Machine Shop Turning Operations

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Lathes and Attachments

Topics: Engine lathes; Lathe size, capacity, and parts; Holding work; Steady and follower rest; Preparing for lathe operation; Safety

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the function of each of the following lathe parts: lathe bed, ways, headstock, tailstock, carriage, compound rest, and spindle.
• Name the two dimensions usually used to describe lathe capacity.
• List and describe several methods of holding work in a lathe.
• Explain the function of a steady rest and follower rest.

Chapter 2: Basic Lathe Operations

Topics: Preparing and centering the stock; Aligning and using rests; Cutting speed and feed; Turning operations; Cutting fluids and coolants

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the factors to consider when selecting and preparing a piece of stock for a lathe job.
• Explain how to mount eccentric or irregularly shaped workpieces.
• Define the terms cutting speed and feed rate and list factors that affect each.
• Name two factors that affect the smoothness of a finishing operation.
• Explain the function of cutting fluid in lathe work.

Chapter 3: Drilling and Boring

Topics: Drills and drill presses; Drill numbering and sizing; Setting up work; Speed and feed; Drilling compounds; Boring; Safety

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the main parts of a twist drill.
• Explain the step-by-step procedure for drilling a hole.
• Demonstrate how to convert speed in surface feet per minute to inches per minute.
• Describe safety precautions to observe when working with a drill press.
• Describe the boring procedure and tell when it is used

Chapter 4: Reaming

Topics: Carbide-tipped reamers; Selection; Reaming speeds and feeds; Cutting fluids; Chatter; Troubleshooting; Counterboring; Spotfacing

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the main parts of a reamer
• Tell what reaming method is best to use when a very accurate hole is required
• Describe the benefits and uses of the following reamers: shell, hand, adjustable, expansion, taper, high speed steel, and carbide tipped
• Explain how to remove burrs from the cutting edges or teeth of a reamer
• Define counterboring, countersinking, and spotfacing

Chapter 5: Threads and Threading

Topics: Common thread series; Thread ID; Tapping; Tap sets; Drilling a hole to be tapped; Tapping pipe threads; Threading with dies; Measuring threads

Learning Objectives:

• Describe and state the uses of the following threads: National, square, Acme, and Buttress.
• Explain how the sizing of pipe threads differs from the sizing of other threads.
• Explain when to use each of the following taps: plug, taper, bottoming, spiral-pointed, spiral-fluted, and fluteless.
• Tell why cutting fields are used in tapping operations.
• Explain how to deal with long chips when tapping.

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