MASTERING THE LATHE

A lathe is a machine for producing round shafts. It has been an essential tool since the wheel was first thought of. The lathe was one of the first machine tools invented and dates back to 1300_BC when Egyptians used a two-man lathe.

Just as important as its function to produce round shafts is its ability to create concentric diameters and to make possible ends that are square to the axis. Then, when early engineers needed screw threads, they discovered that the lathe was able to make those, too.

As time has gone by, lathes have become more accurate, easier to use, and more versatile. But the basics of being able to produce concentric and square surfaces remain their most important role.

In this first article of a series I am outlining the principles and elements of the metalworking centre lathe. Future articles will give more detail on how to use the lathe and even include a project to make. The purpose of this series is to provide a basic guide for using a lathe in a home workshop and is not intended to match years of training during a proper apprenticeship.

In this first article of a series I am outlining the principles and elements of the metalworking centre lathe

First principles

The way that a lathe produces round shafts is by holding the