The lathe is a more complex machine tool than the drill press or band saws, and so more training is required. As with all tools, you can gain Supervised access after you complete a brief training session with a Trainer and demonstrate some basic lathe operations. After that, you can use the lathe under the supervision of someone who has Unsupervised access, or a Trainer.
To gain Unsupervised access you will need to complete a series of training videos and demonstrate a deeper understanding of how to use the machine safely by building a project. What constitutes a successful project is up to your Trainer.
Video Training
These videos will take you through what you need to know to use a lathe safely and effectively. As you progress through the sequence you should also get some hands-on time with the machine, under the supervision of your trainer.
- Metal Lathe Tutorial 1: Theory – Safety rules and an introduction to the main parts of the lathe.
- Metal Lathe Tutorial 2: Tool Bits –
- Metal Lathe Tutorial 3: Facing –
- Metal Lathe Tutorial 4: Tail Support –
- Metal Lathe Tutorial 5: Turning –
- Metal Lathe Tutorial 6: Chatter – (sha-doobie!)
- Metal Lathe Tutorial 7: Turning to a Shoulder –