Engine lathe

OK, next newbie question... why is an engine lathe called an 'engine' lathe?

Thanks,

nuk

Reply to
nuk
Loading thread data ...

Because it was powered by an external engine, often a large steam engine via elaborate shafting and flat belts.

GWE

Reply to
Grant Erwin

Cool. Thanks!

Reply to
nuk

The term "engine" has nothing to do with a means of driving, rather referring to a device (engine) that acts automatically as against being hand driven:

To that end:

"Self-acting lathe or engine lathe implying that there is a slide rest actuated automatically to traverse the tool to its feed or cut." Joshua Rose "Modern Machine Shop Practice" Vol I Charles Schribner's Sons NY. 1887

It is a term more used in the US, the British preferred the term self-acting.

Tom

Reply to
Tom

If that were the case, every flat belt driven lathe would then be an engine lathe? Also, what about all the electric motor driven "engine" lathes?

Tom

Reply to
Tom

PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.