Are you looking to buy or sell used Lathes?
What is a Lathe?
A lathe machine is a machine tool which is used to remove metals from a workpiece to give a desired shape and size. In other words it is a machine that is used to hold the workpiece to perform various metal removing operations such as turning, grooving, chamfering, knurling, facing, forming etc with the help of tools. Lathes are primarily used for manufacturing cylindrical shapes, but they can also handle complex profiles with specialized tooling.
Manual Lathe
A manual machining lathe is a traditional, manually operated machine tool used to shape workpieces, typically cylindrical or round parts, by removing material.Unlike Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathes, which are automated, a manual lathe is directly controlled by a skilled machinist who uses handwheels, levers, and other physical controls to set the cutting tool’s position, depth, and feed rate as the workpiece rotates.
It’s one of the oldest and most fundamental machine tools.
CNC Lathe
A CNC lathe (Computer Numerical Control lathe), also often called a CNC turning machine or turning center, is a sophisticated machine tool that shapes material by rotating the workpiece against a cutting tool, with all movements controlled by a pre-programmed computer.
It is the modern, automated evolution of the traditional manual lathe.
How a CNC Lathe Works
Instead of relying on a human machinist to manually turn handwheels and levers, the CNC lathe operates on a set of coded instructions, primarily G-code and M-code, which dictate every aspect of the machining process:
- Programming: A detailed design is created in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, which is then translated into a CNC program (G-code).
- Setup: The raw material (workpiece) is clamped in the chuck, and the cutting tools are loaded into a rotating tool turret.
- Automatic Operation: The computer program is loaded into the machine’s controller. The program automatically:
- Sets the spindle speed (RPM) for the rotating workpiece.
- Selects the correct cutting tool from the turret.
- Moves the tool along two or more axes (typically the X-axis for diameter and Z-axis for length) with extreme precision to remove material and create the final part.
Key Advantages over Manual Lathes
CNC lathes have become the standard in modern manufacturing due to their superior capabilities in specific areas:
| Feature | CNC Lathe (CNC Turning Center) | Manual Lathe |
| Control Method | Automated by a computer program (G-code) | Manually controlled by a skilled operator using handwheels |
| Precision | Very high; excellent repeatability for producing identical parts | Depends heavily on operator skill; lower repeatability |
| Complexity | Excellent for intricate, complex shapes, and multi-axis features (milling/drilling) | Limited to simpler cylindrical or symmetrical forms |
| Production | Ideal for high-volume or batch production; fast cycle times | Better suited for one-off parts, simple tasks, or quick repairs |
| Operator Skill | Requires programming and setup skills; less intervention during the cut | Requires high-level hands-on skill and continuous control |
Types of Lathe Machines
- Engine Lathe:
- Engine lathes, often referred to as center lathes, are versatile and capable of handling a wide range of tasks.
- Turret Lathe:
- Has a turret tool holder for quickly switching between different operations without changing tools manually.
- CNC Lathe:
- Computer-controlled lathe used for high-precision, repetitive operations.
- Speed Lathe:
- Mainly used for light-duty work like woodturning, polishing, and spinning.
Purchase a Used Lathe
Jordan Craig Machinery has high-quality, used lathes for sale, view our available inventory. If you don’t see the machine you need, contact us for assistance!
Let Jordan Craig Machinery assist you with all your machinery needs. Contact us with any questions you have, or to learn about our connections in financing, transportation, installation, training, tooling, and more!
