Spoke-lathe.
A lathe for turning irregular forms.
The foundation of the machine is the
Thomas Blanchard patented machine of 1828, shown at
A Fig. 2836, page 1264.
Many improvements have been added.
See
[
2283]
lathe for turning irregular forms, pages 1263, 1264.
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Spoke-lathe. |
The spoke is placed between centers in a lathehead, and is approached to or drawn away from a cutter, in accordance with the shape of a pattern which governs the proximity of the tool to the work.
Fig. 5451 shows one modern form.
The pattern spoke is in the upper part of the machine, and the guide-pieces on each side govern the position of the revolving cutter, which acts upon the material placed between the lower centers.
The lathe (
Fig. 5452) is adapted for turning handles for axes and other implements, as well as spokes.
The work
a and pattern
b are fixed between centers and revolved upon a carriage, which is automatically traversed in a longitudinal direction, and at the same time swung by the upright guide, bearing against the pattern, so as to present the work to the action of a set of cutters fixed in the rotary head
d; the amount of this swing and consequent penetration of the cutters is dependent upon the shape of the pattern, of which the work is thus caused to present an exact copy.
Adjustments are provided for forming several sizes of work from the same pattern.
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Spoke-turning machine. |
Among these may be cited the patent of
A. D. Waymouth, of
Fitchburg, Mass., July 29, 1856.
The improved lathe is so nearly automatic that the necessity for skill is obviated, except in keeping the knives in order and setting them.
The headstock has a hollow center, which receives the stick which is to be wrought.
A sliding hollow gage
roughs the stick, leaving it round, and ready to be cut into small pieces.
This roughing-gage is pushed upon the stick the length of one of the pieces which is to be made, a lever attached to the tail-stock furnishing the means of applying the force.
When the roughing is completed, a knife, operated by a lever worked by the knee, cuts the material to the shape desired, the tool falling back out of the way when its work is done, while another thin knife runs up from the under side, cutting off the finished piece, the gage and the center of the headstock supporting the two ends of the stick until another length is roughed and the operation is repeated.
A stick can thus be worked entirely up, cutting off one piece after another until the whole is used.
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Spoke-planing machine. |
