Unlike form tools which utilize the technique of forming a work piece by using a precision ground tool that resembles the pattern of the finished product, CNC turning is a process of which a single point tool removes material parallel to the surface to generate the finished piece. Turning can be accomplished either by manual means on a standard shop lathe or by a CNC (computerized numerical control) lathe. CNC lathes use programs written by operators with a specific set of instructions to achieve the finished work piece.

The work piece can be a variety of sizes depending on the capacity of the lathe that you are working on. Here at JC Gibbons we typically start with either 12’ bars of stock or saw cut blanks. Material grades can range from brass, aluminum, carbon steels, alloys, free machining, stainless steels, bronze, copper, cold forgings and castings to name a few. Our bar fed capacity is 3 inches.

When turning material down on the outside of the part. The lathe will move along the outside diameter cutting from a single point removing material as it’s traversing along two axes. Grooving, facing, knurling and cutting off a part (or parting) are typical moves when operating a lathe on the outside of a work piece. Typical ways to turn the inside of a part are drilling, boring, tapping, single point threading, and reaming.