Different types of lathe tooling are designed to accomplish specific tasks, making them vital for achieving desired results. Here we'll explore in more detail their respective applications.
1. Turning Tools
Turning tools are the most common and fundamental lathe tooling. They are used to remove material from a work piece to achieve a cylindrical shape. Turning tools include tools like roughing tools, finishing tools, and threading tools. Roughing tools remove material quickly, while finishing tools create a smooth surface finish. Threading tools are essential for cutting threads on the work-piece.
2. Boring Tools
Boring tools are used to enlarge existing holes in a work-piece or create new ones. They are particularly important for achieving precise internal diameters and smooth surfaces inside a work-piece. Boring tools come in various shapes and sizes to cater to different hole diameters and depths.
3. Parting Tools
Parting tools, also known as cut-off tools, are designed to cut through the work-piece, separating it into two pieces. They are crucial for operations that require precise separation, such as creating individual parts from a larger work-piece.
4. Knurling Tools
Knurling tools are utilised to create a pattern or texture on the surface of a work-piece, providing enhanced grip or aesthetics. Knurling is often seen on handles, knobs, or other gripping surfaces.
5. Threading Tools
Threading tools are essential for cutting threads on the external or internal surfaces of a work-piece. Whether it's creating a threaded rod or tapping a hole for a screw, threading tools are crucial for achieving precision in thread design.
6. Drilling Tools.
While lathes primarily focus on turning operations, some lathes are equipped with attachments to perform drilling operations. These tools are used to create holes in the work-piece and are particularly useful when accurate hole placement is needed.
7. Facing Tools
Facing tools are employed to create flat surfaces on the end of the workpiece. This is crucial for achieving precise dimensions and a smooth finish on the face of the work-piece.
