E&OE
© 2020 Baumr-AG
33
Operation
Simple Turning
Before starting the machine, as described above, it is
imperative that the setup for the type of work to be
carried out is fully checked.
The following notes are guidelines as to how to set up
the lathe in order to carry out a simple turning operation.
ALWAYS plan your work. Have drawings or a plan on
hand together with any measuring instruments you may
require, such as micrometres/verniers/callipers etc.
Select a cutting tool that will produce the desired cut and
mount it in the Tool Rest, with as little overhang as
possible, securing it using three hex socket head screws
in the manner shown in FIG.6. (Ideally, the overhang
should be approx. 10mm but not more than 15mm for a
straight tool).
It is IMPORTANT to ensure that the tip of the cutting tool is on the centre line of the work, or very slightly below
it. On no account should it be above the centre line. Where necessary, shims should be used beneath the tool in
order to achieve the correct height, or, if the tip is too high, the only recourse is to select another tool or grind
down the tip.
To check to ensure the tip is at the correct height, position the tool so that the tip is almost touching the point of
the tailstock centre. They should coincide. If necessary, adjust using shims, grind down the cutting tool tip or
select another tool.
When satisfied, mount the work, either in the chuck or on a faceplate, and if necessary, use the tailstock centre
for additional support (If the work cannot be adequately secured by the chuck, or if it is a long piece, or of small
diameter). Additionally, 'Steadies' may be used which are described in greater detail under
. If the
Tailstock is not to be used, you may remove it completely by slackening off the securing nut at its base and
sliding it free of the bed.
Mark the surface of the work at the point where the cut is to end, i.e. the shoulder, using a scriber or similar
means, and move the saddle so that the cutting tool is directly opposite the mark, then wind in the cross-slide so
that the tool touches the surface of the work. Whilst carrying out these manoeuvres, rotate the chuck by hand to
ensure that nothing will meet it when turning takes place, i.e. there is adequate clearance between the saddle,
cross-slide, tool post or cutting tool and the chuck.
It may be necessary to adjust the position of the compound slide or reposition the work in the chuck to guarantee
that there is adequate clearance.
When satisfied, retract the cutting tool and wind the saddle away from the headstock, then wind the cutting tool
up to the work, somewhere along the length to be cut, whilst rotating the work by hand, using the chuck.
Continue to advance the cutting tool slowly, until it just touches the surface. Record this position by zeroing the
scale on the cross-slide, i.e. turn the moveable scale until the zero marks coincide, (see diagram opposite).
Once zeroed, retract the cross-slide one complete turn, then move the saddle until the tool is a short distance
from the right-hand edge of the Work.
Wind in the cross-slide again one full turn until the zero marks again coincide.
