How to Use a Lathe
A lathe is a tool used for forming different types of materials, like wood and metal, into various shapes. There are several kinds of lathe. Before you start using one, make sure you have the right kind.
There are bench-mounted and semi-portable lathes. Maintenance shops commonly have general purpose lathes that can be used for various materials and easily moved from place to place.
Types:
Engine lathe - This type is operated by a trained lathe operator and can be used in any lathe task.
Turret and special purpose lathe - These are often used in making specialized parts and in mass production.
Steps:
Choose the correct lathe for your job. Consider the kind of material that you will be working on.
using lathe
Determine the right cutting tools that you will need. Gouges have shaped edges designed to make specific cuts. Some examples are bowl gouges used for making the curved surfaces of bowls and knurling gouges for creating grooves and knurls. Scrapers are used to make rough surfaces smooth. Other cutting materials are parting tools, spoon cutters and chisels.
Learn the parts and functions of your lathe. Knowing the basic parts and functions will prevent accidents and save time. The headstock is where you will find the motor, drive train, pulleys, spindles and belts. The tail stock is at the end of the lathe. This is the part where you will see the hand wheel and other clamping tools. The tool rest is the arm that supports your cutting tool.
Refer to your instruction manual for any specific directions that you might need to know.
Make sure that all parts are properly working.
Select the action that you are going to start with. For a beginner, you may decide to turn an irregularly shaped wood into a cylindrical form.
Shorten your material to your desired length.
Put a mark on the center of your material and place it in the middle of the lathe. Secure your material properly by tightening the clamps.
Set the tool rest a good distance away from your work. Keep in mind that in order to have more control and leverage with your knife, the tool rest should be close to the turning piece but not too close that it prevents the piece from rotating properly.
Set the lathe at its lowest speed and turn it on.
Have a good grip on your cutting tool and move it slowly towards your workpiece. Be careful when doing this. Do not force or move the tool forward too fast.
Move the cutting edge in the same direction as the rotation of your piece.
Pause frequently to check your work.
Remove the sawdust and cut off wood pieces. These materials may fill up the bed of your machine as you do your task.
When you’re done cutting, you can use a sandpaper to smooth your piece. You can also use the lathe to do this. Lightly move the paper back and forth against your piece while it’s rotating.
In order to avoid accidents, it is very important that you know how to use a lathe properly. Do not attempt to operate a lathe without at least reading the instruction manual or asking someone for help.