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Lathe, miller, grinder, CNC and measuring tools
The toolmaker's machine park ranges from classical manual machines to modern CNC systems. Common to all is that precision is the goal, and measuring equipment is just as important as the processing machines.
On manually operated machines, you control the machining yourself. This gives a basic understanding of what happens when metal is removed — an understanding that also makes you better at programming CNC later.
CNC machines are computer-controlled and programmable. You program the sequence and the machine executes it precisely and uniformly. This makes complex parts possible and repetitions reliable.
| Equipment | Used for | You keep an eye on |
|---|---|---|
| Lathe | Round workpieces | Dimensions and surface |
| Miller | Surfaces traces shapes | Dimensions and fit |
| Sanding machine | Fine dimensions and surfaces | Precision |
| CNC machine | Complex, identical parts | Correct program and clamping |
| Measuring tool | Inspection of dimensions | You measuring correctly |
You use measuring tools to verify that parts have the correct dimensions. A tool is only as good as the measurements behind it, so measuring correctly is a core competence in the trade.
You typically work in hard metals that can withstand being used many times. Knowing the material — how hard it is and how it is worked — is part of making a good tool.