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WOOD LATHE
A wood lathe is a stationary or bench mounted power tool used to shape wood into cylindrical profiles. Wood lathes can take many shapes and forms however typically they will consist of a motor driven spindle contained in the headstock, a tailstock, a lathe bed, a banjo, and an adjustable tool rest. The spindle can hold either a center point, chuck, or faceplate, to hold a workpiece and rotate it so that the user can use a set of carving chisels supported by the tool rest to cut the workpiece into the desired shape. The wood lathe can be used to make precise parts, however the level of precision is solely dependent on the skill and care of the user.
Parts of a Wood Lathe
Headstock: Drives the workpiece and holds controls for rotation speed and rotation speed.
Lathe Bed: Main structure of the lathe, provides weight and stability and a surface for the tool rest and tailstock to lock against.
Tool Rest: Used to support the tool while cutting the workpiece, adjust the height depending on the tool used.
Banjo: Used to adjust the position of the tool rest along the length of the lathe bed and lock it into place.
Tailstock: Used to support the end of the workpiece or used to drill into the workpiece.
Headstock Parts
Hand Wheel: Allows user to safely spin the motor without using the motor, used to ensure clearances and to check balance for large unusual workpieces.
Rotation Lock: Used to lock the spindle for mounting faceplates/chucks onto the lathe.
Tachometer: Displays rotation speed of the lathe.
Speed Control: Allows user to adjust rotational speed displayed on the tachometer.
Rotation Direction: Allows user to change rotational direction depending on how they are cutting the workpiece.
Power: Allows the user to start and stop the motor, care should be taken because the speed control can be set to 0 RPM making the machine appear off when it is actually on.
Spindle: Attachment point for chucks, faceplates, or drive spur, rotates the workpiece.
Tailstock Parts
Quill: Bar that extends from the tailstock, has a Morse Taper 2 on its inside to hold drill chucks and live centers amongst other tools.
Quill Feed: By rotating the quill feed the quill is extended or retracted.
Quill Lock: Used to lock the quill to ensure that it does not move from its position when desired.
Tailstock Lock: Used to lock the tailstock to the bed when desired.
Banjo Parts
Tool Rest Lock: used to lock the height and angle of the tool rest.
Banjo Lock: used to lock the position and angle of the banjo.
Setting Speed
When using a turning tool on a wood lathe the rotational speed of the workpiece is critical to maintaining safety and efficient cutting. If the workpiece is spun too fast it increases the likelihood of it becoming a projectile while spinning the workpiece to slow will make the work take much longer. A good starting point for determining the rotational speed necessary for proper cutting is to take 6000 and divide it by the diameter of your workpiece, therefore a 2 inch diameter workpiece should be spun at 3000 rpm. This speed is a rough estimate and should be adjusted slightly based on the species and how the particular piece feels while cutting. It is also important to note that if vibrations are experienced due to an out of balance workpiece the rotational speed of the lathe should be decreased so that the vibrations no longer have a visible impact on the workpiece/lathe. When setting speeds for drilling operations, the lathe can essentially be treated as a horizontal drill press.
Wood Turning Chisels
Safety
Before using a wood lathe, ensure you are wearing all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and a face shield. Make sure you are not wearing any dangling clothing or jewelry, as these can become caught in the machine and potentially cause serious, even fatal, injury.
Whenever setting up or adjusting a workpiece, confirm that the lathe is completely powered off. Inspect the workpiece carefully before turning and ensure it is free of knots, cracks, or splits, as these defects may cause the material to fail or burst during the cutting process.
Ensure all cutting tools are properly sharpened, since dull tools significantly increase the likelihood of kickback. When operating the lathe, maintain a stable, controlled grip on the tool, keeping the tool's base positioned slightly away from your body. This stance improves control and reduces the risk of injury should kickback occur.
Access & Hazard Information
Access & Hazard Information
Standard Access
Standard Access
Members are allowed to use this equipment only with dedicated assistance or supervision from a Makerspace staff member, after completing the required trainings.
Hazard Class 4
Hazard Class 4
Hazards: As above, but potential for serious amputations and life-threatening injuries
Power: As above, but self-standing and 3 phase power
Examples: Powder actuated tools, table saws, manual mills and lathes
Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass written and hands-on exams. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning, a note in the members file, mandatory retraining, and potiential loss of access to the space.
Supervision Requirements: The Makerspace must be open and a dedicated staff member must supervise use of this equipment for the entirety of its operation. Staff may deny access or place additional restrictions on use of this equipment on a per-use or per-person basis.
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