Engine Lathe - Meaning and Applications

The engine lathe is considered the father of all other machine tools owing to its basic mechanical elements being integrated into other machine tools. It is also called a reproductive machine because it can be used to produce other machine tools. It is, basically, a horizontal metal-turning machine that is of prime importance to an industrial workplace. Its main function is to change the shape, size or finish of a work piece that is revolving using different cutting tools. It is commonly used to create metal parts that are components of engines.

Mechanical parts of an engine lathe

• Headstock
• Tailstock
• Carriage
• Bed

Factors determining the engine lathe size
Following are the factors that determine the size or machining capacity of an engine lathe:

• The swing
• Length of the bed between the head and tail stock centers

Products
Engine lathe may be used for the following:

• Spinning sheet metals
• Making square blocks
• Creating shafts
• Drilling
• Candle cup dies
• Forge burner nozzles
• Foundry pattern core boxes

Hazards

• Eye injuries resulting from flying metal pieces
• Skin disease from coolant
• Cuts and other wounds from sharp edges
• Injuries as a result of dropping heavy objects such as chuck or stock

Safety guidelines

• Avoid wearing jewellery while operating the machine
• Keep the area around the machine free of coolant or oil
• Use a hoist for heavy lifting
• Keep all kinds of tools and equipment away from the machine while in use
• Keep work area and lathe free of debris at all times