Lab Session # 5

To perform threading operation on lathe machine using single point

cutting tool

1. Introduction
A thread is a uniform helical groove cut inside of a cylindrical workpiece, or on
the outside of a tube or shaft. Threading operation involves producing these
grooves.

Figure 5.1: Threading on Lathe Machine [1] (“Tool path”, 2006)

Threading is an operation that uses a single-point tool to produce a thread form

on a cylinder or cone. The tool moves linearly while the precise rotation of the
work piece determines the lead of the thread. The process can be done to create
external or internal threads (male or female). In external thread cutting, the
piece can either be held in a chuck or mounted between two centers. With
internal thread cutting, the piece is held in a chuck. The tool moves across the
piece linearly, taking chips off the work piece with each pass. Usually 5 to 7 light
cuts create the correct depth of the thread.

1-2.1 Grooving
It is often done at the end of a thread to permit full travel of the nut up to a
shoulder for proper fitting of mating parts.

1.1. Tapping:
It is a process of making of internal threads on a work part on lathe.
 1.2. Types of Threads:
Following are types of threads

1. Unified Coarse Threads (UNC):

They are used in areas where less stresses are generated. Threads are
generated only on 20-25% of workpiece length. They are used for softer
materials

2. Unified Fine Threads (UNF):

They are used in areas where stresses are greater. Threads are generated on
larger portion of workpiece than were in UNC. [2] (“Surface Roughness”)

3. Unified Extra Fine Threads:

They are used in areas where stresses are even greater and done on even larger
length of workpiece.

1.3. Tools
Single point cutting tool can easily be used for the threading purpose

Figure # 5.2 Threading Operation

2. Operations
Threading operation needs some setup of lathe before the operation started.
2.1. Set up lathe for threading
i. Set the lathe speed to about one-quarter the speed used for turning.
ii. Set the quick-change gearbox for the required pitch in threads per inch or in
millimeters.
iii. Engage the lead screw.
 iv. Secure a required angle for thread cutting tool and check the angle using a thread
center gage.
v. Set the compound rest at required angle of threads to the right set it to the left for a
left-hand thread.
vi. Set the cutting tool to the height of the lathe center point.
vii. Mount the work between centers. Make sure the lathe dog is tight on the work. If the
work is
mounted in a chuck, it must be held tightly.
viii. Set the cutting tool at right angles to the work, using a thread center gage.
ix. Arrange the apron controls to allow the split-nut lever to be engaged.

2.2. Thread cutting operation

i. Check the major diameter of the work for size. It is good practice to have the
diameter .002 in (0.05
mm) undersize.
ii. Start the lathe and chamfer the end of the workpiece with the side of the threading tool
to just below the minor diameter of the thread.
iii. Mark the length to be threaded by cutting a light groove at this point with the threading
tool while
the lathe is revolving.
iv. Move the carriage until the point of the threading tool is near the right-hand end of the
work.
v. Turn the cross-feed handle until the threading tool is close to the diameter, but stop
when the handle
is at the 3 o’clock position.
vi. Hold the cross-feed handle in this position and set the graduated collar to zero (0).
vii. Turn the compound rest handle until the threading tool lightly marks the work.
viii. Move the carriage to the right until the cutting tool clears the end of the work.
ix. Feed the compound rest clockwise about .003 in. (0.08 mm).
x. Engage the split-nut lever on the correct line of the thread-chasing dial and take a trial
cut along the length to be threaded.
xi. At the end of the cut, turn the cross feed handle counterclockwise to move the cutting
tool away from the work and then disengage the split-nut lever.
xii. Stop the lathe and check the number of tips with a thread pitch gage, rule, or center
gage. If the pitch (tip or millimeters) produced by the trial cut is not correct, recheck the
quick-change gearbox setting.
xiii. After each cut, turn the carriage handwheel to bring the cutting tool to the start of the
thread and return the cross-feed handle to zero (0).
xiv. Set the depth of all threading cuts with the compound rest handle.
 Apply cutting fluid and take successive cuts until the top (crest) and the bottom
(root) of the thread
are the same width.
 Remove the burrs from the top of the thread with a file.
 Check the thread with a master nut and take further cuts, if necessary, until the
nut fits the thread freely with no end play

3. Conclusions
 Machining on the universal lathe machine is one of the old methods of machining
have a lot of errors because it has been done manually.

 These errors could easily be reduced by using new model CNC (computerized
numeric controls) and NC (numeric controls) lathes in which measurements and
calculations is also automatically done.

 These lathes could not be used in the production now-a-days. It requires other
types of lathes with multi spindle and which are automatically control.

4. References
[1] Ramli, R., Yamamoto, H., & Qudeiri, J. A. (2009). Tool path of lathe
machine in flexible transfer lines by using genetic algorithms. International
Journal of Production Economics, 121(1), 72-80.
[2] Das, B., Rai, R. N., & Saha, S. C. (2013). Analysis of surface roughness on
machining of Al-5Cu alloy in CNC lathe machine. International Journal of
Research in Engineering and Technology, 2(9), 296-299.