Video about how to use the main controls of a Pinacho ML lathe.
Proper maintenance to extend the life of a conventional lathe.
The “Coolant” is the perfect ally for the correct operation of a manual lathe.
It is important to know the operation of the main controls of a conventional parallel Pinacho ML lathe if we want to achieve maximum performance in the manufacture of parts. Manual lathes are a key tool in the manufacturing industry and are used to perform numerous operations, such as: threading, turning, boring or milling, among others; removing material from the metal part by applying cutting tools to obtain the desired shape.
To ensure the correct operation of the Pinacho ML lathe, it is necessary to understand how the different components operate.
The Pinacho ML lathe is a parallel lathe, so it works in a horizontal level and, in particular, its slides can move longitudinally and transversely in that level. The cutting tool is mounted on a carriage that moves on guides or rails parallel to the axis of rotation of the part to be turned, called the x-axis; on this carriage there is another one that moves along the z-axis, in a radial direction to the part being turned, and there may be a third slide called charriot which has the possibility of rotating its base along an axis normal to it, thus allowing the trajectory of the tool when moving along this slide to be oblique to the axis of the workpiece.
The operation of a lathe is based on three basic movements, which are rotation, feed and penetration. These occur simultaneously and can be regulated in speed, pressure and angle to obtain the desired finishes on the workpiece. This requires the intervention of a specialized operator who combines the controls and commands of the machine to coordinate the movement of its components, within the parameters established for each model.
In this video we show you what are the main features of a Pinacho ML lathe, and how they work.
Main controls and commands
The spindle rotation joystick, located on the side of the apron, starts the lathe and allows us to choose the direction of rotation of the main spindle. Pressing downwards “FORWARD” the spindle will rotate in the working direction and pressing upwards, in the opposite direction “REVERSE”).
The potentiometer regulates the spindle speed, increasing or decreasing the rpm by simply turning the knob to the right or left.
With the refrigeration on/off selector, we activate or deactivate the coolant injection to the working area; and with the manual greasing pump, we lubricate the bed and the cross slide guides. It is important to check the lubricant level of the machine, at least every three hours, to guarantee a correct operation of the lathe and a good finishing of the piece.
Pinacho’s ML conventional lathes incorporate a lubrication level indicator on the apron to facilitate the control of the filling of the reservoirs.
On the front panel of the gearbox we find the range selector knob. When this knob is placed in the “GEAR” position, we can modify any of the gearbox and Norton box levers to determine the feeds and revolutions per minute we need to machine our part, returning it to the “WORK” position to continue our work.
Pinacho ML lathes offer three working speeds, which are selected with the lever located on the front panel of the gearbox. Each of these speeds has a range of revolutions that will depend on the size and characteristics of each lathe. With the potentiometer we can increase and decrease the revolutions per minute, even stop completely, within the range defined for each speed.
There are four ways to stop a Pinacho ML lathe:
- With the spindle rotation joystick.
- With the emergency stop button, clearly visible on the front of the apron.
- With the foot brake, a red colored bar located on the lower front part of the lathe.
- Or directly by actuating protection of the chuck.
Also, on the front panel of the gearbox, there is a braking mode selector knob. When it is set to “BRAKE” mode, the lathe stops immediately, while if it is set to “RESISTANCE” mode, it stops by ramp. The “BRAKE” mode should only be used in range 1.
What is coolant?
Coolant is a product composed of water and oils used during machining processes that performs cooling, lubrication and cleaning functions.
The coolant improves the conditions of the contact area between metals, which helps to extend tool life by reducing friction. It also performs cooling functions, preventing overheating of the tools and the parts on which they operate. In addition, it helps the evacuation of chips and filings, prevents the appearance of rust and has a cleaning effect.
We can refill the coolant tank of our ML Pinacho lathe by pouring it directly into the tray or by using the container provided at the foot of the lathe.
The lathe tray is equipped with perforations that help to filter solid particles from the machining process, whether they come directly from the cutting area or from the tank located at the rear of the spindle. To check the coolant tank level, a sight glass is located on the tank door.
As we are machining our workpiece, coolant and chips are filtered through the main spindle and go to a tank located at the back of the spindle. The coolant, after being filtered, follows a return cycle to go back to the tray and be reused, while the chips are stored in the drawer; for this reason it is advisable to periodically clean the drawer through the door provided for this purpose.