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Metal Lathe Training: Difference between revisions

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This page is to information for people who are interested in the [[Equipment/Colchester Master Lathe|metal lathe]]. Although incredibly rewarding and satisfying to use, the lathe and mill are complex tools and so require a more involved induction process than many of the other machines at the hackspace.


This page is to information for people who are interested in the [[Equipment/Colchester Master Lathe|metal lathe]]. If you have previous experience you will normally be allowed to use the lathe after a induction session (to cover any queries and provide a brief guide.
The training is divided into a range of different topics/ modules, which are graded level 1 through to level 3. All LHS members will need to start with a level 1 induction, and can then train on additional skills/ topics from the level 2 or 3 series as they progress and become more experienced. Those who have prior experience will still need to attend a session on each skill they want to use, but these can be used as more of a quick recap session and a chance to demonstrate the existing skill (this will take less time, so we can cover multiple topics at once and speed things along)


The problem with these machines is that there are hundreds of techniques to learn and much needs to be done hands-on, so it isn't practical to run lectures. Most people will have knowledge only of the techniques that they have needed to date.  
This incremental training process helps protect the health and safety of the user but also crucially that of the machines - despite its large size the lathe is quite a delicate piece and can be easily damaged by an inexperienced user.


You will only need to learn basic's  to get started
Anyone coming for a training session needs good footwear, eye protection, no baggy clothing or un-restrained hair.


To get started you will need proper respect for the machines to ensure your and their safety requires some instruction in terms of skill and technique.
'''NOTE - this page is in the process of being re-written by Toby - please bear with us as we add more detail'''


Once you have learned to use the machine safely for the basics, you will have to acquire more knowledge through asking people, reading books, and from internet resources. If you have no previous experience you will need to invest much more effort and be very careful. please understand the level of commitment required. This is not a 5 minute talk and a bit of software.
== Maintainers ==


In order to get a place on a training session you will need to watch for announcements on the 'lhs-induction-requests' channel on the hackspace [https://discord.com/channels/943237246092447794/950732177136582666|Hackspace Discord server]
The current maintainers are Liam Lynch, Dean Forbes, Toby Molyneux and Tim


== Maintainers ==  
== Waiting List ==


The current maintainers are Liam Lynch, Dean Forbes Toby and Tim
To get a spot on a level 1 training session you will first need to add your name to the waiting list, see [[Metal Lathe/ Mill Training Waiting List]]


== Training Sessions ==
Then, keep an eye on the 'lhs-induction-requests' channel on the hackspace [https://discord.com/channels/943237246092447794/950732177136582666| Discord server] for announcements of upcoming sessions.


Typically the training sessions can last up to 4 hours, they are intended to bring members to a level where they can use the machine safely.
Level 2 and 3 training sessions should be arranged on a more ad-hoc basis, simply post in the 'metal-lathe' discord channel or speak directly to one of the maintainers and we can set something up


=== Prerequisites ===
==General Interest Videos==
 
Good footwear, Eye protection (should normally be available in the space), No Baggy clothing or un-restrained hair.


please watch the required videos - MIT have made a set of training videos
please watch the required videos - MIT have made a set of training videos
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* [http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos/144-machine-shop-8 Lathe 1]: Lathe basics; turning and facing; cutting off a part
* [http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos/144-machine-shop-8 Lathe 1]: Lathe basics; turning and facing; cutting off a part
* [http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos/134-machine-shop-9 Lathe 2]: Tapping; boring; knurling; cutting tapers; turning shafts with a live centre; single point thread turning
* [http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos/134-machine-shop-9 Lathe 2]: Tapping; boring; knurling; cutting tapers; turning shafts with a live centre; single point thread turning
recommended viewing


* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LtYzjR1JuM Parting Tool Use]:   
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LtYzjR1JuM Parting Tool Use]:   
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUrp8JMRwx4 Cutting Tool Geometry Angles]:  
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUrp8JMRwx4 Cutting Tool Geometry Angles]:  
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mNH1ZLy-hk Surface Finish]:
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mNH1ZLy-hk Surface Finish]:
=== Waiting List ===
For the time being there is a combined waiting list for this and the milling machine, see [[Metal Lathe/ Mill Training Waiting List]]
=== Authorised Members ===
* 2022-06-08 / Dragos / HS32771 / Power Feed, Collet Chuck L2 - TM
* 2022.05.25 / Dave / HS33388 / Beginner L1 - TM
* 2022.04.21 / Rob / HS27573 / Beginner L1 - TM
* 2022.03.25 / Dragos / HS32771 / Beginner L1 - TM
* 2022.02.28 / Petr / HS33204 / Intermediate L2 - TM
* 2022.09.15 / Chris / HS32763 / Intermediate L2 - DF
* 2020.09.15 / Ana / HS28349 / Beginner L1 - DF
* 2020.09.15 / Robert / HS28863 / Intermediate L2 - DF
=Work in Progress New Training Section=
The lathe training information above is in the process of being re-written in the following format, but for now please ignore any of the content below
-------------------------------------------
Training at hackspace is divided into a range of different topics/ modules, which are graded level 1 through to level 3. All LHS members will need to start with a level 1 induction, and can then train on additional skills/ topics from the level 2 or 3 series as they progress and become more experienced.


==Level 1 – Beginner Lathe Skills==
==Level 1 – Beginner Lathe Skills==
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Just like level 1, you will need to take the time to learn the theory of the operation before you arrive for a session as this will significantly reduce the training burden. Recommended youtube videos are referenced below.
Just like level 1, you will need to take the time to learn the theory of the operation before you arrive for a session as this will significantly reduce the training burden. Recommended youtube videos are referenced below.


Parting Tools
====Parting Tools====
Learn to use a parting tool to cut parts cleanly and accurately from stock in the lathe


Boring Bars
====Boring Bars====
Power Feed
Learn to use boring bars for accurate, concentric turning on the inside of a part


External Threading
====Power Feed====
Learn to use power feed for improved surface finish


Collet Chuck
====External Threading====
Learn to create single-point cut threads on the outside of a workpiece. Useful for unusual or custom-profiled screw threads (the tailstock die holder is a better choice for most conventional threads)


4-Jaw Chuck
Requires at least 5 hours experience with power feeding


HSS Tools and Tool Grinding
====Collet Chuck====
Learn to use the collet chuck for improved concentricity compared with the three-jaw chuck
 
====4-Jaw Chuck====
Learn to use the 4-jaw chuck for improved concentricity, holding square workpieces, or eccentric turning
 
====HSS Tools and Tool Grinding====
Learn to use the tool grinder in the cage to create and maintain your own high speed steel lathe tooling


==Level 3 - Advanced Lathe Skills==
==Level 3 - Advanced Lathe Skills==
Level 3 works in the same way as level 2 training - the difference is essentially that level 3 topics are much more difficult and require a more experienced lathe user – we’d generally be expecting at least 40 hours of unsupervised use before arranging a session. Some of these topics are also follow-ons to other topics (e.g. internal threading follows external) so these must be considered first.   
Level 3 works in the same way as level 2 training - the difference is essentially that level 3 topics are much more difficult and require a more experienced lathe user – we’d generally be expecting at least 40 hours of unsupervised use before arranging a session. Some of these topics are also follow-ons to other topics (e.g. internal threading follows external) so these must be considered first.   


Faceplate Work
====Internal Threading====
We have equipment to create single-point cut threads on the inside of a workpiece.


Turning Between Centres
Requires at least 5 hours practice with external threading


Metal Spinning
====Faceplate Work====
We have a faceplate, which can be for all kinds of weird and wonderful lathe setups (note - in many situations a rotary table in the mill is an easier and safer option)


Taper Turning
====Turning Between Centres====
We have the option to setup the lathe for turning between centres, offering maximum concentricity with easy repeatability or for odd-shaped parts
 
====Metal Spinning====
We have some basic tooling for metal spinning, a process of forming sheetmetal in the lathe. This is a tricky operation for very experienced users only
 
====Taper Turning====
We have a taper turning attachment on our lathe, which can be used to cut tapers longer than can be achieved with the cross-slide




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If you’d like to try out any technique not covered by these training notes then please get in touch with the maintainers – we generally love to try out new ideas so we’ll do what we can to make it happen, but please bear in mind safety of our members and preventing damage to our machines have to take priority – particularly with some of the more ‘exotic’ operations you may see on youtube.
If you’d like to try out any technique not covered by these training notes then please get in touch with the maintainers – we generally love to try out new ideas so we’ll do what we can to make it happen, but please bear in mind safety of our members and preventing damage to our machines have to take priority – particularly with some of the more ‘exotic’ operations you may see on youtube.


== Authorised Members ==
* 2022-06-08 / Dragos / HS32771 / Power Feed, Collet Chuck L2 - TM
* 2022.05.25 / Dave / HS33388 / Beginner L1 - TM
* 2022.04.21 / Rob / HS27573 / Beginner L1 - TM
* 2022.03.25 / Dragos / HS32771 / Beginner L1 - TM
* 2022.02.28 / Petr / HS33204 / Intermediate L2 - TM
* 2022.09.15 / Chris / HS32763 / Intermediate L2 - DF
* 2020.09.15 / Ana / HS28349 / Beginner L1 - DF
* 2020.09.15 / Robert / HS28863 / Intermediate L2 - DF


[[Category:Training]]
[[Category:Training]]
[[Category:Workshops]]
[[Category:Workshops]]