A tabletop metal lathe is a good model for a home, garage or small workshop, because the functionality of such a device allows it to be used effectively to perform a large list of technological operations. In fact, this is a miniature copy of the factory model, differing from it only in slightly limited technical capabilities.
Benchtop lathe for home workshop
Classification of lathes
According to the classification of metal-cutting equipment, turning equipment is divided into:
- Single-spindle and semi-automatic machines
- Multi-spindle and semi-automatic machines
- Revolving
- Drilling and cutting
- Lobototurny
- Multi-cutting (screw-cutting)
- Specialized
- Various lathes
- Carousel
Specialized automatic and semi-automatic machines are used for the manufacture of parts that require unique processing; the operation of the machine is partially or fully automated. Semi-automatic machines cannot independently load and unload parts with workpieces; this operation is performed by the operator.
Single-spindle and semi-automatic machines are used for complex processing in large-scale production.
- Multi-spindle and semi-automatic machines. Several workpieces are fixed on the spindle block, after which they are moved one by one to the working position, and they are processed using several tool groups.
- Turret machines are fundamentally special in that they have a rotating head in which everything necessary is fixed, thereby saving processing time.
- Drilling and cutting equipment is designed for synchronous cutting and drilling of volumetric workpieces.
Lathe turning equipment is designed for turning short workpieces of large diameters. It is possible to process workpieces of uneven diameters thanks to independent cams on the faceplate. Quite rarely found in production due to a number of disadvantages, such as low accuracy and productivity.
Screw-cutting lathes are the most recognizable equipment of the turning group. It can be used for turning, drilling, and end processing. Additional functions include thread cutting and cone turning.
Specialized machines are necessary for the manufacture of parts of a narrow range.
Rotary machines are simply irreplaceable when processing large workpieces of short length. Due to their high precision, rotary lathes have almost completely replaced lobot lathes. The horizontal position of the faceplate determines the operating features of the equipment.
Features and benefits of tabletop machines
A mini lathe, which is logical, is specially designed to process small-sized products. As with any turning equipment, a small machine can perform various technological operations on metal: turning cylindrical and conical parts, trimming their ends, grinding, drilling, reaming holes, cutting external and internal threads, etc.
Despite the fact that processing on such units is carried out at a much lower speed than on full-size devices, the quality of the finished products does not suffer at all from this. Their quality will be especially high if the mini-lathe is controlled by a CNC system.
Small models of metal lathes, which are very easy to operate, are used not only to equip home workshops, where with their help it becomes possible to produce many products or bring the quality of finished ones to the required level. Small workshops and vehicle repair shops are no less successfully equipped with such units. Since the times of the USSR, schools and technical educational institutions have been equipped with similar machines, where with their help young people were taught the basics of the turner profession.
Among the advantages that a small-sized lathe has, the most significant are:
- use of a household electrical network with a voltage of 220 V to power such a machine;
- the ability to adapt such a device in order to connect it to a three-phase network;
- low power consumption;
- reliability, which allows such a micro-lathe to be successfully operated, subject to proper maintenance, for decades;
- affordable cost (many people can afford to purchase such equipment);
- compact dimensions and light weight, which makes it possible to install such a metal lathe even in a cramped workshop or garage;
- the opportunity to learn how to operate such a device in a short period of time, while the operation and maintenance of the machine will not cause any particular difficulties even for a novice turner.
Among desktop lathes there is a category of extremely compact models, which are commonly called mini-machines. The video below provides an overview of one of these portable machines.
An important advantage of such equipment is that it can be additionally equipped with various devices, which makes it possible to effectively use tools for milling and complex drilling of workpieces. With the help of such a simple modification, you now have at your disposal a desktop turning and milling machine, that is, universal equipment characterized by wide functionality.
Lathe device
Lathes consist of the following structural elements:
- Bed – the main part of the machine on which all components and mechanisms are located;
- An apron that converts the movement of the drive shaft or screw into the longitudinal movement of the caliper;
- A support where the cutting tool is secured;
- Feed box, which communicates movement from the drive shaft or screw to the caliper;
- An electric motor that provides the machine with electricity;
- The spindle head, which houses the spindle of the machine.
JET brand machines
It is no coincidence that tabletop lathes, which have been produced by the Swiss company JET for more than 50 years, have gained enormous popularity among home craftsmen and owners of small businesses. Even though some of the components of these machines have recently been produced in Chinese factories, their quality remains impeccable. Providing high quality, precision and processing efficiency, these units do not cause problems during operation and are easy to maintain.
The most popular models of machines of this brand include the following.
BD-3 is a miniature machine that can be used equally well by both amateurs and professionals. The frame of such a device is made of cast iron, which significantly reduces vibration during its operation. The machine guides, which can be adjusted according to the transverse slide, are carefully polished, this ensures precise movement along them. The equipment is equipped with a low-power (0.15 kW) but very efficient motor, which reduces energy consumption. The spindle of such a miniature unit can rotate in the range of 100–3800 rpm. The manufacturer has even provided for the possibility of independent servicing of the equipment, for which the standard kit includes an additional tool holder and a three-jaw chuck with a working section of 50 mm.
JET BD-3 machine, costs from 42,000 rubles
BD-7 is a machine for home or small business, distinguished by a number of remarkable design features: a massive cast-iron frame that reduces vibration of the unit, two spindle speed ranges, the data of which is reflected on a digital indicator, the spindle itself is equipped with roller-type bearings. This metal cutting machine is very reliable. The tailstock of this model can be adjusted, which makes it possible to use it for processing conical surfaces. Due to the presence of a reverse mechanism, the workpiece on such a unit can be fed in two directions. With such a device it will be possible to cut threads, since its spindle can rotate in different directions. Compared to the previous model, this machine has more power; it has a 0.37 kW electric motor.
JET BD-7 machine, costs about 80 thousand rubles
BD-8A is a table-top machine in which longitudinal and transverse feed are automated. The spindle head of such a machine can be quickly rearranged; it is also equipped with a reversible mechanism that allows it to be used for thread cutting. Four tools can be installed simultaneously in the unit holder, and its thrust center is made according to a non-rotating pattern. The three-jaw chuck of the machine with a working diameter of 100 mm is protected by a special screen, which increases operator safety. This machine is driven by an electric motor with a power of 0.55 kW.
JET BD-8A machine, price from 170,000 rubles
The JET company also produces more powerful machines, which are often purchased not for home use, but for equipping small workshops. Such equipment, in particular, includes BD-9G, BD-920W, BD-11W.
What causes injuries?
Factors that pose a threat to humans include:
- Spindle rotation
- Chips flying during processing
- Coolant splashes
- Machine voltage
- Sharp burrs on workpieces
Each worker is given instructions that describe all the points regarding the rules of behavior when operating the equipment. Operators are required to comply with all requirements.
General provisions
Persons who have completed all introductory instructions, fire safety instructions, and safety instructions are allowed to work on a lathe.
- Working on a lathe is impossible without special clothing. Headgear and safety glasses are required.
- Women are required to hide their hair under a headdress, however, this also applies to men.
- Hair should be styled in such a way as to exclude any possibility of it coming into contact with the rotating mechanisms of the machine.
Important! It is forbidden to use gloves while working, as threads protruding from them can get caught in the rotating chuck, which will lead to injury to the operator. The worker is also required to fasten all buttons on his sleeves for the same reasons.
The machine must be grounded and fixed. If it is being repaired, there should be a corresponding sign on it.
Activities not related to work are prohibited in the workplace: smoking, eating, using a mobile phone.
Workers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed to work on a lathe. Workers who are taking medications that slow their reactions are also not allowed.
During work
Safety precautions when operating the equipment:
- Securely secure workpieces;
- Remove chips in a timely manner using a special hook and prevent them from wrapping around the part;
- Monitor the proper operation of the machine; in case of deviation, stop work immediately;
- Support long parts either with movable supports (rests) or with a tailstock
Important! It seems stupid, but before work you MUST remove the key from the socket.
Prohibited:
- Touch the part with your hands or foreign objects;
- Work with gloves
- Try to fix equipment failure yourself;
- Cool parts with a damp cloth;
- Getting distracted while working;
- Transmit anything through operating equipment;
- Leave the machine running unattended.
After work
Upon completion of equipment operation, you must:
- Turn off the power;
- Clean the machine and the space around it from chips and liquids;
- Place tools, workpieces and parts;
- In the event of a breakdown, report it to management;
- Wash your hands and face thoroughly, take off your overalls.
Video: how to choose a table lathe, what to look for
Technical characteristics of tabletop machines
- Weight –40 – 280 kg
- Spindle hole –9 – 26 mm
- Center height –80 – 130 mm
- RMC-175 - 1000 mm
- Rotation speeds and drive – 4-6 speeds 100 – 2400 rpm, 1 kW
- Workpiece diameter (maximum) –100 – 330 mm
- Power –0.15 – 2.25 kW
- Workpiece length (maximum) - 300 - 700 mm
Tabletop metal lathes are convenient at home for processing small-sized parts in workshops. Home desktop machines are popular. You can put the lathe in the garage; its size allows you to do this.
Advantages of tabletop machines
- Low price
- Very easy to maintain and operate
- Cast iron base structures provide low vibration and high rigidity during operation
- Dovetail bed guides are ground and hardened
- The spindle is supported by precision roller bearings, which makes it possible to process parts with high precision
- Low noise level
- Compliance with CE, TSO, 900 certification standards
- Voltage 220 V, but 380 V can be made to order
- It is possible to work on the machine at home
Tips for choosing
When choosing a lathe, it is necessary to take into account the material being processed, its dimensions, the dimensions of the machine and, of course, the budget. A small-sized screw-cutting lathe with low power is suitable for a garage.
For production, it is recommended to take a closer look at more powerful and versatile equipment.
It is also recommended that when purchasing a machine, you carefully inspect it for cracks, breakages, abrasions, and so on.
Equipment from other manufacturers
The products of the Czech company PROMA, which has been producing similar equipment for more than 20 years, have proven themselves to be excellent on the domestic market. Among the variety of lathes and screw-cutting lathes for home or small enterprises that this company produces, the following devices should be noted.
- The SM-250E is a true micro-lathe that weighs only 23 kg. With its modest dimensions, such a unit boasts excellent technical characteristics. It is this machine that is best installed at home if you are going to perform metal turning work at an amateur level. What is important is that due to the high reliability of its design, such a miniature machine practically does not require special maintenance throughout the entire warranty period.
- SK-400 is a universal unit whose weight is already 120 kg. This machine, with which you can perform a full range of metal turning and drilling workpieces, is mainly used to equip vehicle service stations.
- SPA-500 is a semi-professional model of a metal lathe, which can often be found not only in small workshops, but also in repair shops of manufacturing enterprises.
PROMA SPA-500, cost about 130,000 rubles
A number of other models of machines produced under this brand are deservedly popular: SPA-500P, SK-550, SPB-400/400, SPA-700P.
Domestic lathes for metal work are also presented on the modern market; they can often be found in educational and home workshops. Using such devices, which are easy to operate and maintain, you can quickly learn the basics of the turning profession. Among the models of miniature lathes produced by domestic manufacturers, one can note TV-6, TV-9, TV-16.
In addition, to equip a home workshop or small business, you can pay attention to lathes from the following manufacturers.
- OPTIMUM is a German brand that produces lathes, including miniature ones, which are well known and appreciated by specialists throughout Europe. The most famous models of machines for metal work of this brand, on which a CNC system can be installed, are D140x250, D210x400, D250x550.
- Chinese company Weiss Machinery, which produces inexpensive but high-quality, reliable and functional turning equipment. The most popular models, which are known in many countries around the world, are: WM-180V, WM-250V, WM-250G, WMP-300A, ML-200.
Weiss Machinery ML200 machine, cost about 160,000 rubles
Rating of the best machines
| Place | Model | Advantages | Flaws |
| 1 | JET GHB-1330A DRO | Versatility Reliability Easy to set up Digital display system | High price |
| 2 | STALEX C0632D/1000 | Multifunctionality High accuracy Comfortable | High price |
| 3 | METALMASTER MML 2870M (15461) | Operates from 220V Multifunctionality Smooth adjustment of the router | There is no lubricating fluid supply system |
| 4 | JET BD-12G 220B 50000913M | High quality performance Safety Automatic feeding Reliability | High cost Small set of available functions |
| 5 | JET BD-X7 50000900MX | Compact and lightweight Availability of longitudinal feed automation Good accuracy | No lubricant supply system Manual cross feed |
| 6 | STALEX D250X400C | High quality performance Availability of a protective screen High accuracy | Heavy for its size Manual cross feed |
| 7 | CALIBER STMN-550/350 | Cheap Small dimensions Almost silent | Poor build quality |
