lathes
A lathe, also known as a lathe, is a machine tool and is used in metalworking. Metal lathes can be used to produce rotationally cylindrical workpieces. The rotating workpiece is machined by the firmly clamped turning tool. In our range you will find a variety of lathes for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. What you should look out for when buying a lathe, find out here.
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Buying a lathe - what to look out for?
Regardless of whether you are looking for a lathe for home or professional use, you should pay attention to the following points when buying a lathe:
| Parameters | Effects on the lathe |
| Workpiece material | ➤ Power, equipment, speed |
| Workpiece size | Centre width/height, spindle clearance |
| Workstation size | ➤ Size/dimensions |
| Power connection | ➤ Voltage |
Material of the workpiece
There are different types of lathes depending on the material of the workpiece to be machined. A distinction is made between lathes for woodworking and lathes for metal and plastic processing. In our range you will find metal lathes that are designed for steel, cast iron, all non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, brass etc., but can also be used for machining plastics or other non-dusting materials.
The material to be machined is not only decisive for the type of lathe, but also for the drive power and equipment of the lathe. Soft materials such as aluminium or brass can be machined using small metal lathes. For machining hard materials such as stainless steel, on the other hand, larger machines with more power are required.
Size of the workpiece
The size of the workpiece plays an important role in choosing the right lathe. Care should be taken to ensure that the centre height and width of the lathe matches the size of the workpiece. It should also be noted that the use of tools, such as a travelling centre point, reduces/restricts the centre width. Irrespective of the clamping diameter, however, the maximum possible orbital diameter above the machine bed or face slide is the same. This data is particularly helpful for angled workpieces such as brake drums in order to ensure optimum machining.
Spindle clearance size
If bar stock is to be machined on a lathe, the size of the spindle passage should also be taken into account. The jaw chuck opening is usually larger than the spindle opening itself. This allows workpieces to be clamped deeper when machining from the rear.
Speed
When purchasing a lathe, the available speed range should also be taken into account. The correct speed depends on the material, the cutting material and the diameter of the workpiece. The following statement can serve as a guide: the softer the material and the smaller the workpiece, the higher the speed. However, the optimum speed must be found in the machining process itself.
Drive power
Depending on the material and the size of the workpieces, the metal lathe must have a certain drive power for optimum machining. For hobby lathes that are to be used for machining small workpieces and soft materials, a motor output of up to 500 watts is sufficient. If, on the other hand, large workpieces and hard materials such as unalloyed steel are to be machined, the lathe should have a drive power of over 500 watts. For machining stainless steel, we recommend a motor output of at least 1,000 watts. In our range you will find metal lathes with a drive power of between 250 and 1,500 watts.
Voltage
Our lathes with Vario drive have a voltage of 230 volts. Our metal lathes with manual gearboxes, on the other hand, are high-voltage devices with a voltage of 400 volts/16A and with CEE plugs. Therefore, please check whether the required connection is available at the installation site. Subsequent installation may only be carried out by the respective network operator or a specialised company.
Dimensions and weight of the lathe
In order to clarify in advance whether the lathe can be transported to its destination in the basement, workshop or garage without any problems, the dimensions and weight of the machine should be taken into account when selecting it. In most cases, the individual parts of the machine cannot be dismantled for better handling.
Manual gearbox or Vario drive
On lathes with a Vario drive, the speed can be regulated more precisely, even under load, and the machines require less maintenance and are somewhat quieter. Lathes with a manual gearbox, on the other hand, enable a constant motor speed and therefore always the maximum torque. The spindle speed on these machines is controlled via a gearbox. This means that even low speeds of less than 100 rpm can be set on geared machines. This is particularly advantageous for thread cutting.
