SPINDLE SPEED

The spindle speed is the rotational frequency of the spindle of the machine,
measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The preferred speed is determined by working
backward from the desired surface speed (sfm or m/min) and incorporating the diameter (of
workpiece or cutter). Excessive spindle speed will cause premature tool wear, breakages,
and can cause tool chatter, all of which can lead to potentially dangerous conditions. Using
the correct spindle speed for the material and tools will greatly enhance tool life and the
quality of the surface finish.

SPINDLE SPEED MECHANISMS

The two types of headstock driving arrangements are explained below:
ALL GEARED HEADSTOCK

Fig. 1
The all geared headstock IS shown in figure 1. A constant speed motor at the base of
the lathe drives the lathe spindle through gears. Speed changes are made by levers. When
the levers are shifted into different positions, different gear combinations are made and the
spindle rotates at different speeds. Gears Z4, Z5, Z6 are mounted on a splined shaft and
receive power from the fast and loose pulley. Gears Z7, Z8 and Z9, are mounted on an
intermediate shaft and cannot move axially. Gears Z11, Z12 and Z13, are mounted on the
headstock spindle and can be moved axially by levers. The gear combinations for nine
different speeds are:

BACK GEARED HEADSTOCK

Fig 2
In this type, power is transmitted to the spindle through two step cone pulleys by
bell. A stepped cone pulley is provided with the lathe spindle. A pinion gear P, is mounted
with the small end of the cone pulley. Speed changes can be obtained by changing the flat
belt on the steps.
A bull gear G1 may be locked or unlocked with the cone pulley by a lock pin. This bull
gear is keyed to the spindle. Back gears are mounted on an eccentric shaft. It is operated by

means of hand lever L. The back gears are used for reducing the spindle speed. The back
gears consists of a spur gear G2 and a pinion, P2.
There are two methods to obtain multiple speed in this type. These are:
I. Direct speed
2. Indirect speed
To obtain direct speed, back gear is not engaged. The step cone pulley is locked with
the main spindle by using the lock pin. The Oat belt is changed to different steps. Thus three
or four ranges of speed can be obtained directly.
To obtain indirect speeds, the cone pulley is disengaged with the main spindle by
pulling out the lock pin. The back gear is engaged as shown in fig 2. Now the pinion P2, is
engaged with the Bull gear G, and the spur G2, is engaged with the pinion P1. The power is
transmitted from cone pulley, to main spindle through back gear. Thus three or four range
of reduced speeds can be obtained indirectly.

FEEDS
Feed rate is the velocity at which the cutter is fed, that is, advanced against the work
piece. It is expressed in units of distance per revolution for turning and boring (typically
inches per revolution [ipm] or millimetres per revolution). It can be expressed thus for
milling also, but it is often expressed in units of distance per time for milling (typically inches
per minute [ipm] or millimetres per minute), with considerations of how many teeth (or
flutes) the cutter has then determining what that means for each tooth.
FEED MECHANISM IN A LATHE
The power drive is given to the feed rod from the headstock through gears, so that
carriage gets linear motion. Feed mechanism consists of reversing mechanism, change gears
quadrant, quick change gear box, lead screw, feed rod and apron. Feed mechanism provides
different feed rates for turning. Reversing mechanism consists of a number of gears and it
changes the direction of rotation of lead screw or feed rod so that carriage travels either to
the right or to the left. Change gear quadrant is a set of gears carried on a component
known as quadrant proper. This, along with quick change gear box, helps to provide

different speeds to the feed rod and lead screw. Thus different feed rates for turning and
the different pitches (for cutting threads) can be obtained.
Quick change gear box is located under the headstock, in front of the lathe. It
provides different feed rates for turning and different pitches for thread cutting. By merely
shilling the levers feed rate can be rapidly selected.