for deformation and malfunctions.

Before performing repair work or servicing the machine, you should study its structure and also read the operating manual in detail.

Conclusion

The turning unit in question is designed for processing wooden blanks and drilling holes. Its main purpose is home use, training for beginners and schoolchildren. When operating the equipment, you must take precautions and follow the recommendations specified in the instructions.

A tabletop lathe, or in other words, a mini-lathe, is a tool weighing approximately 40 kg and, as a rule, it is positioned as a device for home use and hobby use. So, the division of these machines into household and professional is conditional. If this device is assembled with high quality, has additional functions and performs well in its work, then, of course, there is no reason to believe that a tabletop lathe is not suitable for professional use. And a compact lathe has quite a lot of advantages when compared with large-sized installations - this is convenience, lack of loud noise, and efficiency. We will talk about how to choose a benchtop lathe for certain purposes in this article.

The design of a lathe and its types

Lathes are part of the widest group of cutting machines and are varied in appearance and type. Lathes are designed to work with materials that have the shape of a body of revolution. That is, either external or internal surface treatment is carried out to obtain cylindrical or conical complex shapes along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece, along the plane, resulting in the required shape.

Household machines can have a variety of design features and characteristics. Basically, lathes perform sharpening, facing, cutting, drilling, and processing. However, they are also equipped with additional options such as cutting, drilling, milling, grinding, tool sharpening, and so on. Such machines have a manual supply of cutting tools.

So, it has the following parts:

base;

guides;

headstock;

tailstock;

handyman;

The base is a frame, which is made of strong boards. For stability, the frame is equipped with two wooden legs. The guides act as a common base for the spindle, tailstock and tool rest. In household models, the guides are made of a channel, which has a groove in the center. The overall dimensions of these parts will depend on the future load on them. It is very important that they have sufficient endurance to cope with the forces of torsion and vibration that will arise during work.

The optimal data for a lathe are:

Channel No. 10;

Corners 50X50;

Rods 18-22mm;

Pipes 028 mm;

Wooden blocks 50X50;

Pipe spoke - 035 - 50 mm.

The length will depend on the largest distance between centers and on the design features of the machine itself. For example, if the headstock is attached to guides, it will be longer than when the headstock is installed on the base itself. When the machine is forced to work with long workpieces, the most acceptable distance between centers will be 500 mm.

The base and guides are sometimes connected directly to each other, but in more cases, they are connected using posts. The second connection option is better and here’s why: the racks will take on the force loads and act as fasteners for the guides. Rods and pipes are attached to the posts using external threads, nuts, screws, bushings and inserts. The pipes are connected to the racks with threaded inserts.

The headstock acts as a means of securing workpieces and applying rotational movements. The basis of its design is the spindle, which can be presented in various types.

The tailstock is a support part when working with long workpieces. It consists of the rear center and its body. The housing can be moved along the guides and fixed in the required position.

Types of wood

Lathes are secretly divided into three fairly large groups, namely:

Industrial machines weighing about 200 kg and a power of 1 kW. Naturally, they are distinguished by high performance and the widest functionality. Fully designed for continuous operation in harsh conditions.

Semi-professional (as it were) are intended for small activities. They can have a weight ranging from 40 to 90 kg and have a power of over 500 W. These types are popular in small workshops.

Tabletop/household machines usually weigh less than 40 kilos. Their average weight is 20 kg. They are compact, easy to install and operate. Designed for single jobs.

Lathe power

The power of a lathe is an important parameter when choosing a model. The more powerful the machine, the higher its productivity capabilities. Therefore, before choosing a lathe, you should determine its future application. If, for example, the machine is required to process a couple of workpieces, then purchasing a powerful device is not reasonable. Accordingly, for serious work, preference should be given to high-power equipment.

Size of workpieces processed

The characteristics of the workpieces that will be processed by a lathe are important. These are length and diameter. Previously, we looked at the design features of lathes, which depend on the size of the workpiece. For working with small sizes and for beginners, a household type machine is suitable. It is able to process small workpieces (up to 0.5 m).

But working with larger materials requires a higher-class tool. Such machines are equipped with extensions that allow you to adjust the equipment to the required dimensions.

Spindle Features

The performance of a lathe largely depends on the rotation speed and thread pitch of the spindle. As a result, the speed and quality of processing will depend on these parameters. This data is responsible for the timeliness and scale of work. The higher the performance requirements, the higher the rotation speed must be. Naturally, the motor power must match the spindle parameters. The lower its power, the slower the spindle will rotate.

The quality of processing also depends on the rotation speed. The spindle can make 400-3500 rpm. Higher class models are equipped with a speed controller.

Distance between centers

The material can be fixed in two ways - between the centers of the headstocks or the faceplate. It goes without saying that the distance values can vary across the three gaps for different types of lathes. This can be 600 mm, up to 1000 mm or over 1000 mm. Here you need to choose a suitable model, taking into account the dimensions of the workpiece. The distance between centers will determine the accuracy of the fastening system. If the user secures the material correctly, he will prevent the part from breaking during rotation.

Adjusting the speed in

When working with a lathe, there is always a need to change the speed of rotation of the material. Different types of operations require different speed intensities. The speed is selected according to the type of material, since there are different types of wood, and each of them requires an individual approach to processing. In this regard, a speed control system is installed on lathes.

There are two types of adjustment:

stepped.

The step is fixed at each value. The machine can have from 3 to 5 speeds. The first type of adjustment is considered more advanced, since changing speeds does not require stopping the equipment, and the process of changing speeds will occur smoothly, without jerks or fixations. Smooth adjustment works due to the built-in variator and depends on the rotation speed.

Digital display

The presence of a digital display is a pleasant addition to any technology, as it displays all kinds of data that allows you to control the work process. Digital displays in lathes display data on the screen from a digital indication of rotational frequency and speed values. Thanks to the display, adjustment of the unit will occur many times faster and more accurately.

Copier: optional feature

There are types of lathes with a copier. it is an auxiliary device that, if not needed, can be disconnected from the lathe. It is not difficult to guess that this addition is intended to transform a lathe into a copying machine. This simplifies work where it is necessary to create products of the same type. The cutter is guided by a copier along a given path - this eliminates the occurrence of differences in the sizes and shapes of materials of the same type. If the user has to perform precise and similar work, he should give preference to a lathe with this system.

Reverse: additional function

Reverse is nothing more than reverse gear. Not every machine has a reverse function. Its essence is to ensure rear feed of the carriage and spindle. Due to this function, work is accelerated: the user does not need to re-feed the workpiece if additional processing becomes necessary.

The STD 120m wood lathe can often be seen in school workshops and carpentry shops of specialized schools. Its key task is to teach pupils the nature and principles of working with machines, and the peculiarities of processing wooden blanks. At the same time, this device has good technical characteristics that make it useful even in small woodworking enterprises.

Description

This lathe can perform the following functions:

Cutting.
Turning.
Drilling work.
Creating grooves.
Processing the ends of workpieces.

Finishing work on this machine is performed at high speeds, using turning tools or other abrasive tools. Workpieces can also be processed in roughing mode. To do this, switch the device to low speed and use a semicircular chisel. More details about the additional functions of the machine can be found in its passport.

In addition to the characteristics listed above, this unit also has other features that determine the specifics of its application:

The machine is equipped with local lighting, which significantly speeds up work and makes it safer.
Ease of use of the button block was achieved due to its placement on the headstock.
To eliminate production waste, the design of the machine provides for the possibility of installing a dust extraction unit. It is noteworthy that one such unit can be installed on two devices at once.
The machine is equipped with a protective fence with a special window for monitoring the working area of the machine. The window is made of elastic transparent plastic. Thanks to this solution, it was possible to protect most of the operator’s body.
The intensity of rotation of the workpiece can be changed by transferring the belt along different grooves of the shaft. It is worth noting that the block in which the transfer is carried out is protected from penetration while the motor is running.

Thanks to its ease of use and high level of safety, this machine is ideal for training novice carpenters. On the other hand, these characteristics do not in any way interfere with the use of the machine in small enterprises and home workshops.

The figure shows the structural features of the apparatus.

Electric motor.
Switch button.
Broadcast.
Spindle. The unit is made of steel in the shape of a shaft. On the right side of the spindle there is a thread for installing a chuck and other accessories, and on the left there is a drive pulley with two stages, which is driven through a V-belt drive from an electric motor. The spindle is controlled from the headstock panel.
Front grandma. The body of this unit is made of cast iron with a bore for two radial-spherical bearings. The headstock performs the function of fastening the workpiece and transmits rotational movement to it.
Push-button system. This machine unit allows the operator to control its operation. As can be seen in the figure, the button block is installed on the headstock.
Local lighting.
Frame.
Handyman.
Protective screen. Significantly reduces the risk of injury while operating the device. At the same time, thanks to the viewing window, the operator observes the working area and clearly sees how the part should be processed.
Handle for fixation.
Fencing. This protective device covers the mechanical assembly of the electromechanical drive. The system is equipped with an automatic lid retraction lock during operation to prevent the operator's fingers from getting caught in the drive mechanisms. If you try to open the cover while the machine is running, the electric motor will stop instantly.
Rear grandma.
Flywheel.
Bed. The unit is made by casting using support elements, which significantly increases the reliability and service life of the device. The frame is installed on the base and tightly attached to it. Otherwise, the accuracy of workpiece processing will be significantly reduced due to vibrations during operation.
Support.
Fixing nut.
Pinol.
Center.
Brake handle.
Carriage.
Double nut type.
Wooden platform.
Support bars.
Slot for industrial waste.

The electrical equipment of the machine is designed to operate from a three-phase network with alternating current and a voltage of 380 V. For normal operation of the autonomous lighting of the machine, a special transformer is installed in the control unit of the machine, which converts the voltage in a ratio of 380/24.

The machine has an asynchronous motor, and its operation is controlled from a panel on the headstock. An experienced technician should connect the machine to the network and set up its operation; only after this should the machine be used as usual.

Technical indicators

The std120m lathe has fairly good technical performance, especially considering its specifics and dimensions:

length – 125 cm;
height – 55 cm;
width – 57.5 cm;
weight – 100 kg.

Key parameters of processed workpieces:

The maximum length of the part that is installed in the centers is 50 cm.
The maximum diameter of the part is 19 cm.
The maximum turning length is 45 cm.

Spindle indicators:

number of speeds – 2;
rotation speed – 1100-2150 rpm.

It is worth noting that the height of the centers of the machine is 12 centimeters. Electrical equipment operates with a voltage of 380 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. The device has only one electric motor with a rated power of 0.4 kW.

Video: turning a handle for a file on a wood lathe STD 120M.

Advantages and disadvantages

When discussing the pros and cons of the STD 120m machine, it should be taken into account that it was primarily created for training purposes, and the fact that it is also used in some small enterprises already indicates the quality of its assembly and functionality. In addition, the advantages of the machine include:

Long operating time. The simplicity of the design itself makes it possible for the unit to operate for a long time, but if all components of the machine are carefully and timely maintained, then the period of operation of the machine will increase significantly.
Relatively small dimensions. This is especially important for classrooms where several devices need to be installed at once.
High level of security. An indispensable quality for any device that beginners work with. At the same time, a high level of protection will never be superfluous for those who already have work experience and have decided to purchase this machine for their own needs.
The completeness of training in turning on this machine is guaranteed by the presence of all the necessary devices and functions.

Like any other device, this device has a number of disadvantages:

The inability to connect to a 220 V network significantly limits the scope of application of the unit.
Quite small parameters of the processed workpieces reduce the functionality of the device.
The presence of only two speeds in the device adversely affects the quality of processing of parts.

Using a lathe of one of the modern models, you can perform a fairly large list of technological operations for metal processing. But mainly such equipment is used to process the external and internal surfaces of workpieces having a cylindrical, conical and shaped configuration.

History of the appearance and development of equipment

According to historians, lathes (or rather, the primitive ancestors of such devices) were invented and began to be used by man in the middle of the 7th century BC. Of course, such a device had a simple design, but it made it possible to effectively process wood or bone products. In order to carry out such processing, the part was clamped in two centers, which were mounted coaxially with each other. It was rotated manually, and the cutting process was carried out using a hand cutter, which was manipulated by a separate “operator”. Thus, the product was given the required shape and size.

The next stage of development that the equipment of the turning group underwent was equipping it with a drive necessary to impart rotational movement to the part. Initially, a bow string was used as such a drive, which was looped over the workpiece. And a little later (in the 14th century) a foot drive for turning equipment was invented.

The design of such a drive, very reminiscent of the drive mechanism of a foot-operated sewing machine, consisted of a fixed cantilever wooden pole connected to the workpiece using a strong rope. When you pressed the pole with your foot, the rope was stretched, which led to the rotation of the workpiece by 1–2 turns. After the leg was removed from the pole, the rope was released and rushed upward, which entailed the rotation of the workpiece in the other direction.

Despite their simple design, such lathes already made it possible to perform processing with fairly high quality. Their advantage was that servicing the devices was very simple.

The 16th century already had in its design a lunette and centers made of metal, which made it possible to use it for processing workpieces with complex configurations. However, due to the low power of such a device, it was not yet possible to use it for turning metal workpieces.

The history of the lathe received a strong impetus in the 1700s, when the Russian Andrei Nartov created a device on which a mechanical support was installed. It should be noted that it was this innovation that served as the strongest impetus for the development of all equipment designed for processing metal workpieces. A major contribution to the development of turning units was made by French engineers, who by the middle of the 18th century created a device that was highly versatile. By the end of this century, French industry began to use a specialized unit on which it was possible to cut threads on metal screws.

Maudsley Lathes (click to enlarge)

The year 1794 is considered to be a truly breakthrough in the development of turning equipment, when Henry Maudsley created a machine that served as the basis for the further development of all turning units. What is noteworthy is that the company founded by Maudsley was also engaged in the production of dies and taps, with the help of which threads were cut on his equipment.

They began to think about automating a lathe in the 19th century, and American engineers took the lead in this matter. This process followed the path of equipping units with additional automation elements, which ultimately led to the creation of the first machine with a turret. It was on the basis of such devices that later they began to create universal automatic machines, the first of which (the Spencer machine) was presented to the public in 1973.

Classification of turning equipment

Which was developed back in Soviet times, classifies such units as the first category of equipment designed for processing metal workpieces. According to this classification, all types of lathes are classified into one of the following categories:

automatic and semi-automatic turning units with one spindle;
multi-spindle machines: automatic and semi-automatic;
revolver models;
cutting group machines;
carousel models;
frontal and screw-cutting equipment;
multi-cutting and polishing units;
specialized machines, which can be conventional or automatic;
special purpose devices.

According to the degree of processing accuracy, the following types of lathes are produced:

special accuracy - C;
high accuracy - B;
normal accuracy - N;
especially high accuracy - A;
increased accuracy - P.

Its functionality and, accordingly, its scope of application depend on the category to which the lathe belongs. You can also learn about the main technical capabilities of the machine by its marking, which includes the following:

the initial number “1”, indicating that this is a lathe and not any other;
a second digit indicating the type to which the turning unit belongs;
the third digit (and in some models the fourth) is the most basic parameter of the machine, which characterizes the height of its centers.

Explanation of lathe markings (click to enlarge)

The marking of such units also contains letter designations that determine its design features: the level of its automation, accuracy, modification, and equipment with a CNC system. For example, the marking of the 1I611P lathe model is deciphered as follows: the letter “I” indicates that this is a screw-cutting lathe device; the letter “P” is a high-precision machine; The height of the centers for this model corresponds to 110 mm. You can guess what category of lathe you have in front of you by looking at the photo of the model.

Types of turning equipment

Designed for products that require processing of several surfaces using various tools. In order not to have to install and configure each tool, turret heads are installed on such machines, which can have two or more slots for placing tools. Of course, servicing such a lathe is much more difficult than a conventional model, but this is fully compensated by the functionality of this unit. For example, popular models of such machines are 1E316P, 1G340PTs, 1P371, 1A341.

A rotary lathe is one of the types of lathes

Rotary turning machines are designed for processing workpieces characterized by a short length, significant weight, and large outer diameter. These include dimensional gears, flywheels, etc. The functionality of such lathes (for example, models 1512, 1541, 1550, 1L532 and others) allows them to perform various tasks: turning, boring, cutting grooves, end processing, etc. What if If you retrofit such turning units with additional devices, they will become even more versatile: with their help it will be possible to perform some milling operations, cut threads, grind and perform a number of other technological actions.

Multi-spindle machines belonging to the turning group are necessary for performing complex technological operations in mass production conditions. Workpieces that can be processed on such machines can be in the form of pipes, hexagonal, square and round rods, shaped profiles, etc. This technique is distinguished by its high rigidity of design and powerful drive, which allows processing with high productivity.

What is important is that such complex and functional equipment is maintained in exactly the same way as a conventional machine. The list of technological operations that can be performed on such a unit is quite extensive: boring, roughing and shaping, cutting and rolling threads, etc. The most popular models of such turning equipment are 1P365 and 1B140 machines.

Common models of turning machines, which gained wide popularity back in Soviet times, are screw-cutting lathes. Such machines, which can be found not only in almost any industrial enterprise, but also in school workshops, have gained their popularity due to the fact that with their help they can effectively perform a large list of technological operations.

Each such machine, regardless of the model, has a standard design consisting of the same type of components. Along with their functionality, screw-cutting lathe models are characterized by high safety, ease of operation and maintenance, which makes it possible to use them as units for equipping school workshops since the times of the USSR. The most famous and popular models of such turning equipment are machines 16K20, 16K50, 16B16A and 16P16P.

At enterprises that produce their products in large series and use blanks from shaped profiles and calibrated rods in production, automatic lathes are actively used. Such machines, which primarily perform turning operations in the longitudinal direction, cope with equal success in processing workpieces made of various metals: super-hard alloys, soft copper, etc.

On the domestic market, lathes are represented mainly by models from foreign manufacturers (Japan, South Korea, etc.). There are also some domestically produced models, for example 1M10DA.

Design features of lathe group machines

All machines designed to produce other materials have standard structural elements in their design:

bed - the supporting element of the turning unit on which all the elements of its structure are installed;
apron (in this element of the lathe, the movement of the roller or lead screw is converted into the movement of its support);
, on which the spindle of the device is located, and in its inner part there is a gearbox;
caliper (in this element of the machine the cutting tool is fixed, the caliper is also needed in order to ensure longitudinal and transverse feed of the tool, carried out with the specified parameters; the design of the caliper must include a lower carriage, and some models have several of them, on the top of which a holder is attached for turning tools);
feed box (using this structural element, movement is transmitted from the lead screw or roller to the machine support);
the electrical part of the machine structure, which includes a drive electric motor, the power of which can vary significantly between different machine models, as well as elements that control the electrical equipment of the device (naturally, this part of the turning unit must meet safety requirements).

All structural elements of the machine rest on two pedestals, which perform a load-bearing function and also ensure that the workpiece is placed at a height convenient for the operator. Such cabinets, distinguished by their massive design, can be seen in the photo of a lathe of any model.

The main part of the structural elements of turning equipment is unified, which makes it possible to quickly and cost-effectively carry out their maintenance and repair.

Since ancient times, man has had a passion for. And if a couple of centuries ago, in order to obtain a high-quality product that met all the requirements of a princess or prince (and only they could afford such luxury), the master had to process the product for several dozen hours in order for it to reach a round shape. It is clear that the price of such work was simply enormous, and the process itself was extremely long and difficult.

In the modern world, everything changed after the invention of the wood lathe. In appearance, it is similar to a conventional lathe used for metal processing, but there are significant differences. For example, the latter has the function of automatic feeding to the workpiece, whereas in a woodworking machine all operations are performed manually. Of course, the main difference is power; for wood, engines with reduced performance are used, which reduce the weight of the equipment.

If you decide to start wood processing, then without this device you will have a hard time. Therefore, the first step towards creativity or business will be the purchase of a lathe. Home appliances have the same functionality as professional models, but take up little space and make less noise.

Characteristics of wood cutting machines

A wood lathe, albeit an amateur one, allows you to make various souvenirs, furniture, dishes, carvings and much more from wood.

The range of possibilities is limited only by imagination and technical characteristics. Almost all machines allow you to process parts of complex shapes and various sizes.

If you choose the right equipment, you can work with wood and some types of metal (soft), as well as plastic. It is worth knowing that when purchasing a machine for your home, you need to pay attention to the characteristics typical for this category of equipment.

All such machines have low power. Approximately 350 to 500 W.
Thanks to the first point, their mass is also small. The lightest representatives weigh about 17 kg, and the heaviest - 40 kg. But the weight of the heaviest ones cannot be compared with the weight of professional machines, reaching 100 kg or more.
The rotation speed of the workpiece varies between 350–3500 rpm.

The most expensive, and at the same time productive, allow you to grind parts that will be sold in the future.

Types of machines

All equipment intended for wood processing can be divided into three groups:

Industrial wood lathes that weigh a lot but have powerful motors. Designed for large volumes of work, therefore they can provide greater productivity.
Small industrial. Their distinctive feature is a power not exceeding 500 W. Designed for use in small workshops. They weigh about 70 kilograms.
A tabletop wood lathe, its use is advisable in cases where it is necessary to process one or more parts. It is installed on a table, is compact, lightweight and does not produce much noise during operation, which makes it possible to use it at home.

Of course, all machines can be divided into other categories based on functionality. This includes combined and specialized devices. The former are much more expensive and cannot always provide improved quality of material processing, so it is more advisable to use specialized types for one purpose or another:

If you need to bore a groove or machine it, then turning and milling machines are the best choice.
Lathe screws are suitable for creating cone-shaped workpieces or for applying threads.
allow you to write in advance, which the device will follow without the direct participation of the master.

It is worth saying that regardless of which model you choose, they will all be able to perform a common set of functions:

pruning;
drilling;
applying threads and grooves;
making openings and drilling holes;
turning.

The only difference is that machines designed, for example, for, will do such work perfectly, while another model may cope with the task worse.

DIY wood lathe

Specifications

If you are planning to purchase a machine for your home workshop, then you should pay special attention to such a criterion as its power. The tasks that the device must perform depend on the power. Sometimes it happens that a table saw is the best choice, since all the products do not require huge labor costs. But if you are planning to open one, then for this business you need a machine with a power of more than 500 kW.

But the choice should also depend on the size of the part that the machine can process. For correct sampling according to this criterion, only two parameters need to be taken into account. The first is the distance from the part to the frame, most often it is in the range of 25–40 cm. The second is the center-to-center distance, from 33 to 110 cm.

After the first two, in terms of importance and count, characteristics, you need to move on to the third - spindle speed. Since the range of choice is very wide, you should start from the general rule created on the basis of the following correlation - the cleanliness and accuracy of processing depends on the speed of rotation of the workpiece.

If you choose a home machine, then special attention should be paid to the spindle runout. An excellent result is considered to be two hundredths of a mm, since working on such a machine does not imply ideal results.

Lathe spindle

However, if the indicator is significantly higher, you should abandon such a purchase in favor of a more accurate device.

Operating principle of lathes

All wood lathes operate on the same operating principle. The workpiece is fixed in the lathe, after which the master feeds the cutter and begins turning the workpiece. You need to understand that all the parts of such a machine are located on the bed. The main elements can be identified:

The front support on which the drive and gear shaft are located.
Rear support that fixes the part and serves as a stand for the cutter.
A headstock that serves to accommodate the driving chuck, which imparts rotation to the workpiece.
The tailstock holds the workpiece and is used in cases where work is carried out using long parts.

Processing of products always occurs in two stages. First, the master performs the roughing stage of processing, performed at an angle of 30 degrees or less, and then begins finishing processing with an increase in degrees to 45.

You need to understand that processing the products takes some time, since one pass allows you to remove no more than 1 mm of wood.

Do-it-yourself machine assembly

If buying a wood lathe for your home seems too simple, then you can try to make such a device. To do this, you will need to use a drill drive with a power of no more than 150 W. For the frame, you can use a wooden base or light alloys. The main requirement for the design is that the headstocks must be at the same level and their centers coincide.

Depending on the selected body material, guides are selected. There are many options, from slats machined from wood to self-mounted aluminum rails.