Don’t Go Cutting
Lathes more than just come in different shapes and sizes; they come with various features and functions too. Take the case of the woodworking lathe. As its name suggests, woodworking lathes are for trimming and cutting wood. Don’t go cutting metal pieces with a woodworking lathe (unless you wantto break the machine, that is).
Here are the different lathe applications according to category:
Reducing lathe – The reducing lathe works a little differently. Instead of “reducing” a work piece like its name implies, this lathe actually produces an exact replica of a finished product, which is placed on one part of the lathe, and the block material on another part.
Wood working lathe – A woodworking lathe is for working with wood work pieces. This is the oldest variety of the machine. After all, wood was one of the most commonly used materials during ancient times, while metal and plastic were almost nonexistent back then. A wood working lathe can cut, sand, knurl, drill through and deform most types of wood.
Metal working lathe – The metal working lathe is for working with metal work pieces. Compared to wood working lathes, this lathe is newer and requires even more advanced parts for it to function. A metal working lathe can cut, sand, knurl, drill through and deform most types of metals.
Glass working lathe – A glass working lathe is for working with glass work pieces. Glass working lathes may be used in conjunction with glass blowing techniques to achieve incredible results. They can cut, sand, knurl, drill through and deform most types of glasses.
More Than Make Up For
All categories above apply to mini lathes as well. They may not pack the same cutting power as the standard lathe, but mini lathes more than make up for it with their size, convenience and portability.