Vertical Turret Lathes

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A turret lathe is a metal forming machine that utilizes a turret that holds various cutting tools. This type of machine is the optimal choice when there are repetitive operations of parts that are the same. The turret uses index-able tool holders with at least two cutting operations. Most turrets consist of six or eight stations. However, an individual station may accommodate more than one cutting tool. Once the machinist sets the turret lathe up, that is setting each tool so that it cuts the part as required; he or she performs each cutting operation in rapid succession.



The standard turret lathe is horizontal, that is the headstock, which holds the work piece is on one side of the machine. However, a vertical turret lathe is an upended version with the headstock next to the floor and the faceplate is a horizontal rotating table. Many compare the vertical turret lathe to a huge pottery wheel. This type of turret lathe is capable of handling large work pieces that are shorter but heavier. Many in the industry refer to a vertical lathe as a vertical boring mill. Essentially, it is a vertical boring mill ...
... that is equipped with a turret for purposes of multi-stage machining.



As with the standard turret lathe, the style of control that vertical turret lathes employ include manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and computer numerical controlled. The manual turret lathe requires the operator to perform every stage of the cutting process of each tool. Semi-automatic machines employ various feeds that the operator engages and may manually disengage the feed or the cutting process may stop on its own when the turret travels its limit or from a mechanical stop. Automatic turret lathes employ cams, worm gears, and other mechanical means to automate the entire cycle of the machining of each part, including the opening and closing of the chuck. Finally, with the invention of the digital computer, numerical and computer numerical controls - NC and CNC - eliminated most of the reliance of the machining process from manual and mechanically automated machining.



Horizontal and vertical CNC lathes have replaced manual and automatic lathes as far as mass production. However, the original vertical turret lathe is far from obsolete. These workhorses are the machines of choice and are still in demand for one-of-a-kind, small run, and prototype projects. The cost of a newer machine elevates the overhead of a machining business so many small shops still demand these old but reliable pieces of equipment. Many modern shops require vertical turret lathes as a backup for their newer equipment.



The two most common brands of vertical turret lathes are Warner