Lathe Tools

The following lathe tools buying tips should be considered before making a purchase. These suggestions are general guidelines for the various lathe tools out there.

Evaluate the Place First

You can tell a lot about the machine from the environment it’s in. If the shop is clean and well maintained, chances are the machine is in good condition and reliable. If the place is dirty and uncluttered, don’t expect much from the machine.

Check the dealer too; if you feel the dealer isn’t being completely honest about the machine, look somewhere else, no matter what the price is. If you see a sledgehammer near the lathe, odds are it was used to modify the machine’s spindle bearings.

Lathe Tools Buying Tips: Check the Bed Ways

The ways should be parallel. This ensures the carriage moves parallel to the spindle axis. This will also ascertain the tailstock is dead center to the headstock spindle. If you’re buying a used lathe, look for one that has as few signs of bed wear as possible.

To determine if the bed is in good condition, fasten the carriage binding until the carriage can’t be moved any longer (make sure the carriage is as near the headstock as possible).

Unfasten the binding screw slowly. If the bed is of good quality, the carriage will move all the way with no binding. You can also check the carriage by lifting it up.

Lathe Tools Buying Tips: Inspect the Spindle

Before you buy the lathe, run the spindle first. If you are allowed to test the machine, set the spindle at one of the high settings. Listen for any unusual sounds. After it has run, get a feel for the bearings. They should not be too hot.

If you can’t run the machine, try to get a feel for the bearings and the amount of play on the spindle. You should also check the oil cups if they’re fitted on.

The spindle nose must also be inspected for defects. On tapered spindles, look at tools for pulling the chuck. On threaded spindles, ensure the threads are in good condition.

Lathe Tools Buying Tips: Examine the Geartrain

These are the gears that join the headstock spindle to the leadscrew. If possible, run the machine and listen to any peculiar noises. If there are, chances are it’s broken. If it has a cover, take it off. Examine the gears and check if any are worn out.

Also look out for cracked handles and if lubrication is correct. Do not buy the machine if grease is used rather than oil. Grease will cause the machine to wear down much quicker.

The only place where grease should be utilized is on the sealed and packed bearings. A machine that uses grease too much is an indication the substance is being used to quiet noisy gears.

These lathe tools buying tips will help a new buyer get the right machine for the task. With an understanding of how to test components, you’ll know if the machine is worth buying or not.