Since the early days of civilization, humanity has relied on tools to help them accomplish great things. Some of these tools were simple but were very efficient in action such as the pully system. As time has gone on, we now live in a world where machine tools are the new wave of tools to help people with their daily tasks.
These machine tools, machining services, and machine services range and vary in terms of sophistication and expertize but nonetheless, they all must be maintained on a regular basis. One of the first machine tools ever created was not made in a machine shop. James Watts and John Wilkinson teamed up to create a boring mill which was a water-powered tool used to bore cylinders. Today in the modern age most of this work is done in a machine shop, and here is what you need to know about using a machine shop.
The first machine tools ever made were handcrafted and date back to 1200 B.C. The first machine tools ever recorded in existence were the bow lathe and the bow drill. The lathe is an ancient tool and is believed to have been first created in Ancient Egypt. During the Industrial Revolution, lathes started to be powered by water wheels or steam engines. While these facts are fun they are only an introduction to the world of machine tools and the machine shop.
Understand that a machine tool is a machine used for shaping and machining metal and all other types of rigid materials. The main function of machine tools in regards to removing material from a workpiece is often done so for functionality purposes. Some of the functions that machine tools are used for include threading, boring, turning and facing. Machine tools must be extremely hard and durable, making regular maintenance and repairs a must for quality purposes.
When it comes to maintaining your machine tools there are a lot of facts that you should be aware of. However, it is important to note that simply knowing these facts is not enough. It is always best to allow machine shop services to help you take care of the maintenance aspect of your tools. Here are some ways you can work on your own to keep your machine tools healthy.
Keeping your machine tools dry, and away from the elements can help you keep them in better working order for a longer period of time. Properly cleaning your machine tools on a regular basis can prevent build up that could result in damage, or cause the machine to function poorly. Machine tool parts that regularly rub together should be well lubricated at all times to avoid damage. While using a machine tool, if unusual noises are heard, this may be a sign that you need to have it inspected or repaired.
To avoid machine tool repairs, check and make sure make sure that the gearbox spindle?s oil level and apron are in the safe line regularly. The chip/gram on a lathe machine should never be cleaned with high-pressure air, as it could potentially enter the machine’s crevices. Lathes are used to create a wide array of products including candle sticks, musical instruments, table legs, and gun barrels.
The drive belt on a lathe should be checked regularly for tension and consistency in order to keep a lathe working well. The gibs on a lathe should be regularly adjusted to avoid damage and unnecessary friction between components of the lathe. A lathe should be cleaned and wiped down on a regular basis, as well as the wiper pads which should be cleaned and re-oiled regularly.
In conclusion, if you work closely with machine tools it will always be best for you to consult with a machine shop in terms of maintenance issues and taking care of your machines. Even if you believe you are an expert there are people who are paid to make sure these machine services run properly and do their jobs.