Wood Lathes? - A Couple of Things to Think About When Buying a Used One

Wood lathes come on the used market in a fairly regular fashion and can be a great way to get a good wood lathe for the money. On the other hand some of the used lathes are lemons. Here are a few suggestions for the shopping trip.

First of all have some idea of what you want to do with a wood lathe in your shop. If you are upgrading from your present machine then you have some opinions as to what things are needed. The novice buyer has a harder road to follow.

There are two main ways to turn wood, spindle and faceplate. Spindle turning includes such things and chair and table legs and is normal way to general woodworkers to enter the woodturning world. Making turned legs for a table eventually leads to making a table as an excuse for turning legs. Faceplate work includes pieces such as round table tops, bowls and vases. Most people who take up faceplate work desire to turn bowls and go from there.

Most beginner lathes will be suitable for spindles and bowls. Older wood lathes used a system of working over the bed of the lathe for spindles and at the other end of the headstock worked "offside" for bowls and such. This required faceplates and other materials to have "left handed" threads. In effect, the bother of setting up for outboard turning meant that most woodturners could not be bothered and settled for making the largest bowl that would fit over the lathe bed. Today's manufacturers often compromise with a headstock that rotates and allows for bigger pieces using the same holding equipment as over the bed.

The problem that arises with this setup comes from lathe speeds. Generally spindles are turned much faster than faceplate work. Large bowl blanks, if unbalanced as most are, can at high speeds shake a lathe apart; cause the lathe to walk across the floor; or turn the wood into a projectile. At slow speeds none of these occur. Six hundred rpm is just slow enough for a twelve inch bowl, but slower is better.

So when looking for a lathe, get one that fits your preferred style of turning. For spindles a solid set of ways making up the lathe bed are important. Faceplate lathes should be very sturdy at the headstock, handle a large piece of wood, and have a low speed. Remember that a wood lathe is a basic power tool and look for the finish and quality you would normally desire in a good tool.

Wood lathes are a lot of fun in the woodworking shop. There are some great bargains on the used market and with a bit of insight, a used lathe is a wonderful way to get started in the woodturning craft.

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Wood Lathes - What to Look For When You Buy Your First One

Most people involved in woodworking for a while are in good shape when they are going to buy their first wood lathe. Many of the things to look for in a wood lathe are the same things one looks for in other woodworking machinery such as quality of finish and heavy material. However, there are some things specially to look for as a wood lathe is different from the other power tools in the typical woodworking shop.

First of all, look for a lathe that is built to absorb vibration. Many of today's tools are manufactured of steel or aluminum. Either can be made to have great strength compared to lightness, but either material requires extensive and expensive engineering to absorb vibration. This is an issue because of the way in which wood is treated on the lathe compared to something like a band saw or table saw. In the latter cases wood, generally in the form of uniform boards, is placed on a stable table and fed through a blade. There is little vibration involved assuming the blade is balanced.

Wood lathes, on the other hand, hold the wood and turn it at fairly high speeds. Often the wood is rough and unbalanced. This is something like driving an unbalanced tire at highway speeds. Just like the car will rattle and sway, so will the lathe. In the case of the wood lathe, cast iron is the answer and even the lower priced beginner's lathes will have some models with cast iron head and tail stocks. At a little higher price even the ways will be cast iron and it is generally worth it. Many woodturners have begun, however, on a model of lathe that has a single way made of a steel tube and yet with cast iron head and tail stocks. These have worked quite well for many turners.

The finish needs to be adequate on the head and tail stock and great on the ways. If the ways are finished properly the tail stock and tool rest will move well and freely. This makes turning a pleasure. On the other hand, a poor finish on the ways make it a pain to move either one and a frustration to a turner.

Make sure the head and tail stocks line up. Put a center in each one and bring them together. They should line up both vertically and horizontally. Some lathes will have measures to line up the centers but this is seldom seen in beginner's models.

All that is needed now is a good stand. Most beginner's level wood lathes have no stand or a poorly made pressed steel one. Making a solid one out of wood or metal is the best bet in either case.

These tips should help in choosing a first wood lathe. Just remember that, like most tools, it is easy to grow out of the first lathe so getting one with a good resale value helps too.

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Cutting-Edge CNC Lathes Take Efficiency to New Levels

Modern production schedules require machines that can manufacture and finish parts at a rapid pace and also with a very high level of consistency. The humble lathe machine that at one time was purely mechanical has now morphed into modern CNC lathes with a very high degree of automation and accuracy.

Uses of CNC lathes

CNC lathes are usually used on metal components that require some material to be cut out through turning. They are also used to drill multiple holes including centered holes usually in blocks of metal. However, modern CNC lathes are also used on other materials including plastic and wood. Lathe machines are widely used for making cylindrical parts such as gears, crankshafts, etc which require a very high level of accuracy as manufacturers compete to produce engines and gearboxes that are more silent and efficient than their adversaries. Manual lathes such as the turret lathes, engine lathes and special purpose lathes were previously used but with a rise in production levels automated CNC lathes offer higher production output with fewer errors, while the manual ones are still used by smaller workshops.

Modern types of these machines can make short work of a job-work

Modern types of these machines are a combination of a computer with a lathe machine and a controller that converts each digital signal into the desired action. Specialized software is first used to create the required design that needs to be replicated physically on metal, wood, etc. Next, the job-work, work or work-piece is fitted on the chuck and rotated at slow or high speeds depending on the material and the type of cut or centering required. The program instructs the lathe machine on the type of cutting, drilling or centering required including the depth and width. While older lathe machines could only do cutting functions, newer machines can do cutting and milling and the high end ones can even have four spindles to perform multiple jobs simultaneously, thereby reducing operations and improving productivity.

The latest CNC lathes require an operator to oversee the mechanical process, which in the past would have required one or two operators for actual physical work. A programmer is also required to compile the software commands needed to instruct the machine to provide precise cuts or holes. The tool bits that are required to cut through steel are usually made of titanium carbide, tungsten carbide, etc depending on the material that needs to be cut. The tool bits are used until the tolerance levels are maintained after which they are either sharpened, if possible, or simply replaced with a new bit.

Advantages of using CNC lathes

The advantage of using CNC lathes is that it offers a very high level of accuracy in drilling, cutting, milling, etc while also maintaining optimum production speed. With the advent of computers, the risk of physical injury to the operator is also reduced while the software offers manufacturers a chance to give shape to products that would not be possible if manufactured by hand. While small and medium sized CNC lathes are used by workshops to craft products that might have gone out of production a long time ago, such as parts for antique cars or even for older machines, larger lathes are usually used on the production line to manufacture parts in large quantities.

The advent of newer technologies has turned the humble lathe machine into CNC lathes capable of converting any creative thought into a real shape. Various models and sizes are used for specific purposes and CNC lathes do not need to be taught the entire process every time a new tool is attached thus saving time, effort and money while offering safety, efficiency and accuracy.

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CNC Lathes and Other Industrial Machines

Lathes are machine tools which can take a piece of material and perform various functions on it including drilling and sanding. They can be used on wood, metal and glass. While they are generally relatively small, there are also large industrial machine lathes which can handle greater workloads. There also combination lathes which can perform a variety of additional functions. They are versatile pieces of kit, and thanks to Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) technology they can now be operated from a computer rather than cumbersome, manual controls. This makes them much easier to schedule and operate, continually churning out parts with occasional supervision.

Using a computer to control a lathe means that designs and specifications can be adjusted more accurately and systematically, and means that to use a lathe and operator doesn't necessarily have to be highly skilled or experienced with the manual controls. In the old days knowledge of individual machines was seen as essential, while CNC technology means that those with a general knowledge base can generally learn to operate almost any sort of machine tool. It's also good news in terms of health and safety, as many machine lathes need to be enclosed for these reasons.

CNC Lathes are a great example of how technological innovation can not only herald new industrial machines, but can bring older machines up-to-date. CNC technology is a great option for manufacturers who have small budgets but high aspirations in terms of quality of work. By updating old machines with new software manufacturing can become quicker and more reliable, and ultimately more profitable. It's easy to see why this type of technology is proving popular in the manufacturing industry.

The practise is called Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). CAD modules on a computer provide instructions for controlling the machines electronically, meaning that operators do not have to take the time to learn the manual controls inside out. It's a useful tool for production managers, as it allows them to more effectively monitor and forecast production. CNC Lathes are perfect for creating multiples of the same item, and can perform a range of functions. Complicated designs can be relatively easily set-up using CNC Lathe technology, and operators can expect to see a great degree of accuracy.

Manufacturers who are looking to make the best of old technology are finding that CNC technology is a great way of reducing the cost of manufacturing while maintaining good productivity in terms of speed and quality.

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Different Types of Metal Lathes

A metal lathe is general description for a hard machine device made to remove material for a workpiece, by the way of a cutting tool. They were intentionally intended to machine metals; any how, with the start of plastics and other substances, and with their inherent versatility, they are used in a huge varieties of applications, and a broad range of materials.

You can find might variations of lathes within the metalworking field. You will feel that some variations are not really that obvious, and other are more to a niche area. For example, a centering lathe is a double head machine where the work stays fixed and the heads move towards the workpiece and machines a center drill hole in every end. The appearing workpiece might then be used between centers for another operation. The usage of the term metal lathe might as well measured to some extent outdated these days, plastics and other composite materials are in huge use and with appropriate modifications, the same principles and methods might further be applied to their workholding machining as used for metal.

Center lathe

A center lathe is other called engine lathe it might be considered the basis for the metal lathe and is the kind of most normally used by the general machinist or hobbyist.

Capstan lathe

The fresh name for a capstan lathe used in workholding industry is a ram-style turret lathe. A capstan lathe is a manufacturing machine, which combines the features of the basic lathe along with a capstan style tailstock.

Turret lathe

A turret lathe is a manufacturing machine, which to all appearances is alike as the capstan, any how the turret slides straightly on the bed rather than being fixed.

Combination lathe

A combination lathe might introduce drilling or milling operations into the plan of the lathe. These machines uses the carriage and topslide as the x and y axis of the machine.

CNC lathe

CNC lathes are now fast replacing the older production lathes such as multispindle, etc) due to their simple method of setting and operation. They are intended to use modern carbide tooling and fully uses modern processes.

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Metal Lathes Introduction

If you've been in business for a while, you might have heard of metal lathes, however if it's the first time you get to hear this phrase, let me explain what they are. You never know when you might need to buy one or make use of one.

In a nutshell, a metal lathe is a machinery equipment that can remove parts of a work item by cutting that part away. Also it is used to turn manually the metal to form it into various exact shapes. Initially it was used for industrial purpose for cutting difficult to cut metal parts. Nowadays, however, as there are many hobbyists that realized the use of such tool, it is used in a wide variety of applications and can cut almost every type of material existent today. For example you can use the metal pieces created with it for at tractor, a boat, a car or any other motorized machine or vehicle.

Initially lathes were very popular in the 19th and the 20th centuries at various blacksmith shops, however today they are used by many more people in a wider range of applications than during those historical times.

You can find it in several different types, including a center lathe, a turret lathe and a capstan lathe. Below are the descriptions of each of these.

Center Lathe

This is maybe the most common type, as this is the basis for the metal lathe. It is mostly used by hobbyists and various machinists. If you ever come across a metal lathe, the center lathe could be easily the first type you will ever see.

Capstan Lathe

The capstan lathe is basically a production machine that is a combination of the actual lathe and a capstan head with a set of various depth stops that are mounted on a turret face each.

Turret Lathe

This is looking almost the same as the capstan lathe, however it works a bit differently. You can easily perform various machine operations such as reaming, drilling and boring.

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Quality End Products With CNC Lathes

A part of wood or metal can be shaped or worked on the lathe with the aid of a cutting machine. CNC lathes can be tried when best cutting tools or equipment are desired.

Cylindrical or symmetrical materials can be generated using metal processing tools called lathes. These tools have gone a long way from just cutting metals. Nowadays, they are also used for wood, plastic, and other materials.

The material is placed in the device of the lathe called chuck, used for holding the materials. Rotating the chuck in three dimensions, does the work exactly as it should be done. The end product is precisely what is desired.

Pieces of wood, metal or other materials of uniform sizes and shapes can be cut more precisely using CNC lathes. Depending upon the type of job to be accomplished and the type of material, lathes are available with horsepower ranging from 15 to 40 hp. There are models that come with more than one mode. These lathes can be rigged to perform totally manual work. They can also be arranged to do all automated job. They can also be in any combination in between. The flexibility of good CNC lathes to be arranged or fixed in place provides wide range of options.

The use of CNC lathes involves considering some important points. The rpm of the chuck is referred to as the rotating speed to which the lathe is set. High precision shapes are made possible by really high speed rotations. The risk comes in making the slightest mistake of setting these speeds resulting in defective pieces. It is most advisable then, to give particular caution by using lower speeds for the machine to rotate.

The life of the cutting tools in lathes is determined by the cutting depth to be achieved in the process. The deeper the cutting depths, the speedier the lathe functions. This speedy deep cutting will most likely wear and tear the tool fast also. Setting the depth to a smaller value is most advisable.

The quality of the end product is also affected by the sending speed of the lathes. The speed of the process is directly proportional to the sending speed of the lathes. The higher the sending speed, the quicker the process.

Producing larger quantities with less effort is the obvious benefit of CNC lathes. Minimal human intervention reduces quality issues of the end-products.

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CNC Lathes

A lathe can be described as a machine tool that turns a piece of material and to carry out various operations including drilling and sanding. These tools are used for wood turning, metalworking, metal spinning and glass working. Generally, they are small enough to sit on a stand or workbench and almost all lathes have a bed, which tends to be a horizontal beam which ensures that swarf or chips falls free off the bed.

There are a variety of different lathes available on the market. Woodworking lathes, also known as turning lathes are the oldest variety and all other varieties have since evolved from this initial design. Metal lathes are one of these such lathes which come in a wide range of sizes and shapes depending upon their application. Some lathes are also combined with other tools, such as a drilling machines and are known as combination lathes.

In more recent years, lathes have evolved with the introduction of new materials and as a result, they are incredibly versatile. They can now be used in many different ways with a wide range of materials. With the radical developments in technology, Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) is quickly replacing the older production lathes because they are particularly easy to set and operate. Once these machines have been set and trialled the machine can then continuously turn out parts, needing only the occasional supervision of an operator.

CNC lathes are controlled electronically from a computer, this makes it easier to be modified at a later date. Operators of these machines are required be highly skilled, however on the plus side the knowledge base which is needed, tends to be much more general in comparison to the older production machines where intimate knowledge of each individual machine was considered essential. These machines will generally be set and monitored by a single person who will look after a small number of them at once.

CNC lathes have developed further more recently. The basic design remains the same but technology has changed. The machines are often totally enclosed, due in large part to occupational health and safety issues.

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CNC Lathes - Why They Make Such A Difference

Introduction

A Computer Numerical Controller refers to a computer that reads machine code instructions in order to control a machine tool. Computer Numerically Controlled, (CNC), Machine tools are usually used for machining raw material stocks into completed designs by undertaking a series of such instructions. CNC Lathes are probably the most widely known use of this engineering science. They spin a block of material so it can be cut, sanded, drilled or finished, with the end result being a completed three-dimensional item. In reality, CNC lathes are simply the same as an old-fashioned turret lathe, but running under computer control.

History

The invention and proliferation of electric motors in the early twentieth century inevitably led to traditional types of lathes becoming electric powered. This was the first major step towards today's computer controlled lathes, and came about as manufacturers sought to increase productivity and reduce costs.

Constituent Parts / Components

Modern CNC lathes are a combination of a computer with a lathe machine and a controller that converts each digital signal into the desired action. Specialized software is first used to create the required design that needs to be replicated physically on metal, wood, etc. The work piece is next fitted on the chuck and rotated at slow or high speeds depending on the material and the type of cut or centering required. The computer then controls the cutting action of the lathe as required in order to produce the finished product. Modern lathes can have multiple spindles so that multiple transformations can be carried out on the end product without having to stop and reload it in a different orientation.

CNC lathes are typically equipped with three jaw hydraulic chucks. Holding of the raw material to be transformed is usually done with hard jaws or bored soft jaws. Lathes may also have a collet chuck. This allows for variable size and precision holding without the need for soft jaw boring. When equipping a lathe with a collet chuck, it may be necessary to modify or change the draw bar connecting the actuator to the chuck.

The tool pieces that are required to cut through steel are usually made of titanium carbide, tungsten carbide, and other hard alloys depending on the material that needs to be cut. The tool bits are utilized until the tolerance levels are maintained after which they are either sharpened where possible, or replaced with a new bit.

Despite their precision, CNC lathes generally require a good operator to oversee the mechanised process. This is still a much quicker, more productive and more cost effective solution than traditional lathes could achieve. A developer is also required to compile the program commands needed to instruct the equipment in the first place.

Programming a CNC lathe firstly requires a blueprint of the item to be created. After the blueprint is analysed, the programming of the cutting tools required for making each part can then be started. Every move in three dimensions is programmed, in extremely fine detail. A lot of skill and quality review is required at this stage to ensure no problems occur once the program is running in the live environment.

Practical Applications of CNC Lathes

CNC lathes are often used on hard materials such as metal, that require the material to be processed, usually through turning at high speed. They are also used to drill precise holes, including exactly centered holes usually in blocks of metal. The material does not have to be metal, as other materials such as wood and plastics can also be processed quickly and effectively by a CNC lathe. They are commonly used in light, medium and heavy engineering shops for creating many of the objects we see in everyday use. There is still a place for more traditional manual and electric lathes however. Usually this is where craftsmanship is a key part of the finished product, or where low production volume does not warrant the cost of a CNC lathe.

Advantages / Benefits

CNC Lathes have rapidly replaced the older manual lathes due to their ease of programming and operation. They provide a more rapid turn-round time for complex one-off parts and ensure consistency in quality control and design tolerances. They are very much leading edge technology in engineering circles and embody the latest processes and design principles. Three further benefits are reduced production time, reduced inventory and reduced set up times. With the general rise in production levels, automated CNC lathes ultimately offer higher production volumes, with greater precision and fewer errors.

Summary

CNC lathes bring real benefits to the general population and are a perfect example of man's technological achievements being put to practical use. Due to their extensive use these days, goods can be produced faster, more accurately and at a cheaper cost than previously.

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Wood lathes-what to look for when you buy your first one

Most people involved in woodworking for a while are in good shape, when are going to buy their first wood lathe. Many of the things to look for in a wood lathe are the same things that a search in other machines for wood, as the quality of finishing materials and heavy. However, there are some things to look like a wood lathe is different from other power tools in typical wood shop.

First of all, seek a lathe that is built to absorb vibrations. Many of the tools of today are manufactured in steel or aluminium. Nor can it be made to have great strength relative to lightness, but both material requires extensive engineering and expensive to absorb vibrations. This is a problem because of the way in which the wood is treated on the lathe compared to something like a bandsaw or table saw. In the case of the latter, usually in the form of uniform, is placed on a tabletop and fed through a blade. There is little vibration involved taking the blade is balanced.

Wooden lathes, on the other hand, hold the wood and turn rather high speed. Often the wood is coarse and unbalanced. This is something like an unbalanced tire at speed on the highway. Just like the car rattle and sway, so will the lathe. In the case of wood, cast iron lathe is the answer and even the beginner lathes at prices below will have some models with the stocks of head and tail. At a price slightly higher than even the ways will cast iron and is generally worth it. Many turners have begun, however, on a model of lathe that has a unique way that consists of a steel tube and even stocks of head and tail. These have worked quite well for many Turners.

The finish must be adapted on the head and tail and large ways. If the modes are finished correctly the rest of stock and tool tails will move well and freely. This makes turning a pleasure. On the other hand, a poor finish on ways to make it a pain to move one and a frustration in a Turner.

Make sure that the head and tail stock line. Put in a centre in each of them and bring them together. They should both vertically and horizontally. Some lathes will take measures to align the centers, but this is rarely seen in the beginner's models.

Now all that is necessary is a good support. Wood lathes level most beginners do not have any support or a poorly done one pressed steel. Make a solid one out of wood or metal, is the best bet in both cases.

These tips should help you in choosing a first wooden lathe. Just remember that, like most tools, it is easy to grow out of the first lathe so get one with a good resale value helps too.

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Wood lathes? -A couple of things to think about when you buy a used one

Wooden Lathes are on the market used in fairly regular and can be a great way to get a good wood lathe for the money. On the other hand some of lathes used are lemons. Here are some suggestions for the shopping trip.

First of all get an idea of what you want to do with a wood lathe in your shop. If you are upgrading from your machine this then you have some opinions about what things are necessary. The novice buyer has a tougher road to follow.

There are two main ways to turn wood, Chuck and front. Turning spindle includes such things and the Chair and table legs and is the normal way of carpenters General to enter the world of the lathe. Manufacture turned legs to a table at the end to make a table as an excuse to turn her legs. Faceplate work includes pieces such as round table tops, bowls and vases. Most people who take different types work the desire to transform the bowls and go from there.

Most beginner lathes will be suitable for spindles and bowls. Older wood lathes used a system of work above the bed of lathe chucks and at the other end of the headstock worked "offside" for bowls and the like. This required forms and other materials to have discussions "Lefty". In fact, the hassle of setting for outboard turning the meaning that most of the Turners could not be bothered and settled to make it the biggest Bowl that would fit over the bed of lathe. The producers of today often compromise with a blade that rotates and allows larger pieces using the same equipment company as above the bed.

The problem that arises with this setting is from tornio speed. Generally chucks are made much faster working different types. Blanks large bowl, if unbalanced as most are high-speed, shake a lathe part; cause the lathe on foot through the floor; or transform the wood into a bullet. Low-speed, none of these occur. 600 rpm is just slow enough for a twelve-inch Bowl, but more slowly, is better.

So when looking for a lathe, get one that fits your favorite style of turning. For chucks a solid set of ways that make up the bed lathe are important. Lathe faceplate should be very robust blade, handle a large piece of wood and has a low speed. Remember that a wood lathe is an instrument of power base and look for the finish and quality that normally would have desired a good tool.

Wooden Lathes are a lot of fun in store. There are some great deals on the second-hand market and with a little understanding, a lathe used is a wonderful way to start in craft lathe.

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Lathes, cheap wood

There are a lot of reasons why investing in an expensive wood lathe, high quality is a good idea.

There are a number of advantages to move up in price and quality. You will get a larger lathe, which allows much more freedom and variety in projects that you can do and the pieces that you can do and big Lathes are heavier that reduces vibrations. You will get the best finish and workmanship, parts will be better aligned and the global product will be much more enjoyable.

Lathes are an area where it is still possible to buy a tool that will last for years or even decades. Are fairly simple devices and solidly built, generally from cast iron.

So because nobody ever invest in a lathe cheap?

Well, there are several reasons you might consider a cheaper model of the wood lathe. Some of them are good, others not so much, but it's still a good idea.

The situation, a number that I think someone should invest in a lathe is inexpensive if you are a beginner. If you don't have a lot of experience buying a big expensive wood lathe could end up being a costly error.

I know a lot of people who go into things all gung-ho only to lose interest soon after. In my opinion if you don't have much experience you should invest in a lathe, initially a small inexpensive Woods and consider it an appetizer that update in a few years.

Another good reason to buy a cheap lathe is as a complement to larger instrument. If you already have a large wood lathe might be useful to have a little detail work, or for small projects such as the turning point of the pen or draw decision-making. Not all small Lathes are created equal, however, and some of them can be cheap as larger models.

A third reason for a smallest lathe is simply more convenient to save space, some people don't have a lot of space in their stores, or even a shop dedicated to all, and would not have much to put a lathe full size in your living room.

There are some decent turn out there in the range 300-400 dollars and also few passable about 150 dollars, but personally I would not go lower than, or is likely to get a complete dud.

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Screw Chucks on Wood Lathes - We Always Did it That Way

When wood turners speak about lathe chucks these days they usually mean the expensive four jaw style. However this is a recent innovation developed from the self centering chucks of the metal lathe industry. Woodturning has been around at least since the days when the ancient Egyptians put their pictures on the side of pyramids. The old timers often spoke of the screw chuck when they mentioned lathe chucks and the often made their own quickly and cheaply.

A lathe chuck is simply a tool that goes on the lathe center and holds work. While it may be used on the tailstock, it is usually placed on the headstock. Consider the making of a simple candle stick, with a cup on top to hold the candle, a stem to hold on to, and a base.

A block of wood is cut to the size of the cup and long enough to fit on the screw of the chuck. It is turned to shape and hollowed out to accommodate the expected candle. Decorative work is turned on the bottom to allow space for a mortise to take a tenon.

Another piece of wood is placed between centers and turned into the stem of the candlestick. A round tenon is cut on either end of the stem. Each tenon is the width of the screw or a bit larger.

Now a piece of wood large enough for the base of the candlestick is cut and drilled at center a little smaller than the diameter of the screw for the lathe screw chuck. The less figured side of the wood is facing out. Once the piece is turned to round, the face is flattened and made slightly concave. This will be the bottom of the base and a concave base will help it sit better.

The piece is removed from the chuck and reversed for holding. Now the entire top of the base is available for turning. Once it is turned it is easily removed from the chuck by simply unscrewing it. A quick trip to the drill press and the holes used by the screw chuck on cup and base are widened to fit the tenons on the stem. All that remains are to glue them together and apply the finish.

Screw chucks are extremely useful additions to the accessories of the wood lathe. A great indicator of this is the familiar procedure of four jaw wood lathe chuck manufacturers to include a screw attachment to convert today's modern lathe chuck into the screw chuck of yesteryear.

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Cheap Wood Lathes

There are a lot of reasons why investing in an expensive, high quality wood lathe is a good idea.

There are a number of benefits to moving up in price and quality range. You will get a larger lathe, which allows much more freedom and variety in the projects you can do and the pieces you can make and large lathes are heavier which reduces vibration. You will get better finish and machining, parts will be better aligned and the overall product will be much nicer.

Lathes are one area where you can still buy a tool that will last for years, or even decades. They are fairly simple devices, and solidly built, in general from cast iron.

So why would anyone ever invest in a cheap lathe?

Well there are several reasons you might consider a cheaper model of wood lathe. Some of them are good, others not so much, but it's a valid idea in any case.

The number one situation I think someone should invest in an inexpensive lathe is if they are a beginner. If you don't have a lot of experience buying a large expensive wood lathe could end up being a costly mistake.

I know a lot of people who go into things all gung-ho only to lose interest shortly afterward. In my opinion if you don't have a lot of experience you should consider investing in a a small inexpensive wood lathe initially, and consider it a starter that you will upgrade in a few years.

Another good reason to buy a cheap lathe is as a complement to a larger tool. If you already have a large wood lathe it could be useful, to have a smaller one for detail work, or small projects such as pen turning or lure making. Not all small lathes are created equal however, and some of them can be just as expensive as larger models.

A third reason for a smaller cheaper lathe is simply to save space, some people don't have a lot of room in their shops, or even a dedicated shop at all, and it wouldn't make very much to put a full sized lathe in your living room.

There are some decent lathes out there in the 300-400 dollar range, and even a few passable ones around 150 dollars, but I personally wouldn't go lower than that, or you risk getting a complete dud.

You can find a good list of cheap wood lathes along with prices and specs at Wood Lathes Online.

Happy Turning!

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Screw Chucks on Wood Lathes - We Always Did it That Way

When wood turners speak about lathe chucks these days they usually mean the expensive four jaw style. However this is a recent innovation developed from the self centering chucks of the metal lathe industry. Woodturning has been around at least since the days when the ancient Egyptians put their pictures on the side of pyramids. The old timers often spoke of the screw chuck when they mentioned lathe chucks and the often made their own quickly and cheaply.

A lathe chuck is simply a tool that goes on the lathe center and holds work. While it may be used on the tailstock, it is usually placed on the headstock. Consider the making of a simple candle stick, with a cup on top to hold the candle, a stem to hold on to, and a base.

A block of wood is cut to the size of the cup and long enough to fit on the screw of the chuck. It is turned to shape and hollowed out to accommodate the expected candle. Decorative work is turned on the bottom to allow space for a mortise to take a tenon.

Another piece of wood is placed between centers and turned into the stem of the candlestick. A round tenon is cut on either end of the stem. Each tenon is the width of the screw or a bit larger.

Now a piece of wood large enough for the base of the candlestick is cut and drilled at center a little smaller than the diameter of the screw for the lathe screw chuck. The less figured side of the wood is facing out. Once the piece is turned to round, the face is flattened and made slightly concave. This will be the bottom of the base and a concave base will help it sit better.

The piece is removed from the chuck and reversed for holding. Now the entire top of the base is available for turning. Once it is turned it is easily removed from the chuck by simply unscrewing it. A quick trip to the drill press and the holes used by the screw chuck on cup and base are widened to fit the tenons on the stem. All that remains are to glue them together and apply the finish.

Screw chucks are extremely useful additions to the accessories of the wood lathe. A great indicator of this is the familiar procedure of four jaw wood lathe chuck manufacturers to include a screw attachment to convert today's modern lathe chuck into the screw chuck of yesteryear.

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Wood Lathes? - A Couple of Things to Think About When Buying a Used One

Wood lathes come on the used market in a fairly regular fashion and can be a great way to get a good wood lathe for the money. On the other hand some of the used lathes are lemons. Here are a few suggestions for the shopping trip.

First of all have some idea of what you want to do with a wood lathe in your shop. If you are upgrading from your present machine then you have some opinions as to what things are needed. The novice buyer has a harder road to follow.

There are two main ways to turn wood, spindle and faceplate. Spindle turning includes such things and chair and table legs and is normal way to general woodworkers to enter the woodturning world. Making turned legs for a table eventually leads to making a table as an excuse for turning legs. Faceplate work includes pieces such as round table tops, bowls and vases. Most people who take up faceplate work desire to turn bowls and go from there.

Most beginner lathes will be suitable for spindles and bowls. Older wood lathes used a system of working over the bed of the lathe for spindles and at the other end of the headstock worked "offside" for bowls and such. This required faceplates and other materials to have "left handed" threads. In effect, the bother of setting up for outboard turning meant that most woodturners could not be bothered and settled for making the largest bowl that would fit over the lathe bed. Today's manufacturers often compromise with a headstock that rotates and allows for bigger pieces using the same holding equipment as over the bed.

The problem that arises with this setup comes from lathe speeds. Generally spindles are turned much faster than faceplate work. Large bowl blanks, if unbalanced as most are, can at high speeds shake a lathe apart; cause the lathe to walk across the floor; or turn the wood into a projectile. At slow speeds none of these occur. Six hundred rpm is just slow enough for a twelve inch bowl, but slower is better.

So when looking for a lathe, get one that fits your preferred style of turning. For spindles a solid set of ways making up the lathe bed are important. Faceplate lathes should be very sturdy at the headstock, handle a large piece of wood, and have a low speed. Remember that a wood lathe is a basic power tool and look for the finish and quality you would normally desire in a good tool.

Wood lathes are a lot of fun in the woodworking shop. There are some great bargains on the used market and with a bit of insight, a used lathe is a wonderful way to get started in the woodturning craft.

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Cheap Wood Lathes

There are a lot of reasons why investing in an expensive, high quality wood lathe is a good idea.

There are a number of benefits to moving up in price and quality range. You will get a larger lathe, which allows much more freedom and variety in the projects you can do and the pieces you can make and large lathes are heavier which reduces vibration. You will get better finish and machining, parts will be better aligned and the overall product will be much nicer.

Lathes are one area where you can still buy a tool that will last for years, or even decades. They are fairly simple devices, and solidly built, in general from cast iron.

So why would anyone ever invest in a cheap lathe?

Well there are several reasons you might consider a cheaper model of wood lathe. Some of them are good, others not so much, but it's a valid idea in any case.

The number one situation I think someone should invest in an inexpensive lathe is if they are a beginner. If you don't have a lot of experience buying a large expensive wood lathe could end up being a costly mistake.

I know a lot of people who go into things all gung-ho only to lose interest shortly afterward. In my opinion if you don't have a lot of experience you should consider investing in a a small inexpensive wood lathe initially, and consider it a starter that you will upgrade in a few years.

Another good reason to buy a cheap lathe is as a complement to a larger tool. If you already have a large wood lathe it could be useful, to have a smaller one for detail work, or small projects such as pen turning or lure making. Not all small lathes are created equal however, and some of them can be just as expensive as larger models.

A third reason for a smaller cheaper lathe is simply to save space, some people don't have a lot of room in their shops, or even a dedicated shop at all, and it wouldn't make very much to put a full sized lathe in your living room.

There are some decent lathes out there in the 300-400 dollar range, and even a few passable ones around 150 dollars, but I personally wouldn't go lower than that, or you risk getting a complete dud.

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Wood Lathes - What to Look For When You Buy Your First One

Most people involved in woodworking for a while are in good shape when they are going to buy their first wood lathe. Many of the things to look for in a wood lathe are the same things one looks for in other woodworking machinery such as quality of finish and heavy material. However, there are some things specially to look for as a wood lathe is different from the other power tools in the typical woodworking shop.

First of all, look for a lathe that is built to absorb vibration. Many of today's tools are manufactured of steel or aluminum. Either can be made to have great strength compared to lightness, but either material requires extensive and expensive engineering to absorb vibration. This is an issue because of the way in which wood is treated on the lathe compared to something like a band saw or table saw. In the latter cases wood, generally in the form of uniform boards, is placed on a stable table and fed through a blade. There is little vibration involved assuming the blade is balanced.

Wood lathes, on the other hand, hold the wood and turn it at fairly high speeds. Often the wood is rough and unbalanced. This is something like driving an unbalanced tire at highway speeds. Just like the car will rattle and sway, so will the lathe. In the case of the wood lathe, cast iron is the answer and even the lower priced beginner's lathes will have some models with cast iron head and tail stocks. At a little higher price even the ways will be cast iron and it is generally worth it. Many woodturners have begun, however, on a model of lathe that has a single way made of a steel tube and yet with cast iron head and tail stocks. These have worked quite well for many turners.

The finish needs to be adequate on the head and tail stock and great on the ways. If the ways are finished properly the tail stock and tool rest will move well and freely. This makes turning a pleasure. On the other hand, a poor finish on the ways make it a pain to move either one and a frustration to a turner.

Make sure the head and tail stocks line up. Put a center in each one and bring them together. They should line up both vertically and horizontally. Some lathes will have measures to line up the centers but this is seldom seen in beginner's models.

All that is needed now is a good stand. Most beginner's level wood lathes have no stand or a poorly made pressed steel one. Making a solid one out of wood or metal is the best bet in either case.

These tips should help in choosing a first wood lathe. Just remember that, like most tools, it is easy to grow out of the first lathe so getting one with a good resale value helps too.

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