Lathe Speed - What am I missing out on?

Increasing your lathe's feed rates and speeds could result in a tenfold boost in productivity.

BH offers efficient and reliable service that you can count on.

For instance, if you're currently operating at 420rpm with the finest feed setting, it's important to reconsider your approach. I have three easily adjustable feed rates for my gear train, with one being twice as fast as the finest feed, and another one that is double that, enabling me to achieve a feeding rate that is up to four times faster than the finest setting. I typically maintain my variable speed machine at the lower range, allowing me to reach speeds of around 65rpm, which is nearly three times faster than your fixed speed setting.

This means that when I’m roughing out a small diameter component, I can operate at 3x the speed while feeding at 4x, leading to a remarkable reduction in job completion time—just 1/12th of what it would take you.

If you're curious about Pipe Threading Lathes, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

I can already anticipate the typical comments such as, "It's merely a hobby, why the rush?" That perspective may suit retirees who have all day to tinker, but for those actively engaged in work or aiming to finish more than one project per decade, maintaining a quick pace delivers significant benefits.

Be sure to check out my post at the bottom of this page for insights on how finishing quality evolves with variations in speed and feed rate.

I’ve encountered discussions regarding the need to finish the last few turns of a thread manually when cutting, particularly when relief cuts are impractical and risking a lathe crash becomes a concern. As someone with limited experience in metal lathe threading, I find myself pondering—what is the minimum RPM necessary for cutting threads in steel using HSS cutters?

My interest stems from my plan to construct a fourth axis for my CNC milling machine, primarily intended for turning sizable objects (for example, items with a diameter of 40cm). My vision is to gear it to operate very slowly—perhaps between 5 to 10 RPM—while ensuring ample torque is available. Given appropriate cutting depths and a robust tool mount, could there be any challenges with threading materials ranging from ~3mm to 20mm in diameter at such low RPMs?

It seems this inquiry hinges on whether HSS cutters possess an ideal surface feet per minute range; potentially, this low RPM paired with narrower diameters could be insufficient.

Are you eager to learn more about our automatic oil country CNC pipe threading lathe? Reach out today for expert consultation!