The parallel lathe is a mechanically driven machine that is mainly used for turning and cutting metal. Also known as a mechanical lathe, it is primarily used in machining workshops to perform various tasks. These tasks can be performed depending on the parts of the parallel lathe that the machine integrates.
Parallel lathes have two work axes and perform tasks such as drilling, facing, cylindrical turning, boring, conical turning, threading, grooving, parting, threading, or reaming. All of these tasks allow shaping and forming different pieces.
The main parts of the parallel lathe
The parallel lathe gets its name because the arrangement of its main carriage allows it to machine surfaces parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece. The most important parts of the parallel lathe are as follows.
The fixed headstock or chuck
The fixed headstock is the part that integrates the working spindle, made of steel, which transmits the rotational movement to the workpiece. It is attached to the spindle sleeve, on the left side of the lathe. The spindle is hollow so that bars of material can pass through its interior. Tapered roller bearings are used as supports for the spindle so that it rotates in them without any friction.
The spindle head has a thread to screw any clamping device onto it. The spindle, which uses pulleys to perform the rotations, is what holds the workpiece and makes it turn. The quality of the spindle's manufacture is key to obtaining more exact and precise results.
The movable headstock or tailstock
The movable headstock can function as a workpiece holder and/or as a tool holder. This is one of the parts of the parallel lathe that can be moved along the bed. Thanks to a shoe in the inner part of this bed, the movable headstock can be fixed in the desired position depending on the type of work to be performed.
The movable headstock serves as support for machining very long workpieces or for mounting drills or other cutting tools on its front part. It is made up of two functional pieces:
- A lower one that is situated at the top of the guides
- An upper one that is placed on top of the former
The two pieces are held together by screws that are mainly used to adjust any piece.
The bed
The bed is the workbench on which the rest of the parts of the parallel lathe are placed or fixed. Generally, this base is a single piece, made of cast iron, that is placed on legs. The bed is constructed in a prismatic section so that the work efforts are better distributed over it.
This type of construction also makes the bed have a longer lifespan and achieve much more precise results in the workpiece. That's why it is required that the bed be of quality to achieve the best finishes.
On the top of the bed are the guides. Depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the lathe, these guides can be flat, made of steel, replaceable guides, etc.
The carriage or turret
The carriage is the part of the parallel lathe on which the tools that will machine the workpiece are mounted. It is the part that carries the tool responsible for cutting the workpiece, so its movement is essential for performing any work. The carriage moves along the bed, both longitudinally and in the other two axes, and can be of two fundamental types: manual or motorized.
The carriage of a parallel lathe can perform three different movements:
- Longitudinal movements
- Transversal movements
- Inclined or upper movement
A typical carriage of a parallel lathe has 5 parts:
- A support that is located in the carriage placed transversely, situated at the top of the bed and runs along the guides.
- The board, located in the carriage and hanging in the front area of the bed.
- The transversal carriage, which is located at the top of the carriage that acts as a prominent piece.
- The compound rest, an element that is situated above the transversal carriage.
- The tool post, which comes with a washer and a swinging wedge
The steady rests
The steady rests are used to support longer workpieces.
Safety elements of the parallel lathe
Within the parts of the parallel lathe, the following safety elements should be included:
- Transparent screen against projections with micro switch
- Emergency stop
- Guards to protect pulleys, sprockets, and transmission belts
These safety elements are parts of the parallel lathe that will prevent the operator from suffering the fall of pieces or materials they are handling. Additionally, it will prevent possible hits, cuts with objects, entrapments, and particle projections.
