CHESTER Craftsman, Instruction Manual, Page: 11 / 53

Centre Lathe
The term Centre Lathe is derived from the fact that in its operation the lathe holds a piece of material
between two rigid supports called centres, or by some other device such as a chuck or faceplate which
revolves about the centre line of the lathe.
The lathe shown above is a typical example. This machine is usually used in a jobbing (one off) situation
or for small batch work where it would be too expensive to specially 'tool up' for just a few items.
The lathe on which you will work is a machine used to cut metal. The spindle carrying the work is rotated
whilst a cutting tool, which is supported in a tool post, is made to travel in a certain direction depending
on the form of surface required. If the tool moves parallel to the axis of the rotation of the work a
cylindrical surface is produced as in Fig 2 (a), whilst if it moves at right angles to this axis it produces a
flat surface as in Fig 2 (b).
Figure 2a. Producing a
Cylindrical Surface
Figure 2b. Producing a Flat Surface
The lathe can also be used for the purposes shown in Fig 2c, 2d, 2e and 2f.
Figure 2c. Taper Turning Figure 2d. Parting Off / Under Cutting
Figure 2e. Radius Turning Attachment Figure 2f. Drilling on a Lathe
Chester UK Craftsman Lathe
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