CHAPTER 9
LATHES AND LATHE MACHINING OPERATIONS
The engine lathe, its use, and its principal parts and
their uses are knowledges and skills expected of an EN2.
Although machine shop work is generally done by
personnel in the Machinery Repairman (MR) rating,
there may be times that you will find the lathe essential
to complete a repair job. This chapter will help you to
identify the engine lathe’s attachments, accessories, and
their uses. Also, it will identify and explain different
machining operations and the factors related to
machining operations. Of course, you will be expected
to know and to follow the safety precautions associated
with machining operations.
There are a number of different types of lathes
installed in the machine shops in various Navy ships.
These include the engine lathe, the horizontal turret
lathe, and several variations of the basic engine lathe,
such as bench, toolroom, and gap lathes. All lathes,
except the vertical turret type, have one thing in
common. For all usual machining operations, the
workpiece is held and rotated about a horizontal axis,
while being formed to size and shape by a cutting tool.
In the vertical turret lathe, the workpiece is rotated about
a vertical axis. Of the various types of lathes, the type
you are most likely to use is the engine lathe. Therefore,
this chapter deals only with engine lathes and the
machining operations you may have to perform.
NOTE: Before you attempt to operate any lathe,
make sure you know how to operate it. Read all operating
instructions supplied with the machine. Learn the locations
of the various controls and how to operate them.
ENGINE LATHE
An engine lathe similar to the one shown in figure
9-1 is found in every machine shop. It is used mostly for
Figure 9-1.—Typical engine lathe.
9-1
