Name of the course: Mechanical Engineering (Production)

Name of the subject

MACHINE TOOLS
Group A-Chapter 2

Lathe & Lathe work

Name of the topic: Lathe & Lathe work

Name of faculty: Bappa Patra
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Nazrul Centenary Polytechnic

1|P a ge
Learning outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, the students would be able to:

(i) Understand lathe and its basic components & specifications
(ii) Illustrate the different operations performed on lathe
(iii) Explain thread cutting process on lathe machine
(iv) Differentiate machine & machine tool
(v) Describe different lathe drive (gear) mechanism
(vi) Calculate machining time

2|P a ge
2.0 LATHE & LATHE WORK
Lathe is the oldest machine tool invented, starting with the Egyptian tree lathes. The principal form
of surface produced in a lathe is the cylindrical surface. This is achieved by rotating the workpiece,
while the single point cutting tool removes the material by traversing in a direction parallel to the
axis of rotation and termed as turning as shown in Fig. 2.1.

Fig. 2.1 Turning operation in lathe

2.1 Classification of lathe

Lathe is one of the oldest machine tools. It machines the given work piece into required product by
employing turning effect. In a lathe the workpiece revolves along with the chuck to which the motor
is connected by various gears and shafts. In lathes tools have either longitudinal or transverse motion
or cross feed. There are many types of lathes but they are broadly classified into seven types.

1) Speed lathes
2) Engine lathes
3) Bench lathes
4) Tool room lathes
5) Capstan and turret lathes
6) Special purpose lathes
7) Automatic lathes

3|P a ge
Speed lathe

This lathe is simplest of all the lathes and is easily understandable to everyone. As the name indicates
very high speeds are generated. These lathes contain a bed, head stock, tail stock mounted on an
adjustable slide. These lathes do not have tool post, feed rod, and lead screw. Very few ranges of
speeds are possible by speed lathes. These lathes are in generally employed for wood working.

Engine lathe

It is the most commonly used lathe and is of high importance in lathe family. The name engine is
kept as in the past, steam engines are used for running these lathes. This is similar to the speed lathes
but the head stock is little robust in construction. Engine lathes have additional mechanisms to
produce a wide range of speeds. Many parts like lead screw, feed rod, tool post etc. are also provided
in these lathes. Speeds both in anti-clockwise and clockwise directions can be generated very
effectively.

Bench lathe

This is a very small lathe and is generally mounted over a bench. This contains all the parts of
engine lathe but the major difference arises in size. These lathes are small in size and are generally
used for doing small and precision works.

Tool room lathe

It has similar features of engine lathe but it is more accurately built and a wide range of speeds
ranging from very low to very high speeds up to 2500rpm can be generated. It has many
attachments like chuck, taper turning equipment, draw in collet attachment, thread chasing rest,
pump for coolant etc. This is used for doing precision works like tools dies etc. Tool room lathes
are costlier when compared to engine lathes of same size.

Capstan and turret lathe

These are the developments made in engine lathe. These lathes found application in production
work. In this lathe the tailstock is replaced by hexagonal turret. Based on the way the turret is
mounted they will be classified into capstan and turret lathes. Each face of the turret is mounted with
a tool. These tools are arranged in an order. When the operation of one tool gets completed then
turret takes a turn and making the next tool to come into operation. By employing capstan and turret
lathes production rate can be increased to a larger extent. These lathes found application where a lot
of identical pieces needed to be generated.

4|P a ge
Special purpose lathes

As the name indicates these lathes are designed for a specific purpose. These lathes are not so
generally used as they have a unique job production. These types of lathes are used when there is
requirement of mass production. Some of the special purpose lathes are T-lathes, Gap bed lathes,
Duplicating lathes, etc.

Automatic lathes

These are latest type of lathes where every operation is automatically done by employing special
devices. These lathes have high speed, heavy duty and are used for mass production. This lathe
requires no flour men. A properly trained operator can efficiently run 7 to 10 machines at a time as
all the work starting from loading till obtaining of finished goods every operation requires no man
power. These lathes produce jobs with minimum tolerances and of very high accuracy. These lathes
generally have very high cost. But the cost per piece is very less for this machine when compared to
any other lathes.

2.2 Centre lathe-working principle

The centre lathe is the most common lathe, which derives its name from the way a workpiece is
clamped by centre in a lathe. This is sometimes also called engine lathe, in view of the fact that early
lathes wre driven by steam engine.

working principle of lathe: -

The lathe is a machine tool which holds the workpiece between two rigid and strong supports called
centres or in a chuck or face plate which revolves. The cutting tool is rigidly held and supported in
a tool post which is fed against the revolving work. The normal cutting operations are performed
with the cutting tool fed either parallel or at right angles to the axis of the work. The cutting tool
may also be fed at an angle relative to the axis of work for machining tapers and angles (Fig. 2.2).

Fig. 2.2 Principle of working of a centre lathe

5|P a ge
2.3 Specification & Function of various parts
Parts of a lathe: The figure 2.3 shows various components of a centre lathe.

Fig. 2.3 Block diagram of centre lathe

1. Bed: The bed is a heavy, rugged casting in which the working parts of the lathe are mounted. It
carries the headstock and tail stock for supporting the workpiece and provides a base for the
movement of carriage assembly which carries the tool.
2. Legs: The legs carry the entire load of machine and are firmly secured to floor by foundation
bolts.
3. Headstock: The headstock is clamped on the left-hand side of the bed and it serves as housing
for the driving pulleys, back gears, headstock spindle, live centre and the feed reverse gear. The
headstock spindle is a hollow cylindrical shaft that provides a drive from the motor to work holding
devices.
4. Gear Box: The quick-change gear-box is placed below the headstock and contains a number of
different sized gears.
5. Carriage: The carriage is located between the headstock and tailstock and serves the purpose of
supporting, guiding and feeding the tool against the job during operation. The main parts of carriage
are:
a). The saddle is an H-shaped casting mounted on the top of lathe ways. It provides support to cross-
slide, compound rest and tool post.
b). The cross slide is mounted on the top of saddle, and it provides a mounted or automatic cross
movement for the cutting tool.

6|P a ge
c). The compound rest is fitted on the top of cross slide and is used to support the tool post and the
cutting tool.
d). The tool post is mounted on the compound rest, and it rigidly clamps the cutting tool or tool
holder at the proper height relative to the work centre line.
e). The apron is fastened to the saddle and it houses the gears, clutches and levers required to move
the carriage or cross slide. The engagement of split nut lever and the automatic feed lever at the
same time is prevented the carriage along the lathe bed.
6. Tailstock: The tailstock is a movable casting located opposite the headstock on the ways of the
bed. The tailstock can slide along the bed to accommodate different lengths of workpiece between
the centres. A tailstock clamp is provided to lock the tailstock at any desired position. The tailstock
spindle has an internal taper to hold the dead centre and the tapered shank tools such as reamers and
drills.

Lathe specifications:
(i) Distance between centres-Specifies the maximum length of the job that can be turned
(ii) Swing over the bed- Specifies the maximum diameter of the job that can be turned
(iii) Swing over the cross slide
(iv) Horse power of the motor
(v) Cutting speed range
(vi) Feed range
(vii) Screw cutting capacity
(viii) Accuracy achievable

2.4 Spindle drive & Power transmission in lathe

The main function of headstock is to transmit power to the different parts of a lathe. It comprises of
the headstock casting to accommodate all the parts within it including gear train arrangement. The
main spindle is adjusted in it. which possesses live centre to which the work can be attached. It
supports the work and revolves with the work, fitted into the main spindle of the headstock. The
cone pulley is also attached with this arrangement, which is used to get various spindle speed through
electric motor. The back-gear arrangement is used for obtaining a wide range of slower speeds. Some
gears called change wheels are used to produce different velocity ratio required for thread cutting.
Power transmission takes place the same way it does in a car, through a gearbox. A manual lathe
has a gearbox with interchangeable gears. i.e. for switching to metric, changing speed range, thread
making, etc.

7|P a ge
2.5 Lathe accessories and attachments

Lathe Accessories:

The following are the different lathe accessories:

1. Centres

The most common methods of holding the workpiece in a lathe are between the two centres i.e. live
centre and dead centre.

2. Chuck
Chucks are generally used to support and hold the workpiece in order to carry out different
operations in lathe. The different types of chucks are as follows

1. 3 jaw universal chuck

2. 4 jaw independent chuck
3. Combination chuck
4. Magnetic chuck
5. Collet chuck

A 3-jaw & 4-jaw chuck is shown in Fig. 2.4 (a) & (b) respectively.

(a) 3-jaw chuck (b) 4-jaw chuck

Fig. 2.4 Chuck

8|P a ge
3. Catch plate or carriage

Carriers and catch plates are used to drive a workpiece when it is held between two centres. Carriers
are driving dogs attached to the end of the workpiece by a setscrew. Catch plates are bolted to the
nose of the head stock spindle (Fig. 2.5).

Fig. 2.5 Catch plate

4. Face plate

It is a circular plate as shown in Fig. 2.6, threaded at its centre with plain and T-slots which are
machined rapidly. It is fitted to the lathe spindle with its central threaded portion. The job on the
workpiece is held by the face plate using bolts and clamps in the slots.

Fig. 2.6 Faceplate

9|P a ge
5. Mandrel

The Mandrels are steel shapes that are useful for holding rotating previously drilled or stepped turned
or bored workpieces, for further operations. Mandrels have got flattened ends for easy gripping by
the carriers (Fig. 2.7).

Fig. 2.7 Mandrel

6. Rests
It is a supporting structure used in the lathe to support long jobs or workpieces. It is located in the
intermediate position between the centres. This prevents bending of the workpiece or job due to its
own weight and vibration. It is used the length is 10-12 times the diameter of the workpiece. A
steady rest is shown in Fig. 2.8.

Fig. 2.8 Rest

10 | P a g e
Lathe Attachments:

Following are the 5 different types of lathe attachments:

1. Taper Turning attachments

2. Grinding attachments
3. Gear cutting attachments
4. Milling attachment
5. Thread chasing dials

2.6 Feed drive-apron mechanism

Apron is attached to the carriage and hangs over the front side of the lathe bed. It is useful in
providing power and hand feed to both carriage and cross-slide. It is also used to provide power feed
to the carriage during thread cutting through two half nuts. The construction of apron is shown in
Fig. 2.9.

Fig. 2.9 Apron mechanism

Power is transmitted from the spindle to the lead screw and feed rod through the spindle gear and
tumbler gear arrangement. A worm is mounted on the feed rod by a sliding key. The worm meshes
with a worm gear on whose axis another gear G1 is attached. Gear G1 is attached to a small gear G2
by a bracket as shown in the diagram. Gear G4 is positioned to be in mesh with the rack gear always.
Another gear G3 is mounted on the same axis of gear G4. The carriage hand wheel meant for
longitudinal feed is attached to the gear G5 on the same axis. The gears G3 and G5 are always in
mesh. The gear G6 is attached to the cross-slide screw.

11 | P a g e
Hand feed to the carriage

Feed selection lever is kept in neutral position and the carriage hand wheel is rotated. The gear G4
attached to the rack gets rotation through the gears G5 and G3. The carriage moves longitudinally.

Hand feed to the cross slide

Feed selection lever is kept in neutral position. The cross slide will move on rotation of the cross-
slide hand wheel.

2.7 Different lathe operations

(1) Turning:
In this operation, the work held in the spindle is rotated while the tool is fed past the workpiece in a
direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The surface thus generated is a cylindrical surface as shown
in Fig. 2.10.

Fig. 2.10 Turning

12 | P a g e
(2) Facing:
Facing is an operation for generating flat surfaces. The feed is given in a direction perpendicular to
the axis of rotation (Fig. 2.11).

Fig. 2.11 Facing operation

(3) Knurling:
In this operation a knurling tool is forced on the workpiece material, thus deforming the top layers.
This forms a top surface, which is rough & provides a proper gripping surface. Fig. 2.12 shows a
knurling operation.

Fig. 2.12 Knurling

13 | P a g e
(4) Parting & grooving:
Parting & grooving are similar operations. In this, a flat nosed tool cut the workpiece with a feed in
the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The grooving operation is shown in Fig. 2.13.

Fig. 2.13 Grooving operation

(5) Drilling:
A twist drill is held in the quill of the tailstock and is fed into the rotating workpiece by feeding the
tailstock quill. A drilling arrangement is shown in Fig. 2.14.

Fig. 2.14 Drilling in lathe

14 | P a g e
(6) Boring:
Boring is the operation of enlarging a hole already made (Fig. 2.15). The operation is somewhat
similar to the external turning operation.

Fig. 2.15 Boring operation

(7) Taper turning:

When the diameter of a piece changes uniformly from one end to the other, the piece is said to
be tapered. Taper turning as a machining operation is the gradual reduction in diameter from one
part of a cylindrical workpiece to another part. Tapers can be either external or internal. A taper
turning operation is shown in Fig. 2.16.

Where, D1 & D2 are the larger and smaller end diameter of the taper and L is the taper length
Fig. 2.16 Taper turning

15 | P a g e
(8) Thread cutting:
Thread cutting on the lathe is a process that produces a helical ridge of uniform section on the
workpiece. This is performed by taking successive cuts with a threading tool bit the same shape as
the thread form required (Fig. 2.17).

Fig. 2.17 Thread cutting operation

2.8 Taper and taper turning

Taper turning is a manufacturing method used to produce tapered turning parts, which has uniformly
changing diameter from one end to another. So, the taper turning refers to a process of gradual
reduction in outer or inner diameter from one end to the other of the cylindrical workpiece or material
block. Taper turning is usually performed on a lathe machine.
Taper turning methods in lathe machine

There are four methods

1. Form tool method

2. Tailstock set over method

3. Compound rest method

4. Taper turning attachment method

16 | P a g e
1. Form tool method

This is one of the simplest methods to produce short taper. This method is shown in the below figure.
2.18. The tool is fed perpendicular to the lathe axis, when the work piece rotates.

Fig. 2.18 Form tool method for taper

The tool cutting edge length must be greater than the taper length. Since the entire cutting edge
removes the metal, it will produce a lot of vibration and hence a large force is required. It is done in
slow speed.

2. Tailstock set over method

Generally, when the angle of taper is very small this method will be employed. The workpiece be
placed in the live centre and dead centre. Now, the tailstock will be moved in a cross wise, that is
perpendicular to the lathe axis by turning the set over method. This process is known as tailstock set
over method as shown in Fig. 2.19.

Hence here the job is inclined to the required angle. When the work piece rotates the tool is moved
parallel to the lathe axis. So that the taper will be generated on the work piece.

17 | P a g e
 Fig. 2.19 Tailstock off-set method

Tailstock offfset calculations:

The offset of tailstock is calculated as shows in Fig. 2.20.

Fig. 2.20 Tailstock offset calculation

18 | P a g e
3. Compound rest method

Generally short and steep taper will be produced will be produced using this method. In this method
the work piece will be held in the chuck and it will be rotated about the lathe axis. The compound
rest is swivelled to the required angle and then it will be clamped in position (Fig. 2.21).

Fig. 2.21 Compound rest method for taper turning

Then by using the compound rest hand wheel the tool will be fed. Both the internal and external
taper can be done using this method. The important feature is that the compound rest can be
swivelled up to 45° on both sides. Only with the help of the hand the tool should be moved.

The taper angle may be calculated with reference to the Fig. 2.22.

Fig. 2.22 Calculation of taper angle

19 | P a g e
 D1 = Larger diameter of taper in mm

D2 = Smaller diameter of taper in mm

L = Length of taper part in mm

2α = Full taper angle

α = angle of taper or half taper angle

𝐃𝟏−𝐃𝟐
The angle is determined using the formula, tanα =
𝟐𝑳

4. Taper turning attachment method

In this method by using bottom plate or bracket, a taper turning attachment is attached to the rear
end of the bed. It has a guide bar which is usually pivoted as its centre. The guide bar has the ability
to swing and it can be set in any required angle. It has graduations in degrees. On either side, the
guide bar can be swivelled to a maximum angle of 10°. It has a guide block which connects to the
rear end of the cross slide and it moves on the guide bar. The binder screw is removed, before
connecting the cross slide, hence the cross slide is free from the cross-slide screw. A taper turning
attachment is shown in Fig. 2.23.

Fig. 2.23 Taper turning attachment

20 | P a g e
2.9 Thread cutting in lathe
Both external & internal threads can be cut on lathe. For both of these, the main requirement is to
have a proper system of gearing between the lathe spindle & the lead screw so as to establish the
required ratio of speeds between the two. For this, lathes are provided with quick-change gear box,
which enables the establishment of the required speed ratio very quickly. The figures 2.24, 2.25 &
2.26 shows nomenclature of screw, right & left-hand threads and starts thread respectively.

Fig. 2.24 Nomenclature of thread

Fig. 2.25 Right- & left-hand threads

Fig. 2.26 Start threads

Lead = No. of starts × pitch

21 | P a g e
Lathe setting for screw cutting:

Fig. 2.27 Lathe setting for thread cutting

Setting up of lathe includes proper holding of the job, setting of tools at proper height. For cutting
of thread it is necessary that for every revolution of the spindle or work, the tool should move parallel
to the axis of the job by a distance equal to the lead of the screw to be cut. So, there will be a definite
ratio between the longitudinal feed of tool and the speed of the spindle. The desired ratio is obtained
with the help of the lead screw by connecting it to the spindle through a gear train as shown in Fig.
2.27.

Change gear/Speed ratio:

Suppose, that a screw of 6 mm pitch is to be cut on the lathe. The tool should move parallel to the
axis of the work, a distance equal to 6 mm for every revolution of the spindle (work), but the lead
screw pitch is only 3 mm, for 6 mm displacement of the tool the lead screw should make 2
revolutions. That is the lead screw should rotate at a speed double that of the spindle. A simple and
compound gear train is shown in Fig. 2.28.

𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤

Gearing ratio =
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘
𝑃𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑡
=
𝑃𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤
𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑡
= (for multiple start threads)
𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑠

𝐷𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟
Gearing ratio = 𝐷𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛

22 | P a g e
 Fig. 2.28 Simple & compound gear train

Available change gear no. of teeth: -

20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 125 & 127.

Problem 1: Calculate the change gears to cut a single start thread of 3 mm pitch on a centre lathe,
having a lead screw of 6 mm pitch.
Solution: Given data
Pitch (P) = 3 mm, Lead screw pitch (L) = 6 mm

Change gear ratio = P/L = 3/6 = ½

Now for the available change gear set, this gear ratio can be obtained by selecting gears
Z1 = 20 and Z2 = 40 or Z1 = 25, Z2 = 50
It will be a simple gearing
𝟏 𝟐𝟎 𝟐𝟎
× 𝟐𝟎 = 𝟒𝟎
𝟐

𝟏 𝟐𝟓 𝟐𝟓
× 𝟐𝟓 = 𝟓𝟎
𝟐

23 | P a g e
Problem 2: Calculate the change gears to cut a single start thread of 0.5 mm pitch having a lead
screw of 12 mm pitch.
Solution:
Pitch (P) = 0.5 mm, Lead screw pitch (L) = 12 mm
𝟏
Change gear ratio = P/L = 0.5/12 =𝟐𝟒
𝟏 𝟏
=𝟒×𝟔
𝟐𝟓 𝟐𝟎
= 𝟏𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝒁𝟏 𝒁𝟑
= 𝒁𝟐 × 𝒁𝟒

Driver gears Z1 & Z3

Driven gears Z2 & Z4
It will be a compound gearing

Problem 3: Calculate the change gears to cut a single start thread of 4 TPI (thread per inch) on a
centre lathe, having a lead screw of 3 mm pitch.
Solution:
1 25.4
P = 4 inch = mm, L = 3 mm
4

𝟏𝟐𝟕 𝒁𝟏
Change gear ratio = = 𝒁𝟐
𝟔𝟎

It will be a simple gearing

Problem 4: Calculate the tailstock set-over for turning a taper on a job such that its two diameters
are 80 mm & 50 mm. Total length of the job is 300 mm and the length of tapered portion is 200 mm
only.
Solution: Given data
Total length (L) = 300 mm, taper length (l) = 200 mm
Big diameter (D) = 80 mm and small diameter (d) = 50 mm
𝑳(𝑫−𝒅) 𝟑𝟎𝟎 (𝟖𝟎−𝟓𝟎)
So, the tailstock set-over (h) = = = 15 mm
𝟐𝒍 𝟐×𝟐𝟎𝟎

24 | P a g e
2.10 Use of back gear in lathe:
The back gears are used for reduction in spindle speeds, thereby facilitating a wider range of speeds.
The 4-step V pully has small gear (SG) permanently attached to its smaller end. The large bull wheel
(BW) is keyed or held to the spindle. It can be connected to the V-pully and disconnected from it by
a pin (P). In normal use the V-pully is rotated by the drive belt and the motion is transmitted to the
spindle as shown in Fig. 2.29 & Fig. 2.30.

Fig. 2.29 Back gear mechanism

To engage back gear the lathe is stopped, the pin (P) withdrawn and the back gear (BG) rotated on
its eccentric shaft. Now the pully is rotated by the drive belt with the small gear (SG) on the V-pully
driving the larger back gear (BG) which in turn causes the smaller gear at the other end of its shat to
rotate. This smaller gear drives the bull wheel (BW) and hence the spindle at a much lower speed
but with greatly increased torque.

25 | P a g e
 Fig. 2.30 Back gear mechanism used in lathe

2.11 Tumbler gear mechanism:

Fig. 2.31 Tumbler gear mechanism

26 | P a g e
Usually to change the direction of feed rod and lead screw, tumbler gear mechanism is used. The
carriage can be move from headstock end to tailstock or from tailstock end to headstock end
automatically by engaging the tumbler gear. The three position of tumbler gear (Forward, natural
and reverse) are shown in Fig. 2.31. The tumbler gear is used during thread cutting and automatic
feeding.

2.12 All geared headstock of a lathe

All geared headstock lathe has three or more than three shafts mounted and it is shown in Fig. 2.32.

Fig. 2.32 All geared headstock

The gears are equipped to obtain different speeds which can be more than 18 spindle speeds. The
middle shaft has got three gears 4, 5 & 6 as a single unit, thus rotate at similar speed. The spindle
shaft also has three gears mounted as 1,2 & 3 on it. The three gears can made to slide with the help
of the lever mounted in front of the headstock.
Advantages of all geared headstock
(ii) Wider range of speeds
(iii) The spindle speeds can be easily changed
(iv) Less vibrations are observed
Disadvantages of all geared headstock
(i) High cost
(ii) Loss of power due to friction

27 | P a g e
2.13 Need for change of speed:
(1) Workpiece material: Hard materials need slower speed while softer materials are machined
at high speed
(2) Cutting tool materials: Usually, harder the cutting tool material the higher is the cutting
speed
(3) Type of operations: Some operations need high speed and some operations like threading,
reaming need slower speed
(4) Workpiece size: Generally large diameter workpiece needs slow speed

(5) Surface finish: In finishing cut, the depth of cut is reduced and a higher speed is used

(6) Rigidity of machine tool: The speed is depending on the rigidity of machine tool also

(7) Cutting fluid: If the operation is performing without cutting fluid, then the speed should be
slow

2.14 Different types of lathe tools

The different types of lathe tools are shown in figure 2.33

Fig. 2.33 Lathe tools

28 | P a g e
2.15 Difference between individual drive and group drive:
The Fig. 2.34 & Fig. 2.35 shows individual drive and group drive respectively and the difference
between individual drive and group drive is given in table 2.1.

Fig. 2.34 Individual drive

Fig. 2.35 Group drive

29 | P a g e
Table 2.1 Difference between individual drive & group drive
Individual drive Group drive

Initial cost Low High

Speed More variation possible Wider variation not possible

Running cost Low High

Machine attached One More than one

One time of breakdown Only one machine get affected All machine connected to
group drive get affected

More likely used For job production For mass production

Efficiency High Low

Power required Less More

2.16 Machining parameters and machining time

Speed:
It is the distance travelled per minute by a point on the circumference of the work in a direction
parallel to the direction of the feed of the tool.
𝜋𝐷𝑁
V = 1000 m/min

Where, V = cutting speed in m/min

D = diameter of the work in mm
N = speed of the work in rpm

Feed:
Feed is the advancement of the tool for each revolution of the work
f= mm/revolution or mm/min
Depth of cut:
Depth of cut is the distance, measured normal to the work axis by which the point of the tool
penetrates into the job surface in a cut as shown in Fig. 2.36.

30 | P a g e
 Fig. 2.36 Depth of cut

𝐷2−𝐷1
Depth of cut = 2

Estimation of machining time: Machining time is calculated with the help of below Fig. 2.37.

Fig. 2.37 Estimation of machining time

A = Approach length
l = Cutting length
O = Over travel
Total length (L) = A + l + O
𝑳 𝑨+𝒍+𝑶
Machining time (T) = = minutes (for single pass)
𝒇×𝑵 𝒇×𝑵

f = feed in mm/rev, N= spindle speed in rpm

31 | P a g e
2.17 Difference between machine and machine tool
Machine: -
A machine is defined as an assembly of mechanism that perform certain operations by utilizing
electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and/or pneumatic power. For example, a hand drill.
Machine tool: -
The concept of machine tool is strictly restricted within the metal-working or machining field. A
machine tool is a power operated and non-portable machine that can remove excess material with
the help of a cutting tool.

A machine having following characteristics can be considered as a machine tool

➢ It must be power driven
➢ It must be non-portable
➢ It can perform more than one type of machining or metal cutting operations
➢ It utilizes a cutting tool to shear off excess materials from workpiece.

32 | P a g e
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Answer the following questions:

Choose the most appropriate answer:

i) The lead screw of a lathe has--------threads: - (a) single start, (b) double start, (c) multi
start, (d) any one of these.

ii) Lathe spindle has got: - (a) internal threads, (b) external threads, (c) taper threads, (d) no
threads.

iii) The angle between the lathe centres is: - (a) 30̊, (b) 45̊, (c) 60̊, (d) 90̊.

iv) The different spindle speeds on a lathe form: - (a) A.P., (b) G.P., (c) H.P., (d) any one
of these.

v) When the tool moves parallel to the lathe axis, the movement is termed as: - (a) cross
feed, (b) longitudinal feed, (c) angular feed, (d) any one of the above.

vi) Lathe bed is usually made of: - (a) structural steel, (b) stainless steel, (c) cast iron, (d)
mild steel.

vii) The power is transmitted by lead screw to the carriage through (a) gear box, (b) apron,
(c) half nut, (d) rack and pinion.

viii) Lathe centres are provided with the following standard taper.........(a) Morse, (b) British,
(c) Metric, (d) Sharp.

ix) Which of the following lathe operations requires that the cutting edge of a tool bit be
placed exactly on the work centre line......? (a) Boring (b) Drilling (c) Facing (d) Turning

x) Internal or external tapers on a turret lathe can be turned by......(a) Face turning
attachment (b)Taper turning attachment (c) Sliding attachment (d) Offsetting tailstock

xi) In lathe, the carriage and tail stock are guided on......(a) Same guideways (b) Different
guideways (c) Not guided on guideways (d) None of the above
xii) Half nut is connected with.......(a) Milling machine (b) Locking device (c) Jigs and fixture
(d) Thread cutting on lathe

xiii) The power is transmitted by lead screw to the carriage through......... (a) Gear box (b)
Worm and gear (c) Rack and pinion (d) Half nut

xiv) In cutting Right hand thread threads, the spindle and lead screw rotate in the (a) same
direction (b) opposite direction (c) same or opposite direction (d) spindle rotates but lead
screw does not rotate

33 | P a g e
xv) Which of the following attachment can be used on centre lathe? (a) grinding (b) milling
(c) taper turning (d) all of these

xvi) The following is used to turn very long job between centres on a lathe (a) steady rest (b)
follower rest (c) compound rest (d) all of these

xvii) In lathe, the back gears are used for affecting………….in spindle speeds, thereby
facilitating wider range of speeds (a) increase (b) reduction (c) increase or reduction (d)
none of these

xviii) In a lathe work, when the tool is fed parallel to the rotation of work, it will produce (a)
cylindrical surface (b) flat surface (c) tapered surface (d) spherical surface

xix) In taper operation, which type of surface is produced? (a) flat (b) curve (c) circular (d)
none of the mentioned

xx) In which of the following type of lathe, lead screw is provided for thread cutting? (a)
centre (b) turret (c) capstan (d) all of these

xxi) Assume a machining process of taper turning. In this process, a large diameter of taper
is 'D' and it is uniformly decreased to the small diameter of the taper 'd' at the horizontal
length of tapered part of workpiece is 'L'. What is the correct formula for half of tapper
angle (2α / 2)? (a) α = sin–1 ((D – d) / 2L) (b) α = cos–1 ((D – d) / 2L)
(c) α = tan–1 ((D – d) / 2L) (d) α = cot–1 ((D – d) / 2L)

xxii) The centre lathes receive their power through (a) headstock (b) tailstock (c) both a. and
b. (d) none of the above

xxiii) Which of the following is not a part of carriage of the centre lathe? (a) Tool post (b)
Apron (c) Compound rest (d) Gear box controls

xxiv) Tool post is ……………...the carriage (a) above (b) below (c) right side (d) left side

xxv) The following is used for holding bored parts for machining their outside surfaces (a)
mandrel (b) dogs (c) driving plate (d) angle plate

xxvi) Lathe centre is used for (a) cutting (b) supporting (c) holding (d) all of these

xxvii) The following is also known as tool rest (a) saddle (b) cross slide (c) compound slide (d)
tool post

xxviii) Lathe can shape only………. type of jobs (a) square (b) cylindrical (c) rectangular (d)
any shape

34 | P a g e
 xxix) The lathe carriage serves the following purpose of the tool (a) guiding (b) feeding (c)
supporting (d) all of these

xxx) The following acts as driving shaft in lathe (a) counter shaft (b) spindle shaft (c) lead
screw (d) none of these

Answer the following questions

1. Give a block diagram of centre lathe and mark its main parts
2. List the machining operations that can be performed on a centre lathe.
3. State the difference between machine and machine tool
4. Sketch and explain tumbler gear mechanism.
5. Calculate the change gears to cut a single start thread of 3 mm pitch on a centre lathe, having
a lead screw of 6 mm pitch.
6. Name the methods of turning a taper.
7. State the specification of a centre lathe.
8. Explain the function of back gear in lathe. Give a neat sketch
9. What is the necessity of varying spindle speeds in a lathe?
10. Explain the thread cutting method in a lathe.
11. Compare Group drive and individual drive systems.
12. Discuss with a neat sketch, the all geared headstock of a lathe.

Answers of MCQ questions:

(i) a (ii) b (iii) c (iv) b (v) b (vi) c (vii) c (viii) a (ix) c (x) b (xi) b (xii) d (xiii) d (xiv) a (xv) d (xvi)
a (xvii) b (xviii) a (xix) d (xx) a (xxi) c (xxii) a (xxiii) d (xxiv) a (xxv) a (xxvi) b (xxvii) c (xxviii)
b (xxix) d (xxx) a

References:
1. A text book of Manufacturing Technology- Vol-II- P. N. Rao
2. A text book of Workshop Technology-Vol-II (M/C Tool)- B. S. Raghuwanshi
3. https://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/95378-Lathes-and-Classification-of-
Lathes.aspx
4. http://engineering.myindialist.com/2009/working-principle-of-lathe-machine/#.XzoJxafitPY
5. https://www.theengineerspost.com/lathe-attachments/
6. https://sumitshrivastva.blogspot.com/2015/03/apron-mechanism-in-
lathe.html#:~:text=Apron%20is%20attached%20to%20the,cutting%20through%20two%20half
%20nuts.
7. https://blogmech.com/taper-turning-methods-in-lathe-machine-types-of-taper-turning/
8. Google images

35 | P a g e