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Newbie Question: What exactly does "engine lathe" denote?

xplodee

Hot Rolled
Joined
Oct 14, 2013
Location
Allentown, PA
Why are some lathes called "engine lathes" and other lathes called "tool room lathes?"

My assumption is engine lathes just mean they're bigger machines built on more modular frames versus a Hardinge or Monarch "toolroom lathe." Is this accurate?

Does an engine lathe have a geared connection between the motor and spindle whereas non-engine lathes use belts?
 
Internet search:
Metal lathe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Metal lathes types described there

Read that. The thing is, wiki discusses a very wishy-washy difference between the two: they basically say a tool room lathe is a nicely made and well equipped engine lathe. In modern day that doesn't really mean a ton.

For exactly that reason I'd like to know what PM forum readers have to say about the differences in their mind when someone says "engine lathe" versus "tool room lathe."
 
Machine mass ,how much can you cut with out distortion very rarely spoke of, but a constant factor only altered by new faster tooling . Smaller cuts but speeds and feeds once thought Impossible . Engine lathes are big cutters with slow speed with Horse Power. Mike
 
People were just arguing over this topic the other day. I think after 50 replies people agreed to disagree.
 
Defining "engine lathe" is a sure way to get lost in nit picking. Lately, there's been a new thread on the topic somewhere every week.

I have my own prejudices but they are not germane to the point I'm making. If I was to be objectitive I'd say If a particular machine tool passes the duck test for lathe then it's a lathe and let it go at that. The adjective you apply to the noun comes from the uses you put to.

The alleged categories of lathes in similar size classes attract pointless, uninformed arguement. Look at function: If you can use a lathe as an adjunct to your maintenence work it's a maintenence shop lathe,. If you're a toolmaker interested in precision and repeatability, the lathe that fulfils your requirements is a tool room lathe be it South Bend 10K or Monarch EE. If you are working with a bunch of railroad buffs restoring an old steam locomotive you could rightly call the ancient Le Blonde you're using an engine lathe.

A lathe is what it's used for. It's distinctions and usefulness overlap to a degree that arguement over exact nomenclature is not only folly but sophomortic. It's true that some do certain jobs better than others but serious machinists and metalworkers have better uses for their time than pursue rancorous arguement over distinctions without significant differences. Arguement over what constitutes an "engine lathe" reminds me of medieval clerics arguing how many angels could dance on the head of a pin or "I can't define pornography but I know it when I see it".

If it will turn diameters and faces in most metals accurately enough and cut threads, rejoice: it's a lathe.

Nuff said? Go do something purposeful.
 








 
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