Metal lathe for home: types and technical characteristics

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A metal lathe for home is a device that is a miniature copy of a factory unit and is used to perform various technological operations. The compactness of this machine allows it to be placed in a small home workshop or garage. This article discusses the main types of small-sized machines, their technical characteristics, and also provides advice on selection.

Small-sized models of lathes are used not only in home workshops, but also in small industries

Types of lathes for metal processing

The main factor that influences the choice of such equipment for the home is its purpose. Before purchasing such a small machine, you need to know exactly what it will be used for.

Depending on the purpose, all turning units are divided into three main types:

• desktop;
• semi-professional;
• professional.

In production, powerful metal-working units are used; smaller models are more suitable for domestic purposes.

Desktop devices for private use at home are distinguished by their small dimensions and, accordingly, weight. The minimum weight of such micro-machines is 13 kg, and the maximum does not exceed 100 kg. In turn, semi-professional floor options, which are also often used in home workshops, can weigh up to 400 kg. The power of the desktop unit reaches 400 watts.

Semi-professional machines are also used in small industries and are distinguished by higher power (up to 1000 watts) and functionality. As a rule, such units combine, in addition to turning functions, two more: drilling and milling. This expansion of capabilities significantly increases the functionality of the machines.

Professional units are installed in large and medium-sized industries. They are often controlled by software. They are large in size and weight.

Only the first type of machine is suitable for use at home. Depending on the method of processing parts, they are divided into three main types:

• turning and milling;
• screw-cutting lathes;
• combined.

Each type of machine has its own set of functions and technical characteristics

Metal turning and milling machines are used, as a rule, for removing chamfers from workpieces, as well as for organizing holes and facing. The second type of desktop devices is used for sharpening parts and applying threads to them. In turn, combined devices used at home are capable of performing all of the above functions.

Review of popular models

The table provides information on the most popular machine models:

Features of tabletop metal lathes

Such units are suitable for processing metal parts that are small in size. Using such a unit allows you to perform the following operations:

• turning parts in the shape of a cylinder or cone;
• trimming the ends of parts;
• grinding;
• organizing holes by drilling;
• expansion of holes;
• threading (both external and internal).

Helpful information! Processing of various parts on a home lathe is carried out at a much lower speed than on professional equipment. However, this does not in any way affect the quality of the finished product, especially if the operation of the unit is controlled using a computer numerical control (CNC) system.

Small-sized lathes are used to perform various technological metalworking operations at home

Small devices of this type are capable of performing many functions. They have found their application not only at home, but also in small workshops, as well as in car repair shops. Since Soviet times, such mini-machines have been used to teach turning to schoolchildren and students of professional technical institutions.

Thus, small-sized turning units are used for different purposes. They are indispensable and useful devices that allow technical operations with small parts. You can buy a metal lathe for your home in any specialized store or on the Internet.

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

Advantages of mini lathes

Units of this type have a number of advantages over large-sized, professional devices. For example, to operate such equipment, a standard household electrical network with a voltage of 220 V is sufficient. If desired, the mini-machine can be adapted to connect to a network with a voltage of 380 V (three-phase).

Another important advantage of a home turning unit is that it consumes a small amount of electricity during operation. The shelf life of micromachines of this type can reach several decades. How long it will serve you directly depends on two factors: proper use and timely maintenance.

To extend the service life of the metalworking unit, technical inspections and maintenance should be carried out regularly.

Due to its compactness, such a micro-machine can be placed in any suitable room (room in an apartment, garage, etc.). Units of this type allow novice turners to quickly learn how to process metal parts. It’s also worth saying that the cost of lathes for home use is more than affordable for most people.

And finally, an important advantage of such devices is that they can be equipped with additional devices. This allows them to be used for milling metal parts, which significantly expands their operational range.

Which lathes to choose for a garage

A garage machine is one of the most popular use cases. There are many options for its use both in working with a car and in the process of arranging a personal plot. Sometimes some small part cannot be found in any stores - but turning it yourself is easy and quick.

Key selection criteria:

• Budgeting. As a rule, they purchase a basic assembly, and, if necessary, subsequently purchase additional components.
• Small dimensions. There are already a lot of things stored in the garage and a car, so the machine should not take up a lot of space.
• Proven quality. The thing is expensive, so you need to approach the choice with all seriousness.

The main options for devices for garage use are desktop (often without a tailstock and with minimal functionality), universal (with a milling cutter included), school (smooth speed adjustments, reverse, light weight) and screw-cutting lathes (expensive models with minimal spindle runout) .

Examples of suitable companies:

• Encore - Corvette 407 and other modifications. Semi-automatic machines in which peeling must be done manually, and the remaining operations must be carried out with automatic feed of the caliper.
• Optimum. German brand, but made in China.
• Weiss. Tabletop machines with minimal vibration levels. Their feature is that after the spindle stops rotating in the roller bearings, it can be reversed to move the caliper.

Construction of a mini metal lathe

From a constructive point of view, such units are quite complex devices, since they copy industrial machines. Let's look at the main components:

• bed;
• spindle (front) assembly or headstock;
• caliper

At home, universal units are more often used.

The bed is the basis of any machine, which is equipped with holes for fixing to the working surface (for example, a table). As a rule, this element is made of cast iron and is equipped with guides for other components.

The support performs two important functions, namely: fixing the processing tool and changing its position during operation. The following processing devices can be used:

• drill;
• cutter;
• countersink.

The front assembly includes the electric motor, spindle, drive and gearbox. Thanks to these components, the shaft rotates and this effect is transmitted to the second unit.

In most cases, the drive of a home lathe used for processing metal parts is driven by a V-belt. Some units have a speed control function. To do this, the V-belt is rearranged from one pulley cavity to another.

Note! Sometimes, to provide more precise speed settings, the mini-machine is equipped with an additional electric-type controller. The undeniable advantage of a belt drive is that its presence reduces the risk of motor burnout if the workpiece jams.

Most modern machine models are equipped with information plaques indicating the necessary settings for performing certain operations.

The smallest lathes often have a support with limited functionality installed. It is a cutter holder that has one place and two positions. The machining fixture in such an element can only be used for boring or external turning. It follows from this that to perform other work it will be necessary to change the cutters themselves, as well as their position.

Design features of school metal lathes

The design of lathes used for teaching in schools is usually classical. The differences between devices are determined by their purpose and functional features. There are two types of school mini-looms, depending on their design:

• desktop;
• floor

They include a frame, which is made of cast iron or steel metal sheets. The main units of the unit are installed on it, namely: the front unit (headstock), rear unit, cutter clamp, and caliper. There are some design features of school units that are due to the simplicity of the design. Let's look at them:

• school lathes are not equipped with a gearbox;
• speed change is carried out via a belt drive;
• the spindle head has a simpler design;
• the base of the unit does not have a special recess, which is designed for working with large parts.

In such devices, the flow of liquid necessary for cooling the equipment is carried out through an integrated system. If there is none, then the cutting fluid is applied manually.

In home workshops, along with used machines made in the USSR, imported training machines are often used

Mini-machines for processing metal workpieces must have one more important element - a mechanical brake. It is necessary in order to reduce the percentage of defects during the processing of metal parts.

In amateur workshops, which are often located in garages, school mini-machines are often used. There are three main types of such small units.

Features of a metal lathe for the TV-4 garage

This type of unit is one of the most popular and widespread in the CIS. The active use of such a machine in schools began in Soviet times. It was then that they began to call it “training TV-4”. However, the functionality of this unit allows it to be used for a variety of tasks.

The main advantage of TV-4 is its compactness. Thanks to this, such devices are still used in home workshops. To process various metal parts in the garage, not only desktop devices are used, but also those that have their own base.

Characteristics of the TV-4 lathe (floor-mounted):

• power indicator is 1 kW;
• required electrical network voltage – 220 V;
• the maximum length of a part that can be processed on such a unit is 30 cm;
• maximum cross-section of the workpiece – 200 mm;
• number of revolutions per minute – up to 710;
• weight – about 280 kg.

The functionality of the TV-4 lathe allows it to be used for a variety of tasks

Helpful information! You can purchase such a model in any online store, where there are many offers for the sale of not only entire units of this type, but also their components. True, you will have to buy a used device, since it is almost impossible to find a model that has not been used.

The price of a TV-4 lathe varies from 25,000 to 65,000 rubles. Its cost is influenced by the condition and functionality of the structure.

Characteristics of TV-6 screw-cutting lathes

A unit of this type was also actively used in schools in the USSR. TV-6 is used to perform the simplest technical operations, including:

• drilling holes;
• trimming ends;
• cutting off part of a part;
• applying metric threads;
• boring of workpieces (cylindrical and conical).

TV-6 mini-machines are used for processing parts made of non-ferrous metals or steel. Limited capabilities are due to the fact that processing products made from other materials leads to dust in the room in which the unit is located. The release of dust can be harmful to the health of the technician.

Let's look at the main characteristics of this model:

• power indicator is 1.1 kW;
• the electrical network voltage required for the operation of the machine is 220 V;
• the maximum length of the part for processing is 35 cm;
• the maximum cross-section of the workpiece that can be worked with is 200 mm;
• number of revolutions per minute – up to 700;
• weight – about 300 kg.

One of the undeniable advantages of “school” models of lathes is their relative compactness

Despite the fact that the maximum length of a product that can be processed on TV-6 is 35 cm, the length of the part being grooved is only possible within a gap of 30 cm.

Small dimensions are a big advantage of this metal lathe. You can buy a used model of this type for 35,000-70,000 rubles. TV-6 is perfect for working with metal parts in a home workshop.

TV-7 machines: main differences from TV-6

A turning unit of this type is an improved version of the TV-6 device. The main differences between these two models are the gearbox design. It’s also worth saying that TV-7 differs from TV-6 in the design of the spindle head.

Related article:

Metal cutters for a lathe: detailed characteristics of the tool

Design features. Classification of tools depending on various factors. Rules for sharpening cutters.

Let's look at the main characteristics of the TV-7 mini-machine:

• power indicator is 1.1 kW;
• required network voltage – 220 V;
• the maximum length of the workpiece for processing is 33 cm;
• the largest diameter of the workpiece with which this unit can work is 220 mm;
• number of revolutions per minute – up to 1000;
• weight – 400 kg.

Helpful information! The gearbox of such a mini-machine, used for processing metal parts, can operate in two modes. It is also worth noting that TV-7 has one more difference from earlier school units, namely: the absence of levers necessary to change gears.

The simple control system of the TV-7 machine allows even those who have little experience in metalworking to cope with turning work.

The price of a metal lathe of this type ranges from 55,000 to 85,000 rubles. As in previous cases, purchasing a new device is extremely difficult, so the choice must be made among used models.

Design and principle of operation

A small lathe is created in the likeness of standard equipment. The peculiarity lies in the details made in a reduced size.

The device consists of the following components:

1. Bed. This is the main supporting structure. The material is cast iron.
2. Headstock. It includes a spindle.
3. Electric motor.
4. A gearbox that receives torque from an electric motor and transmits it to the spindle.
5. Tailstock. It is used when the workpiece being processed is long. In this case, it is fed along the guides close to the part and presses it. The unit has a cast structure with a center with which it rests on the axial part of the part.
6. Caliper. This is the unit that holds the cutter. With its help, it is moved, as well as positioned at different angles. The caliper moves in both longitudinal and transverse directions.

The workpiece is fixed in the machine using the following parts:

1. Faceplate. Used only when installing large parts or non-standard configurations.
2. Cam chucks. There are 3 and 4 of them.
3. Collet. Used for thin products.
4. Drill chuck. It has a disadvantage - it does not take radial loads.

Before starting work, the workpiece is fixed in the spindle, and a chuck is installed in the tailstock into which the drill is inserted. A center can be installed at this location to press the workpiece. The cutter is located in the machine support.

The electric motor turns on. The box sets the required spindle speed. The cutter is brought to the part and turning begins.

The characteristics of the mini-machine include the following parameters:

1. Weight. The weight of compact equipment can be between 10–100 kg.
2. Power. For compact equipment, 400 W is sufficient. Professional equipment reaches up to 700 W.
3. Voltage. 220 V or 380 V.

Small lathe

Tips for buying a used machine for your home

Buying a used unit allows you to save a lot of money. However, when choosing such a product, you must be very careful not to purchase equipment that has functional problems. Let's look at the basic rules that will help you choose the right device.

When purchasing a mini-machine, it is advisable to inquire about the documentation that comes with it. If the seller does not have all the necessary documents for this equipment, then it is better to refuse to purchase a mini metal lathe. Buying a used device that is capable of processing workpieces with high precision is quite difficult, however, it is possible if desired.

Before purchasing a used mini-machine, it is recommended to check its operation. Moreover, it is necessary to test the functionality of the device in all possible modes. It is also worth paying attention to the backlash of moving parts. Clearances must comply with the technical specifications of the device.

Before purchasing a used machine, make sure that it is in working order and that all components are available, otherwise the operation of such a unit may be unsafe

Metal lathe for home with CNC control

A CNC lathe can perform the same functions as manual models. However, it performs all technological operations much faster and, most importantly, more accurately than conventional mini-devices. Thanks to the numerical software system, the possibility of errors when processing the workpiece is virtually eliminated.

The computer program ensures, if necessary, timely replacement of a functional part, and also monitors accuracy during operation of the machine. Such mini-units function almost autonomously. The wizard only needs to enter the necessary parameters in accordance with which the technological operation will be performed.

CNC machines are especially effective when performing the following types of work:

• marking;
• engraving;
• shaped sharpening.

The most popular models of CNC lathes for metal today are produced by OPTIMUM and JET. Miniature units from these brands are distinguished by high quality and accuracy of technological operations.

Metal lathes from OPTIMUM and JET companies have proven themselves to be reliable and durable units

Which metal lathe to buy: recommendations for choosing

When choosing a benchtop lathe, you need to pay attention to a number of important parameters. Mini-machines for home use for processing metal workpieces can have different weights. The minimum weight of such a unit is 13 kg, and the maximum is 400 kg. Accordingly, the higher the mass of the device, the larger it is.

Note! Experts recommend choosing mini-machines for home workshops that have the least weight (up to 50 kg). Such models are compact and versatile, and they are also very convenient to install. In addition, if necessary, it will not be difficult to change the location of such a small-sized unit.

Another important parameter that is worth considering when choosing a desktop mini-machine is its power. For small units this figure is no more than 2.25 kW. Separately, it is worth saying that there are devices that are commonly called “low-power”. They include a drive with a power of 0.15 kW.

Before choosing how much power you want to purchase a small-sized lathe, it is recommended to decide on its purpose. For processing small workpieces made of non-ferrous metals, less powerful tabletop metal lathes are suitable. Mini-units with higher power are suitable, in turn, for large parts made of durable material (for example, steel).

Low-power models are suitable for processing products made of non-ferrous metals

Even desktop devices intended for home workshops are complex, from a technical point of view, structures. Therefore, when choosing a mini-machine, it is also recommended to pay attention to the quality of its components. The material from which the structural elements of the device are made is of no small importance.

Experts recommend paying special attention when choosing a small-sized machine to its following components: bed and support. These elements must be made of durable metal. The outer surface of the material must be carefully sanded.

Today you can find many units of this type. To buy a mini metal lathe that is suitable for use in your case, it is recommended to study the technical characteristics of popular models of these devices on the Internet.

Best table saws

The rating will consider the following models:

METALMASTER MML 1830V is a joint production of Russia and Germany. Produced in China, Russia, Poland. This model has stepless control in two ranges. The following components are included in the package: return cams, thrust center, and replacement metal guitar gears.

Stalex SBL-280/700 is manufactured in China. The model is quite large, but the standard delivery includes a pair of steady rests.

Jet BD-6 is a miniature machine weighing only 33 kilograms. The engine is also low power, so its processing capabilities are limited, although for small home applications, choosing this option may be worthwhile.

Prices of tabletop metal lathes

When choosing a suitable desktop unit for your home workshop, you need to pay attention to its cost. The price of mini-machines depends on several factors, such as:

• brand;
• power;
• performance.

The cost of the machine is determined by its power, productivity, size and brand

Other, smaller characteristics of metal lathes are also reflected in pricing. The price of a mini-unit, the power of which does not exceed 500 Watts, is approximately 15,000-55,000 rubles. Such devices do not differ in functionality, but are more than fully suitable for basic tasks.

Tabletop units with a wider list of capabilities (screw-cutting lathes) cost a little more. For example, a mini-machine of this type with a power of up to 500 Watts can be purchased at a price of 27,000-75,000 rubles.

And finally, turning and milling units are considered the most expensive desktop units. The price range in this case is 65-150 thousand rubles. Depending on the functional features and technical equipment, the price of desktop metal lathes is determined. You can buy the necessary device either in a specialized store or on the Internet by placing an order online.

The most popular companies producing such equipment, as mentioned above, are OPTIMUM and JET. They produce high-quality, wear-resistant units that have a long service life. The price of such devices is quite high, however, they all correspond to the declared quality.

For example, the cost of a desktop lathe Metal Master from the JET company ranges from 50 to 150 thousand rubles. Models from the OPTIMUM brand are even more expensive (from 60 to 330 thousand rubles).

Please note that machines from little-known manufacturers, with similar characteristics, may be significantly inferior in quality and reliability to units of more well-known brands

Exploitation

In order for mini-machines to serve for a long time, they must be properly maintained:

1. After finishing work, small chips accumulate on the surface of the machine. It must be deleted.
2. Both guides are lubricated with machine oil.
3. The oil in the box is changed periodically.
4. Electrical wiring and motor are inspected regularly. All accumulated dirt must be removed.

To make a tabletop lathe yourself, you need certain knowledge, as well as the ability to work with metal. If there are difficulties in these matters, there is an alternative solution - purchasing a finished product. This will cost more, but will save time.