Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Pablo Borbon Main II
Alangilan, Batangas City

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE & FINE ARTS

Mechanical Engineering Department

ME 408 - MACHINE SHOP THEORY AND PRACTICE

LABORATORY REPORT 2: CUTTING THREADS BY THE USE OF LATHE

MACHINE

SUBMITTED BY:
Peñaflor, Marren Jeirelle M.

SUBMITTED TO:
Engr. Liza Acosta

APRIL 2022
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines, 4200
Mechanical Engineering Department

I. INTRODUCTION

Machine tools, also known as “work machines”, are powerful devices that are used to
process workpieces and are essential components of the mechanical part manufacturing
process. Machine tools are commonly utilized for forming, cutting, and joining other tools.
Moreover, they are known as the "mother of machinery" because they play such an important
part in the growth of the entire machinery industry. Machine tools can be classified as metal
cutting machine tools or metal forming machine tools based on their functions. Metal cutting
machine tools includes lathe (round processing), drill press (drilling), milling machine (plane
processing), grinder (grinding), planer (plane cutting), electric discharge machine, and many
other machine tools.

A lathe, also known as the horizontal metal-turning machine, is a machine tool that
rotates a workpiece to execute operations such as turning, facing, knurling, grooving, and
other operations using tools that are mounted to the workpiece. Furthermore, because several
of its key mechanical components are integrated into the design of other machine tools, it is
generally considered the father of all other machine tools. Additionally, it is also considered
the father of all other machine tools because of its versatility. Several different machining
processes can be done with the use of the lathe machine. These machining processes include
turning, facing, grooving, parting, knurling, drilling, reaming, boring, tapping, and threading.

Thread cutting on the lathe is a process that creates a uniform portion of helical ridges on
the workpiece. This is accomplished by making multiple cuts with a threading tool bit of the
same shape as the desired thread form. Threads are commonly classified as internal threads
and external threads. An internal (female) thread is a screw thread done on a concave surface.
A traditional threading tap is utilized to make some internal threads, however performing
threading operations on the lathe machine allows the students to have basic coordination of
the hands and the foot in manipulating the lathe parts, which is an essential skill that can
greatly help a machinist in doing their job properly and efficiently.

This laboratory activity focuses on using the lathe machine to execute the thread
cutting process, specifically on how to properly use the lathe machine in cutting 60°
internal thread on a workpiece.
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines, 4200
Mechanical Engineering Department

II. OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this laboratory activity is to understand and learn how to
properly cut 60° internal thread by using the lathe machine. Specifically, this laboratory
activity aims to:

1. Educate the students on how to correctly use a lathe machine.

2. Teach the students how to properly set up the lathe machine for cutting 60° internal
thread.
3. Teach the students the fundamental concepts and procedures in properly cutting
60° internal threads by the use of the lathe machine.

III. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENTS

 Lathe Machine
- A lathe is a machine tool that
rotates a workpiece to execute
operations such as turning,
facing, knurling, grooving, and
other operations using tools that
are mounted to the workpiece.

 Threading Tool Bit

- It is a tool used for cutting
screw threads.

 Boring Bar
- It is a cylindrical cutter bar
securely holding a tool bit for
boring a workpiece.

 Center Gauge
- It is a machining instrument
used to verify the angle of tool
bits used to cut screw threads. It
is also called as fishtail gauge.
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines, 4200
Mechanical Engineering Department

 Marking Blue or Layout Stain

- It is a metalworking dye that is
used to help mark off rough
parts for further machining
process.

IV. PROCEDURE

Internal threading (cutting threads in a hole) is a threading operation done in which a

boring bar and a threading tool bit are used.

A. PROCEDURE IN CUTTING 60° INTERNAL THREAD USING A LATHE

MACHINE
1. Calculate the tap drill size of the thread.
The formula for Calculating the Tap Drill Size in Threads per Inch
= Tap drill size = Major diameter – 1/N
Where: N = Number of threads per inch (TPI)
2. Mount the work to be threaded in a chuck, collet, or on a faceplate.
3. Drill a hole approximately 1/16 in. smaller than the tap drill size in the workpiece.
But before drilling a hole, center drill the workpiece first so that the drill can
penetrate easier into the workpiece.
4. Mount a boring tool in the lathe and bore the hole to the tap drill size. Note: The
boring bar should be as large as possible and held short. The boring
operation cuts the hole to size and makes it true.
5. Recess the start of the hole to the major diameter of the thread for 1/16 in. length.
Note: During the thread cutting operation, this will indicate when the thread
is cut to depth.
6. If the thread does not go through the workpiece, a recess should be cut at the end
of the thread to the major diameter. Note: The recess should be wide enough to
allow the threading tool to “run out” and permit time to disengage the split-
nut lever.
7. Set the compound rest at 29° to the left (to the right for left-hand thread). This is
done so that the cutting force pushing against the direction of the drive train or
feed movement will arrest the backlash and the tool bit remains in the right path
and position.
8. Mount a threading tool bit into the boring bar and set it to the center.
9. Square the threading tool bit with a thread center gauge.
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines, 4200
Mechanical Engineering Department

10. Place a mark on the boring bar, measuring from the threading tool, to indicate the
length of the hole to be threaded. Note: This will show when the split-nut lever
should be disengaged or when the foot brake of the lathe should be pressed
with the foot.
11. Start the lathe and turn the crossfeed handle OUT until the threading tool bit just
scratches the internal diameter. Putting blue dye around the workpiece helps in
making the marks on the work more visible.
12. Set the crossfeed graduated collar to zero (0).
13. Set a 0.002 in. or 0.05 mm depth of cut by feeding the compound rest OUT and
take a trial cut.
14. At the end of each cut on an internal thread, disengage the split-nut lever or
engage the foot brake, and feed the crossfeed handle IN to clear the thread.
15. Clear the threading tool bit from the hole and check the pitch of the thread.
16. Return the crossfeed handle back to zero (0) and set the depth of cut by turning
the compound rest OUT the desired amount. Note: The tool bit should be
released by moving the cross slide handwheel IN or clockwise at least 0.01 or
0.02 in. (0.25 – 0.5 mm) bigger than the depth of cut for each feed before
moving the carriage to the starting point to avoid touching the inside of the
work with both the boring bar and the tool bit.
17. Cut the thread to depth; check the fit with a screw or threaded plug gage.
Moreover, the fit with the master bolt and the work should be smooth and with no
end play. Note: The last few cuts should not be deeper than 0.001 in. or 0.05
mm each to eliminate the spring of the boring bar.

V. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this laboratory activity has significantly helped us, students, in

understanding and learning the key concepts and procedures in using the lathe machine. This
laboratory activity has also clearly shown us how powerful and versatile the lathe machine
really is, and how it can be used in executing the different types of machining processes.
Furthermore, this has also educated us in cutting threads, specifically the 60° internal thread,
by the use of the lathe machine. Moreover, like the first laboratory activity, this has also
served as an eye-opener in the real-world application of this subject, ME 408 Machine Shop
Theory and Practice, and preparation for the machine shop environment that we will soon
encounter in our career as aspiring mechanical engineers. Lastly, this has taught us one of the
foundational skills a professional machinist must have in order to become more effective and
efficient in the machine shop, which is being familiar and/or exceptional with using the lathe
machine.
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines, 4200
Mechanical Engineering Department

This laboratory activity has paved a way for us to somehow experience and be familiar
with the basics of using the lathe machine for cutting threads. Not only does this makes us
more knowledgeable about what truly happens inside of a machine shop, but it also makes us
realize the importance of learning how to use the lathe machine and how to cut threads using
the lathe machine. Aside from this, it also makes us realize the importance of focus and the
presence of mind in the machine shop environment. Overall, this laboratory activity has
significantly helped us, students, to become better engineers for the future.

VI. REFERENCES
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines, 4200
Mechanical Engineering Department

Definition of boring bar. (n.d.). Dictionary. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/boring-bar

Huang, L. (2021, March 2). Thread Cutting and Forming: The Ultimate Guide to Machining

Thread. Rapid Direct. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from

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Machine tool - Basic machine tools. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved April 7, 2022,

from https://www.britannica.com/technology/machine-tool/Basic-machine-

tools#ref424301

Market Prospects | What are the Machine Tools? (2020, October 6). Market Prospects.

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machine-tools

Mishra, P. (2022, February 19). What is Lathe Machine? Main parts, Operations and

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operations-working.html

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[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwliYTXivwg&feature=youtu.be

Sanker, E. A. (2022, February 28). What Is a Center Gauge? About Mechanics. Retrieved

April 7, 2022, from https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-center-gauge.htm

Thread Cutting Procedure on Lathe Machine. (2021, April 25). GSR. Retrieved April 7,

2022, from https://www.gsrthreads.com/news/thread-cutting-procedure-on-lathe-

machine.html

Threading tool. (n.d.). The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threading%20tool

Virasak, L. (n.d.). Unit 6: Lathe Threading – Manufacturing Processes 4–5. Pressbooks.

Retrieved April 7, 2022, from

https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/manufacturingprocesses45/chapter/unit-6-lathe-

threading/#:%7E:text=Thread%20cutting%20on%20the%20lathe,1.
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Pablo Borbon Main II, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines, 4200
Mechanical Engineering Department

Yeo, G. S. (2020, August 29). 10 Turning Operations You Need To Know — Swiss-Turning

Specialists. Turntech Precision. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from

https://turntechprecision.com/clueless-machinist/2020/8/25/10-machining-operations-

performed-on-a-lathe