Tail Support in Machining

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What is the purpose of tail support in a machining setup?

To increase rigidity

Why is tail support important when there is a lot of stick out from the chuck?

To prevent the part from moving and to increase rigidity

What is the general rule of thumb for the maximum stick out from the chuck?

No more than two to three times the diameter of the material

What happens to the rigidity of the part when a little bit of support is added to the end?

It becomes really quite rigid Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a tail support in a lathe?

To support the workpiece and reduce deflection during machining. Signup and view all the answers

How does the tail support work in a lathe?

The tail support consists of a tapered bore in the tailstock that accepts different types of centers, such as dead centers and ball bearing live centers. These centers are inserted into the taper and hold the workpiece in place. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of centers mentioned that can be used for tail support?

Dead center and ball bearing live center. Signup and view all the answers

How are the centers installed in the tailstock?

The centers are inserted into the taper in the tailstock and held in place by the pressure of the workpiece against them. To remove them, the tailstock is cranked back, and a plunger pops the center out. Signup and view all the answers

What is used to prepare the workpiece for tail support?

Center drills. Signup and view all the answers

How are center drills different from regular drill bits?

Center drills drill right on their point, are short and rigid, and are double-ended. Signup and view all the answers

Why is cutting oil recommended when using center drills?

To ensure sufficient surface speed for the cutting action of the center drill. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended depth for center drilling the workpiece to prepare for tail support?

About two-thirds of the way up the tapered portion of the center drill. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use cutting oil when center drilling?

To ensure enough surface speed for the center drill to effectively cut, especially at the center of the workpiece where the surface speed is close to zero. Signup and view all the answers

Why are center drills double-ended?

They are double-ended because they are short and rigid and tend to snap, so the other end can be used if one end breaks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of center drilling the workpiece?

To create a precise hole for the centers to be inserted and to prepare the workpiece for tail support. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to lock the tailstock before center drilling?

To secure the workpiece and prevent movement during center drilling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for reducing the diameter of the stock in the lathe?

To achieve concentricity in the part Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to turn down the stock to the proper diameter when making a shaft?

To ensure the stock is perfectly straight and round Signup and view all the answers

What undesirable finish can be found on hot rolled steel stock?

Mill scale Signup and view all the answers

What does achieving concentricity in a part mean?

Ensuring the part is perfectly straight and round Signup and view all the answers

What is backlash in a mechanical system?

The play or movement in gears before actual motion occurs Signup and view all the answers

Why should one take up backlash before making a cut on a lathe?

To ensure that the carriage moves accurately with hand wheel movement Signup and view all the answers

What needs to be done before putting a tool to the material to understand backlash?

Taking up the backlash Signup and view all the answers

What does indirect read refer to in terms of cross-slide hand wheels?

Reading measurements indirectly from markings on another part of the lathe Signup and view all the answers

What is run-out in a chuck system?

The excessive movement of a rotating part. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use larger stock than required when making a shaft?

To ensure there is enough material for future adjustments. Signup and view all the answers

What is one common undesirable finish found on cold rolled material?

Corrosion inhibitor. Signup and view all the answers