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Mini Lathe

Mini lathe

The CRB Makerspace Shop has a Model 3540 HiTorque Bench Lathe for basic turning operations. You must complete machine-specific training before being authorized to use this machine. Do not cut steel on this machine.

Hazard level

RED

Warning

  • Risk of severe entanglement with rotating workpiece or chuck
  • Flying chips and metal shavings can be hot and sharp
  • Risk of ejection of improperly secured workpiece
  • Risk of cuts from sharp tools and workpiece edges
  • Chuck key left in chuck becomes projectile

Safety

  • Understand the operation of the machine before use. If you are unsure, ask for help—do not “see what happens.”
  • Always wear safety glasses and appropriate clothing; no rings, gloves, neckties, jewelry, or loose-fitting garments. Tie back long hair.
  • Make sure all guards are in place and the area is clean and uncluttered before operating the lathe.
  • Secure the workpiece properly in the chuck or other workholding device. Do not use unbalanced or poorly held workpieces.
  • Remove all tools (wrenches, chuck keys, locking pins, etc.) from the spindle immediately after using them.
  • Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the rotating chuck and workpiece. Avoid pinch points.
  • Stop the spindle and allow it to come to a complete stop before reaching into the work area, changing tools, adjusting workpieces, or clearing chips.
  • Clear chips with a brush or other tool, never with your hands or with compressed air.
  • Use appropriate cutting tools with appropriate feeds and speeds. Do not force or overload the machine.
  • Never leave the lathe running unattended.

Instructions for use

Info

Use of this tool requires permission from management and a key to operate. Check out the key from Raphael or authorized personnel before use and return it immediately after.

Do not cut steel in the CRB Makerspace

  • Verify you are authorized to use the lathe and have completed machine-specific training.
  • Inspect the machine for damage or abnormal wear. Make sure guards are in place and the area around the lathe is clear.
  • Choose an appropriate workholding method (3-jaw chuck, collet, or other approved fixture) for your part. Mount the workpiece and tighten securely; rotate the chuck by hand to check for clearance.
  • Select the appropriate cutting tool and ensure it is sharp and correctly mounted in the tool post at or near center height.
  • Remove the chuck key and any wrenches from the spindle and tool post. Never leave a chuck key in the chuck.
  • Use the Cutting Speeds table and calculator below to select an appropriate spindle speed for your material and operation. Set the speed on the lathe.
  • With the spindle off, bring the tool close to the workpiece and “touch off” as needed to establish your zero reference.
  • Start the spindle and allow it to reach full speed before feeding the tool into the workpiece.
  • Use the carriage and cross slide to feed the tool smoothly. Take light cuts, especially on unknown materials or setups, and listen for chatter or signs of overload.
  • For long chips, periodically stop and clear chips with a brush; do not reach near the rotating workpiece.
  • When finished, retract the tool, stop the spindle, and wait for it to come to a complete stop before measuring or removing the part.
  • Remove the workpiece and cutting tools, deburr sharp edges, and brush/vacuum chips from the machine and surrounding area.
  • Return the key and any accessories to their storage locations and leave the lathe clean for the next user.

Cutting Speeds

Turning speeds are adjusted to the feed rate of the mini lathe (0.004/rev.), a depth of cut of 0.040, and a tool life of 180 minutes.

Material AISI/SAE/ASTM Designation HSS Feet/Minute Carbide Feet/Minute
Wrought aluminum 6061-T6, 5000, 6000, and 7000 series 500 - 600 2820
Cast aluminum Sand and permanent mold casting alloys 600 - 750 2820
Brass C35600, C37700, C36000, C33200, C34200, C35300, C48500, C34000 300 - 350 1170
Bronze C65500, C22600, C65100, C67500 200 - 250 715

Cutting Speeds Calculator

Manual