2006-10-27 11:07:34 · 6 answers · asked by for a pound 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
sorry i was asking about a metal lathe
2006-10-27 11:15:16 · update #1
The second link is much better than the first. It shows diagrams of old lathes and one has to infer how they were made.
I think you quetion is very interesting from a philosophical standpoint because somehow we have managed to increase the accuracy of machines. But our experience is that copies of an original are always of poorer quality. So how is it that we can make something better than the tool used to create it?
I think the answer lies in math/geometry, craftmanship, and sensors.
One example of geometry is the use of "dead centers" to hold a workpiece. Theoretically, a part will spin perfectly about an axis if we hold it in just two points. That would be one way to generate a true circle.
Sensors and craftsmanship go hand in hand. Another difficult task is to make a slide arrangement that is flat and parallel with the workpiece. I think what early craftsmen did was to take a calipers type device and compare the diameter of their workpiece at different points. If an area had a larger diameter, they would scrape a little matterial away from that part of the slide.
Nowadays, sensors and feedback controls are added to machine tools so the parts produced are better than what would have been made otherwise. The workpiece is only as good as the sensor in these cases.
2006-10-27 12:25:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Out of wood with a treadle to drive it like old sewing machines had. Eventually they had the drive belts driven by waterwheels with a large shaft turned by the waterwheel and each lathe belt hanging over that shaft. To start it up you moved a lever that lowered the belt down onto that shaft to get it turning. Electric motors were the latest enhancement particularly variable speed ones.
2006-10-27 11:13:07 · answer #2 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With Difficulty and a Forge.
2006-10-27 11:15:32 · answer #3 · answered by Ghostrider 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
from a very springy young tree and some rope , probably in a shed in China
2006-10-27 11:13:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably cast parts with a lot of filing/grinding involved
2006-10-27 11:57:02 · answer #5 · answered by Nick F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he took it in TURNS with his mate .........................
2006-10-27 11:14:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋