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Ready to ShipThere are various types of lathe tools, and each fulfills a special purpose. A supplier may offer the following types to buyers in bulk.
Lathe tool sets include an assortment of various tools for usage in turning operations. A typical lathe tool set will often comprise tools for cutting, shaping, and finishing: a cutting tool, a finishing tool, and a roughing tool, for instance. The tools come in various sizes, profiles, and materials for diverse applications. Thus, a lathe tool set is ideal for those just starting with lathe work since it has all the necessary tools for turning operations. The tools are also convenient for those looking to upgrade their equipment.
Cutting tools make the most bulk purchase of lathe tools preferable to seasoned lathe users, as well. A cutting tool is a basic tool applied to a lathe machine to produce an approximate desired shape of the workpiece under cutting operation. A cutting tool will commonly have a sharp edge that faces the workpiece and a wedge angle that holds the cutting edge's angle. The major types of cutting tools are boring bars, parting tools, and chamfering tools.
Sharpening tools include lathe tool jigs and hones, which are mainly used to maintain the edge of cutting tools. A lathe tool jig is fastened to the tool rest and assists in achieving the desired sharpening angle. This ensures an even bevel across the cutting edge for consistent cuts. A honing stone, on the other hand, is applied after sharpening to refine and polish the edge for enhanced sharpness. Although optional, using sharpening tools extends the life of cutting tools and minimizes the need for frequent replacements.
Turning tools comprise a vast category of lathe tools used to shape materials by removing excess matter. They are classified into roughing, finishing, and cutting-off tools, achieving basic turned shapes, smoothing surfaces, and cutting the workpiece into covetable shorter parts. Turning tools come in various shapes to create different profiles on the workpiece, such as cylindrical, conical, or radiused. They are made from strong steel that retains strength even when the cutting edge gets hot during typical operation.
The material and design of lathe tools will impact their performance, durability, and application. It will be worthwhile for buyers to consider the following information when purchasing lathe tools.
Lathe tool kits are often made of high-strength materials that can retain sharpness, stand up to friction, and resist deformation under cutting. Commonly used materials include:
The design of lathe tools greatly influences the precision and quality of the finished product. Key design elements include:
Lathe tools can be applied in diverse situations. As such, it is important for buyers in bulk to understand the different scenarios.
Turning refers to the machining process of shaping a workpiece by removing excess material using lathe tools. A specialist attaches the workpiece to a rotating spindle and then uses a cutting tool to slide along the material's surface. This reduces the material to achieve the target dimensions. The common types of lathe tools applied in turning include center turning tools to connect two existing machined surfaces and taper turning tools to produce a conical shape.
Drilling is creating round holes in a workpiece using a drill bit held in a lathe chuck. The lathe spins the workpiece while a cutting tool advances into it to remove material and form the hole. This is different from regular drills, which have a stationary base, because there is control over both the hole's depth and the workpiece's rotation. Lathe tools used for drilling include drill bits and core extractors. Core extractors are used to remove the core from the extracted sample for study or analysis in the mining or construction business.
Milling is combining the benefits of both turning and drilling, where the lathe tools machine material from the workpiece's surface to manufacture a part with flat features. In this case, a cutting tool removes material by moving laterally across the spinning workpiece to create flat surfaces, slots, or complex profiles. What distinguishes lathe tools used in this process is their end geometry. The end geometry needs to match the features being machined. For instance, end mills have a flat cutting edge for producing flat surfaces to create a mill slot or var end mills capable of producing rounded fillet profiles.
Grinding involves using cutting tools to achieve a higher degree of surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Special grinding wheels mounted on the lathe smooth the workpiece to precision. Grinding is usually done after turning or milling to refine the surface, remove imperfections, and achieve tight tolerances required in applications like aerospace or automotive parts. The tools used include grinding wheels, honing stones, and dresser tools. The grinding wheels remove excess material from the workpiece to produce a precise-sized workpiece. The honing stones polish tool edges to restore sharpness and extend the tool's longevity. The dresser tools reshape and refurbish used grinding wheels to preserve their cutting effectiveness and ensure consistency in grinding operations.
When selecting lathe tools, several factors come into play. Buyers should consider the following factors.
Buyers should ensure that the material has a superior effect on the tool's performance. For instance, high-speed steel tools strike a balance between toughness, cost, and wear resistance. On the other hand, carbide tools offer longevity through hardness and sharpness. As such, they are suited for both general and heavy-duty usage. A buyer who understands the differences will choose the right material for the target market.
Buyers should account for the customers' experience level when choosing between tool sets and individual tools. New hobbyists will benefit more from a comprehensive tool set. On the other hand, seasoned pros will frequently look for special tools to complete their already existing collection, making individual tools a better choice for them.
Buyers should tell customers to consider the compatibility of their choice with existing lathes. After all, not all lathe tools will fit all lathes. For example, tools with specific shank sizes may be needed to match particular lathes. So, users should check the specifications of their lathe machine to ensure the tool set will work properly. Also, buyers with customers using variable-speed lathes should recommend tools designed to withstand the varying speeds.
Buyers should consider the ease of use, especially for customers who are novice lathe users. For instance, some tools have pre-set angles, making it easier for users to achieve lathe cuts for beginners. In addition, features like comfortable grips ensure better control, leading to enhanced safety and fewer accidents.
Lastly, buyers should consider the maintenance aspect of the tools. Customers do not want tools that require extensive maintenance. So, they should go for tools made of materials that resist wear. In addition, some tools come with protective coatings that reduce rust and corrosion, extending the tool's life with minimal maintenance.
A1: The most common mistake is not considering the customer's skill level. Beginners require simple tools to use, whereas seasoned machinists will look for advanced tools. There is also a tendency to neglect maintenance requirements. Buyers should ensure customers can easily maintain the tools they purchase.
A2: The most common mishaps include neglecting tool sharpness, improper feed rates, and ignoring safety precautions. Using dull tools increases the chances of accidents. A supplier can encourage customers to regularly check their tools for sharpness.
A3: Lathe tools do not have a specific expiration date. Nevertheless, tools exposed to heat, pressure, and friction will wear down over time. The material will, however, determine how soon or later it will wear down. Harder materials like carbide will last longer than softer ones like high-speed steel.
A4: Customers should be advised to store the tools in a dry and cool place. They should also be advised to clean the tools after each use so debris does not accumulate on them. They should also be advised to sharpen the tools where necessary so they do not get worn out easily. Apart from that, customers should be advised to replace worn-out tools and store them in a safe place.
A5: Using the wrong tool will result in an inaccurate workpiece. In some cases, it can cause damage to the workpiece material itself. In addition, it can damage the tool, which will translate into a waste of money for customers.
