Suitable for use with a wide variety of materials, CNC lathes make producing intricate designs during production runs possible through its programming capabilities. However, depending upon the material used in the lathe, certain maintenance steps, and safety precautions may be required, in addition to knowledge of how to handle different mediums.
Obviously, for all lathe projects, protective eyewear, faceguards, and air filters are requirements. Never wear loose-fitting clothing or jewelry when using a lathe, and always pull back long hair. Taking the right precautions improves the quality of output and extends the life of the lathe, but, most importantly, keeps the user safe.
Wax and Lathes
Working with wax on a machine is an inexpensive process for producing prototypes. However, it also often produces a gunky build up on cutting surfaces. Consider less messy forms of wax.
For instance, when creating prototypes, many companies use machinable wax as a cheaper alternative to plastic. Machinable wax is very hard and typically contains wax and a small amount of plastic. It leaves less of a residue on machines than plain paraffin or beeswax, which reduces clean up time and effort.
Using Wood in a CNC Lathe
Lathed wood can be beautiful ā but since wood species vary significantly in how they handle in a machine, be sure to use the right tools for a particular type of wood. Another important thing to keep in mind is choosing only good pieces of wood with few defects.
Being economical is one thing, but in some cases, paying for top quality material pays off. Lower quality wood breaks easily, according to DoItYourself.com, which results in high-speed wood projectiles capable of causing serious injury. Low-grade wood can also cause your hands to get caught up in the lathe as the wood slips away.
Plastics
The wide variety of plastics available allow for many applications and uses. Colorful, transparent acrylics are attractive, but since they melt easily, machining them may be difficult. The friction from the milling machine generates enough heat to make melting an issue.
Delrin, another plastic, is easier to lathe, as is Teflon but it is more expensive. Knowing the characteristics of the product used is important in achieving a high quality result, maintaining safety, and avoiding messy mistakes.
Metal and CNC Lathes
Many different types of metals are used in lathing, and each has specific qualities that require specific tools for milling. While lightweight and inexpensive, aluminum tends to chip. Brass and stainless steel are options that are more expensive, but they have specific advantages such as the visual appeal.
No matter the type of metal, metal lathing requires some special safety precautions. While many milling machines incorporate safety features that should avert accidents, be cautious. Lathing often causes blazing hot bits of metal to come flying off the piece — a danger to not only the eyes, but also a potentially painful irritant to the skin. Think of it as shop shrapnel, capable of causing considerable injury. Also, when cleaning up after a project, never use your fingers to āsweepā up metal shavings. Instead, use a brush.
Outstanding Results
A CNC lathe makes producing precise pieces possible. However, it is up to every user to get familiar with the quality of the material in the lathe. Doing so not only keeps people safe but also results in better quality products.
SOURCES:
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/fatal-lathe-accident-184060/.
https://www.cncmasters.com/#sthash.684xqTlE.dpuf.
http://lifehacker.com/5972007/diy-machinable-wax-for-your-lathe-or-mill.
http://www.freemanwax.com/pdfs/how-to-lathe.pdf.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/woodwork/lathe_w.html.
http://ehs.wvu.edu/r/download/56498.
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Materials/materials.htm.