Switching On/Off Turret Lathe Machine

Operation involves mounting a work-holder and cutting tools, positioning stops for bar stack and
for the slides, setting the control levers or cams to obtain the specified spindle speed and tool
feed, machining two or three trial pieces, and correcting the position of the tools and stops.

Turret lathes with longitudinal motion of the turret slide, with no cross slide and cross motion of
the turret, have limited processing capabilities. They allow such operations as Centre-drilling,
drilling, reaming, turning, threading, and facing narrow ends with a wide edge tool.

Bull grooving, facing wide end surfaces, form turning, and cutting off can be done on lathes of
this type only with the aid of special tool holders that permit the cross traverse of the tool or
through the use of the turret’s circular motion providing for cross feed of the tool.

Turret lathes with a vertical axis turret are easier to set up for processing simple work than those
with a horizontal axis turret. But the latter are easier to set when it comes to using several tools
simultaneously, because the horizontal axis turrets employ simpler tool holders. [1]

The production time consists of the following heads:

(a) Set up time.

(b)Work handling time

(c) Machine handling time.

(d) Cutting time.

It is usual to allow 12% as fatigue allowance to various operating times.

(a) Set-Up Time:

It is the time consumed in setting of tools on the machine. It can be reduced by having all
necessary tools in good and readily available condition. For short run jobs a permanent set up of
usual tools on the turret is an excellent means of reducing time.

(b) Work-Handling Time:

It is the time consumed in mounting or removing the work and is largely dependent upon the
type of work holding devices. For bar work, this may be reduced to a minimum by having quick
means for advancing the stock and by proper selection of collets, chucks and fixtures.
(c) Machine-Handling Time:

It is the time consumed in bringing the respective tools into the cutting position. This can be
reduced by having the tools in proper sequence and position.

(d) Cutting Time:

It is the time consumed in actual operation and can be controlled by the use of proper cutting
tools, feeds, and speeds. This can be saved by having multiple or combined cuts. In order to have
an economic tooling the total production time should be reduced to minimum.

Standard times for various non-machining operations on turret capstan lathes are:

Feed to bar stop—0.06 min; Index turret—0.08 min

Change speed—0.05 min; Change feed—0.05 min.

Basic Analysis of Jobs:

Turret lathe set ups to be economical need to be analysed for each job.

Some guidelines in this regard are given below:

(i) Analyze the Job for the Types of Tooling:

A study of part design and specifications would enable determine whether it can be machined
from bar stock or from castings or forgings. Roller-rest type of turning tools that support the
work against the cutters are used for machining bar stock, and extended tooling that overhangs
the hexagonal turret is used for machining castings and forgings.

(ii) Analyze the Machining Operations:

The usual order of machining operations is: internal cuts, external turning, operations from
hexagonal-turret or square-turret station, facing cuts, chamfering, necking, grooving and cut off
cuts.

(iii) Condition and Set the Cutters:

Proper cutting angles be ground on tool and these be set with minimum overhang and gripped
firmly in the holders.

(iv) Set the Machine Stops:

Stops should be set only as accurately as part tolerances require. Hexagonal turret stops are
usually set first and cross-slide stops last.
(v) Selection of Correct Speeds and Feeds:

Each cut should be run at as high a speed and at as coarse a feed as cutter and job permit. Usually
hard materials are cut at slower speeds and heavier feeds, and soft materials at higher speeds and
lighter feeds.

Fig1 Schematic Diagram of Turret Lathe [2]

Procedure of Switching on and off the Turret Lathe

1. Do not wear watch, ring and etc., in your hand while switching on the machining.

2. Wear shoe and lab coat while switch on the machine.

3. Attention to be paid to Clamps, tool, tool holders or supporting items before switching on.

4. Care should be taken for avoiding accidental contact with revolving cutters.

5. Do not handle chips with bare hands, use brush or hand gloves.

6. Pay attention while selecting tools or blades for the proposed use to avoid accidents.

7. Do not remove chip while machine is running.

8. Care should be taken while selecting rapid feed.

9. Follow safety precautions while approach with cutter to avoid tool damage.

10. Use coolants for heat dissipation.

11. Properly clean the machine before tuning it off.

12. Check the lubricant levels.

13. Clean greasy, rusty parts and chips removal each time after turning of the machine.

14. Check for proper belt tightness and working of moving parts, vibration, noises etc. before off.

15. Repeat these procedure each and every time you switch on/off and working on the machine.

References

1. https://www.engineeringenotes.com/industrial-engineering/lathe/turret-lathes-setting-and-
guidelines-machine-tools-engineering/23010
2. https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/manufacturingprocesses45/chapter/chapter-unit-1-the-
engine-lathe/