Universal lathe

{{Short description|Type of lathe}} right|thumb|Benchtop universal lathe

A '''universal lathe'''<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=dreiebenk |url=https://snl.no/dreiebenk |date=2024-11-27 |language=no}}</ref> or '''parallel lathe'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tolltariff: KAPITTEL 84 - AVSNITT XVI MASKINER, APPARATER OG MEKANISKE.. |url=https://www.toll.no/contentassets/4df632cb6a974f43a8e6e92a6768f71c/kom84-2022-v.4.pdf}}</ref> is the most common type of lathe.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parallel Lathes - ZELMEN - Turning and Milling Precision |url=http://www.zelmen.it/EN/parallel-lathes.html |access-date=2024-12-12}}</ref> It differs from other types of lathes in that it has the option of a tailstock, separate mechanisms for longitudinal and transverse feeds (typically via separate handwheels), and an automatic (usually mechanically) driven longitudinal leadscrew for making threads.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-01 |title=Materialien für den Technikunterricht • tec.Lehrerfreund |url=https://www.lehrerfreund.de/technik/1s/werkzeugmaschinen-drehmaschine/4776 |access-date=2024-12-12 |language=de}}</ref>

== Description == Universal lathes are used for the production of single products or small batches, and are suitable for maintenance and similar minor work in a workshop, as well as anywhere there is a need for tools that should be as versatile as possible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniel |date=2023-12-18 |title=Parallel Lathe: Key Component in Workshops and Factories |url=https://pinachocnc.com/en/general-en/torno-paralelo-pieza-clave-en-talleres-mecanicos-e-industrias-de-fabricacion/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cirilli |first=Marco |date=2020-02-24 |title=The parallel lathe |url=https://www.ingv.it/en/ingv-newsletter-n-2-February-2020-year-xiv/the-parallel-lathe |access-date=2024-12-12 |language=en}}</ref>

On universal lathes, one can turn longitudinally, transversely, one can turn cylindrical and conical threads, Archimedean spirals, one can also bore, countersink, ream, tap threads with taps and dies, manually polish and file.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Records |first=Savor |date=2024-04-03 |title=What are the different parts of the parallel lathe |url=https://www.vurcon.com/en/blogs/noticias/cuales-son-las-diferentes-partes-del-torno-paralelo |access-date=2024-12-12 |language=en}}</ref> Extra accessories enables ball turning, copying and grinding. There are even aftermarket accessories for milling; typically by replacing the top slide (compound) with a milling head and a spindle for mounting the milling bit,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-12-12 |language=en |title=Accessories and Attachments of Lathe Machine and their Functions |url=https://testbook.com/mechanical-engineering/accessories-and-attachments-of-lathe-machine |work=Testbook}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Slotting/Milling Attachment to Enhance Features of Lathe, International Journal of Engineering Innovation and Research - Publication - Slotting/Milling Attachment to Enhance Features of Lathe, Prof. Tanuja Hulavale ,Dr. Harish Harsurkar, Sumit Bidkar, Nikesh Avhad |url=https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2404806.pdf}}</ref> but sometimes instead by mounting a coordinate table in place of the top slide and by mounting the milling bit in the main spindle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Machining Your Own Milling Atachment by Harry Walton (Popular Science, 214) |url=http://www.opensourcemachinetools.org/archive-manuals/milling-attachment.pdf}}</ref>

The conventional layout is that the main spindle is located on the left side, while the tailstock is located on the right side.<ref>{{Cite web |last=morek |date=2021-04-30 |title=Universal lathe, construction and possible machining - basics - MorekTECH |url=https://technologicalprocess.com/universal-lathe-construction-and-possible-machining-basics/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== See also == * Automatic lathe * Frontal lathe * Vertical lathe

== References == {{Reflist}}

Category:Lathes