Processing Machinery Uses6

Processing Machinery Uses

Processing machinery that turns a block of wood on an axis is called a wood lathe. A lathe machine is used to create wooden objects that are decorative or functional. The block of wood turns on an axis and cutting tools are used to carve it and shape it into decorative designs. A wood turner is the worker responsible for running the lathe. Wood turners create two different types of products, artistic items and functional items.

Processing machinery are responsible for making furniture parts such as table legs, finials, spindles, and stretchers. Decorative serving dishes such as serving trays, platters and bowls can also be made with a lathe machine specially designed for that type of work. A mini lathe is used to manufacture pens, key rings, mechanical pencils along with many other small items. Miscellaneous decorative products such as pepper mills, chess pieces, candlesticks, baseball bats, pool cues and tool handles can also be made with a wood lathe.

When motorized processing machinery became popular, many handcrafted items were replaced with machined items. The addition of a motor to the wood lathe has allowed hobbyists and businesses to shorten the time it took to create work that was still good quality. When CNC programs were developed, the computer was added to the lathe machine and the process became automated. This automation has done away with the need for an operator to attend each machine as it ran. No matter how popular or cost effective automatic lathes are, there will always be a high demand for handcrafted products, particularly in the furniture business.

Most processing machinery is capable of turning the wood in two different ways: faceplate turning and spindle turning. Face plate turning is good for creating dishes, platters, and bowls. Items that require cutting or tooling along their length, such as ball bats, table legs, and stairway spindles, are crafted using spindle turning. The method is determined by the direction of the grain in the wood. The wood must be cut in such a way that the fiber does not tear and separate. If it does, it will have a very rough and unattractive finish. This would significantly decrease the value of the product.