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Metal Lathe Operation and Safety
Safety Considerations:
KNOW the use of the feed clutch and split nut to avoid
damage of the lathe and possibly your work.
NEVER leave the chuck key in the chuck.
Secure work in the chuck and consider leverage in extending
work from the chuck. Consider supporting work with the
tailstock.
Select correct turning speed and feed rate based on work
size (diameter) shape and hardness.
Operating The Rockwell 11" Metal Lathe
A. Starting the Lathe and adjusting speed.
Connect special power adapter to the end on the power cord so it will
fit in the 220 volt wall outlet. (Found in the cabinet)
Make sure work is secure in the chuck and carriage is clear of the
head stock.
Notice the power switch has a forward and reverse position, move
switch to forward position.
Select drive lever position for direct and low speed positions
.... low speed range is 40-240 rpm
.... direct speed range is 250-1500 rpm
Adjust spindle speed ONLY when motor is running. Turn speed change
hand wheel to right to increase and left to decrease speed. Speed is
indicated on speed indicator dial next to speed change hand wheel.
For machining wood on a metal lathe higher speeds are recommended.
B. Adjusting feed rates using quick change gear box and tumblers.
Feed rates are in .001" per revolution of the spindle.
Select desired feed rate in .001" on the feed and thread cutting chart.
Example .0225" Move left tumbler to letter "E" and the right tumble
directly under the .0225" on the chart.
Generally for turning wood on teh metal lathe try feed rates from
.010"-.030" per revolution.
C. Engaging the clutch lever for power on the saddle and cross slide.
See page 10 in your handout for detailed instructions
Using the feed selector lever move it to the upper position for longitudinal
power feed (move carriage left and right). The lower position moves the cross
slide in and out.
Feed direction forward and reverse is adjusted by the feed reversing lever
on the headstock. CAUTION: only adjust the lever when the spindle is
stopped.
To engage the feed move the clutch lever to the down and engaged position.
The carriage or cross slide will engage depending on the feed selector lever
position. To disengage the feed lever simply move it to the neutral or
centered position. PRACTICE USING THE FEED CLUTCH LEVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE
OPERATING THE LATHE.
D. Using the split nut for thread cutting.
Placing the feed selector lever in the center position allows engagement of the
split nut for thread cutting. WE DON'T RECOMMEND use of the split nut for
turning without additional instruction.
E. Use of the carriage assembly and micrometer dials.
Manual operation of the carriage is done using the apron hand wheel to
move it left and right on the bed. The cross slice may be moved by using
the cross slide hand wheel.
The cross slide and compound have micrometer dials calibrated in .001"
units. Each .001" line will remove .001" from the diameter of the stock
being machined. The micrometer dials have friction fit slip rings that
may be moved to "0" or any other position on the scale.
F. Use of the compound rest.
The compound rest is designed for turning shot angles and tapers
on the lathe. The swivel base may be adjusted by loosening the two
holding nuts one on each side of the base. The compound is
calibrated in 1 degree units from 0-90 degrees. Reference marks are
found on the cross slide to set an angle on the compound.
The carriage lock screw may be locked when using the compound or
cross slide when the carriage is to remain in a fixed position.
G. Use of the tool post and tool holders.
The tool post assembly is designed to accommodate a variety of
tool holders. The tool post has a washer and rocker wedge designed
to allow the centering of the tool bit at the work.
The right hand tool holder starts at the right and moves to the
left.
The center holder can be moved in either direction on the work.
The left hand holder starts at the left and moves right.
This lathe accommodates 1/4" and 5/16" high speed steel tool
bits.
H. Use of the three jaw universal chuck.
This chuck is the easiest to use on the lathe and may be used to
hold work on the outside. It is considered a self centering chuck.
Simply put the work in the jaws and tighten with the chuck
wrench. ALWAYS REMOVE THE CHUCK WRENCH
The work should be ROUND for holding in the chuck.
The spindle on the lathe has a 1-3/8" opening and will allow
work to extend through the spindle 1-3/8" dia. and smaller.
Changing jaws may be done by noting the number on each jaw. Jaws
must be installed starting with 1 then 2 and finally 3. If the jaws
aren't centered when finished remove them and repeat the steps.
The three jaw chuck may be removed using a spanner wrench and
cradle block found in the cabinet. The loosening direction is marked
on the spindle nut. USE CAUTION not to drop the chuck onto the ways
when removing or installing. The cradle block will help with
aligning the chuck and spindle nose and keep the chuck from damming
the ways.
I. Use of 4 jaw independent chuck.
This chuck is for chucking irregular shaped work or for offset
applications.
Each jaw is adjusted independently. Concentric circles on the
face of the Chuck can be used to help center the work in the chuck.
A tool holder mounted in the tool post can also be used to help
align work along with a pencil. Turn the work by hand or at SLOW
SPEED (50-100 rpm). Using the pencil to mark the high side of the
round work. For precision alignment secure a dial indicator to
center accurately.
Jaws in the four jaw chuck are reversible and can be for holding
larger diameter work
J. Use of the boring bar assembly.
The boring bar holder and boring bars are used for internal
turning.
The boring bar holder inserts in place of the tool post on the
compound.
Select the largest boring bar that will fit internal of the work
to be bored.
Extend the boring bar no further than required to reach the
depth of the hole to be bored.
You will need a 3/16" or 1/4" high speed steel tool bit ground
with the proper clearance and rake to remove smooth chips from the
wood part.
make sure the tool bit is on center and parallel with the bed of
the surface of the cross slide assembly.