Common Lathe Machine Problems and Their Solutions

leadermachinetools on 17 February, 2026 | No Comments

Founded in 1971 by Sh. Darshan Lal Sehdev, Leader Machine Tools began its journey as a gunmetal casting unit in Batala, Punjab — a city known for engineering excellence. Over five decades later, we are now one of India’s most trusted machine tool manufacturers, delivering lathe machines, milling machines, VTLs, and custom workshop solutions across the country.

From small workshops to large industrial plants, lathe machines are the backbone of metalworking. But like all mechanical systems, they face problems over time. If ignored, these issues lead to downtime, poor quality, and high repair costs.

This guide covers the most common lathe machine problems, their causes, and how you can troubleshoot or prevent them — whether you’re using a Heavy Duty Lathe, Extra Heavy Duty Lathe, All-Geared Lathe, or CNC Lathe.

Poor Surface Finish — Causes and Fixes

A bad surface finish affects product quality, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

Why It Happens:

• Dull or worn-out cutting tool
• Improper cutting speed or feed
• Loose tool post or workpiece
• Weak lubrication
• Wrong tool angle or geometry

How to Fix:

 Replace or regrind the cutting tool
 Tighten tool post and chuck jaws
 Adjust feed rate & spindle speed
 Apply proper cutting oil
 Use correct tool rake & clearance angles

Pro Tip: Using high-quality carbide inserts consistently improves surface finish.

Excessive Vibration During Operation

If the lathe vibrates, machine accuracy drops instantly.

Reason Behind Vibration:

• Machine not installed on level surface
• Weak foundation or unstable floor
• Workpiece not balanced in chuck
• Loose bolts or mechanical joints
• Worn spindle bearings

Quick Solutions:

 Recheck machine level using precision level
 Tighten base bolts & mounting hardware
 Rebalance the job properly
 Replace worn bearings on time
 Reduce depth of cut during roughing

Leader Advantage:
Our lathe beds are built with heavy-duty castings and ribbed structure, minimizing vibration naturally.

Inaccurate Cuts and Misalignment

Dimensional inaccuracy can ruin components and waste material.

Common Causes:

• Tailstock misaligned with spindle
• Worn slideways
• Gibs too loose or too tight
• Warped or uneven lathe bed
• Wear in lead screw and half-nut

Remedies:

 Realign tailstock along spindle axis
 Adjust gibs to remove play
 Scrape or recondition worn slideways
 Verify proper bed leveling
 Inspect and replace worn lead screws

Maintenance Tip: Check alignment every 6–12 months — not after problems start.

Tool Wear and Overheating

Fast tool wear increases production cost and slows machining.

Why Tools Wear Fast:

• High cutting speed
• No coolant or poor coolant flow
• Wrong tool material for job
• Hard or uneven workpiece
• Continuous heavy cutting load

Fixes & Best Practices:

 Use coated carbide or ISO-approved inserts
 Reduce speed for hard materials
 Ensure constant coolant flow
 Keep tool tip clean — avoid chip build-up
 Use optimum feed & depth of cut

Remember: A cool tool lasts longer and cuts cleaner.

Electrical or Control Issues (For CNC Lathe)

CNC machines are precise — but also sensitive to electrical faults.

Typical Problems:

• Loose or burnt wiring
• Faulty relay or PCB board
• Voltage fluctuations
• Grounding not proper
• Servo or VFD drive alarms

How to Handle:

 Never open panel without trained personnel
 Use power stabilizer or UPS systems
 Replace damaged wiring immediately
 Follow error code instructions
 Maintain dust-free control cabinet

Important: Always use an authorized service engineer for CNC repairs.
Never bypass safety circuits.

Preventive Steps for Long-Term Machine Life

A well-maintained lathe machine can easily run 20–30 years.

Follow These Practices:

 Daily lubrication of slideways & lead screw
 Clean chips, dust, oil deposits every shift
 Check spindle temperature regularly
 Inspect electrical panels monthly
 Replace worn parts before failure
 Re-level bed foundation annually
 Keep coolant tank clean & filtered
 Use only genuine spare parts

Leader Machine Tools also offers:

• AMC Contracts
• On-Site Breakdown Support
• Spare Parts Supply
• Experienced Service Engineers

Why Leader Machine Tools Is Trusted Since 1971

• Founded by Sh. Darshan Lal Sehdev, a pioneer in Indian machine tools
• Awarded Udyog Patra Award (1980) for industrial contribution
• 50+ Years of engineering experience
• In-house casting, machining & assembly
• Heavy-duty machines made for Indian workshop conditions
• PAN India installations & service network
• Continuous innovation in machine design

Need Help? Talk to Our Experts.

Get expert advice on lathe performance from Leader Machine Tools engineers.
We help you troubleshoot issues, maintain machines, and improve productivity.