Metal Lathe Training: Difference between revisions

From London Hackspace Wiki
(First edit to reflect updated training details)
m (Toby.m moved page Lathe Training to Metal Lathe Training: Clarity)
 
(102 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
This page details the training programme/ requirements for the  [[Equipment/Colchester Master Lathe|metal lathe]]. Although incredibly rewarding and satisfying to use, the lathe and mill are complex tools and so require a more involved induction process than many of the other machines at the hackspace.


[[3 in 1 lathe]]
The training is divided into a range of different topics/ modules, which are graded level 1 through to level 3. All LHS members will need to start with a level 1 induction, and can then train on additional skills/ topics from the level 2 or 3 series as they progress and become more experienced. Those who have prior experience will still need to attend a session on each skill they want to use, but these can be used as more of a quick recap session and a chance to demonstrate the existing skill (this will take less time, so we can cover multiple topics at once and speed things along)


This page is to coordinate people offering and requiring training on the machine tools (lathe, mill and 3-in-1). If you have previous experience you will normally be allowed to use the small lathe and mill freely, and the 3-in-1 after a short induction session (to cover any queries and provide a brief guide and warnings).  
This incremental training process helps protect the health and safety of the user but also crucially that of the machines - despite its large size the lathe is quite a delicate piece and can be easily damaged by an inexperienced user.


The problem with these machines is that there are hundreds of techniques to learn and much needs to be done hands-on, so it isn't practical to run lectures. Most people will have knowledge only of the techniques that they have needed to date. You will only need to learn basic rules and the techniques important to you, but getting started and gaining a proper respect for the machines to ensure your and their safety requires some instruction. Once you have learned to use the machine safely, you will have to acquire more knowledge through asking people, reading books, and from internet resources.
Anyone coming for a training session needs good footwear, eye protection, no baggy clothing or un-restrained hair.  


If you have no previous experience you will need much more careful training probably in small groups or one-on-one. It will probably be best to do some initial sessions on the small machines and move to the 3 in 1 if required or when ready. This need not be long unless you're especially hamfisted, but even this requires a reasonable effort from people willing to offer training so please appreciate the level of commitment required. This is not a 5 minute talk and a bit of software.
== Temporary Alternative During LHS Closure ==


Adding your details to request training will not result in you being contacted. It's just to help gauge the needs and show the information needed. Please make contact with trainers yourself.
Following the move out from Ujima house we are obviously unable to provide any lathe training for the time being. If any members are keen to get some training in the short term, Uxbridge college offer an [https://www.uxbridgecollege.ac.uk/courses/engineering/introduction-to-machining-lathes-pt-evening| evening course] that may be of interest. This course covers enough material that the member should be able to do all level 1 LHS operations with ease, once we are set up again they will just need to attend a quick familiarisation/ run-through training session to show them the specifics of the LHS lathe, which we'd be able to run very soon once the lathe is operational again.


New for May 2014
== Maintainers ==
As of May 2014 a new concerted effort has been made to bring the machine in to a serviceable condition. The motor to power the milling part of the machine has been used to replace the main spindle motor which is now dead. The powered lead screws are broken, and it has been decided to leave this non functioning at this time. However an new nut for the saddle slider has been sourced and fitted. The sliders including the compound slide has been dismantled, clean and refitted. This work has resulted in a serviceable manual machine, suited to basic turning operations and teaching basic tuning skills.
 
The current maintainers are Liam Lynch, Dean Forbes, Toby Molyneux and Tim
 
== Waiting List ==
 
To get a spot on a level 1 training session you will first need to add your name to the waiting list, see [[Metal Lathe/ Mill Training Waiting List]]


To this end a training syllabus has been drawn up to assist in trainers willing to teach, student guidance notes to assist post instruction self learning and some worked practice pieces have been drawn up selected to allow the student to practice basic skills.
Then, keep an eye on the 'lhs-induction-requests' channel on the hackspace [https://discord.com/channels/943237246092447794/950732177136582666| Discord server] for announcements of upcoming sessions.


Level 2 and 3 training sessions should be arranged on a more ad-hoc basis, simply post in the 'metal-lathe' discord channel or speak directly to one of the maintainers and we can set something up


{|border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
==Level 1 – Beginner Lathe Skills==


|-
Level 1 training consists of a single course which is designed to take a complete beginner through all the essential skills needed to produce basic but functional parts on a lathe. It will also act as a good refresher/ competency test for those who already have experience from elsewhere.
|'''Name''' || '''Offered / wanted ''' || '''Skill level''' || '''When available'''
Members must start by watching the recommended videos listed below, to learn as much of the theory in advance – although no substitute for practical experience, machining is a skill where a firm grasp of both is essential and there will not be time to cover both in the induction session.
|-
We will start the training session by re-capping the theory and going over the key safety concerns before we move onto taking our first cuts with an external turning tool, facing and turning. We will then introduce the tailstock and explain its role in supporting long workpieces and use it to drill a hole. Finally, we will demonstrate how to measure the work and use the DRO to work to dimensions. The course will end with a semi-supervised test part which you will make, putting the skills you have learned into practice. Note that level 1 only considers use of a 3-jaw chuck, level 2 training is required for other work holding methods.
| jaste || wanted || fair || Any day of the week, any time!
This course usually requires a fee (which goes into a pot for future LHS purchases). This is usually £40, but can be reduced if this is too much for you to pay – please speak to your trainer in advance – we don’t want this to be a barrier to entry.
|-
| wyan || wanted || nil || weekends and some evenings
|-
| Oliver || induction wanted || familiar with lathes and mills || weekends
|-
| Russsss || offered  || ?? || ??
|-
| [[User:Artag|Adrian]] || offered || familiar with other machines, less so on LHS machines  || When you can catch me, or arrange
|-
| R. Hacker || mentor wanted || zilch || evenings but not mondays
|-
| S. Hacker || induction wanted for 3in1 || already familiar || tuesday night or as arranged
|-
|  zeroknowledge|| mentor wanted || no experience || weekends
|-
| Billy Smith || Offered and wanted || Got the basics. I can explain those. Looking to extend my skill-set. I know that i don't know the full range of what these things can do... Maintenance on the mini-lathe, i am happy to share what i know. || Whenever i am in the space. Usually at night. Shout me...
|-
| JDublock || Wanted || Need to be shown the ropes || Weekends
|-
|[[User:Booyaa|booyaa]] || Induction wanted with the view to learning how to maintain the machine || Used a lathe in my CDT class (secondary school) about 20+ years ago || Tuesday or Thursday but not both
|-
| Leigh Simmons || Wanted || Familiar with concepts, but no practical experience || Anytime, but preferably not weekends
|-
| Blobface || Wanted || Used a lathe at university, refresher / where things are kept etc  || After 7pm / weekends
|-
| [[User:Ganly| Steve Ganly]] || Offered || Need induction on the lathes at the space, than can offer training - have my own 3 in 1  || When you can catch me, or arrange
|-
| Ed Rosten || Wanted || Have used larger lathes and mills before for simple things.  || Any time, but preferably not weekends.
|-
| [[User:Alexp|Alex P ]] || Wanted || Used it under supervision; done some minimal machining. || Any time.
|-
| [[User:Mentar|mentar ]] || Wanted || Know the principles from lathe repair attempts || evenings, always try to make tuesdays
|-
| [[User:Oskarpearson|Oskar Pearson ]] || Wanted || I've worked on wood lathes before, but this'd be completely new to me. I put together the laser cutter checklist, and would be happy to put together a checklist for the lathe (Even if you're training someone else let me watch over your shoulder). || Evenings or weekends
|-
| [[User:KantPredict|Patrick Dent ]] || Wanted || I've used a large metal lathe before in secondary school about 7 years ago but could certainly do with a refresher. || Evenings or weekends
|-
| Rich Maynard || Wanted then Offered || Ex DT teacher, just need inducting into the peculiarities of this particular machine, then willing to help out as I can || Evenings or weekends
|-
| Tom Hodder || Wanted || biohacker, interested in making parts for experimental equipment || Anytime
|}


Beginner users should watch the following training videos before booking a session:


==Suggested training==
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6Dnmd3lDzA&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN Lathe Theory])


Aim : To be able to use the machine safely and produce a simple piece of work, e.g. a cotton reel shape.
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL0Rz_ip6Is&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=2 Tool Bits])


*Basic safety
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9AqbENiLOQ&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=3 Facing])
**Controls
**Chuck key
**Check clamping
**Check unobstructed operation
*Tools
**Choosing a cutting tool
**Mounting and setting centre height
**Tailstock chuck
*Speeds
**Choice of speed
**Changing gears
*Working
**Facing off
**Centre drill
**Drilling from the tailstock
**Parallel cut
**Profiling
**Short taper with the compound slide
*Thread cutting (optional)


([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA5i8X1RQ8U&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=4 Tail Support])


== Steve Ganly's thoughts on training==  
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IsG8vIXA8k&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=5 Turning])


We want to help people get used to using the lathe - at least for basics. It's impractical to give people a whole long course and impractical for people to learn far more techniques than they need to start making basic things.
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HotV4HtmR6Y&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=6 Chatter])
Work out what basic training is needed - it's more like a pyramid than a linear stack of skills, but here's a start...


Level 0 is about safety - not hurting yourself, others, the machine or the tools. How the motor turns the chuck, what happens when things get caught in it - either death or parts of bodies removed. Can be very safe once the basic safety is understood. Things that can get caught: hair, sleeves, gloves, ties, etc. Bare hands and bare arms are best. No jewellry - no exceptions.
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQwWRW-PdTE&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=7 Turning to a Shoulder])


Level 1: Basic lathe.
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHquZSsM_k0&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=10 Drilling])
Start with an easy material like nylon, delrin or aluminium. Should be round bar and the bar should be less than 30cm to avoid excessive wobble.
Chuck up the bar. How the chuck works. Re-iterate dangers of leaving the key in the chuck. Test turn by hand before power on. How the work can wobble - work with less than say 10cm from face to chuck for now; any longer may need turning between centres which comes later.
Planning how to face the end of the stock (assuming it's been hand sawn so can be fairly wonky). What tool to use? How to move it? Approaching the work, moving the tool across the work. Checking tool centre height and setting centre height. Do the facing... intermittent cuts versus solid cuts. Depth of cut. How would the tool break? Where would it go if it broke?
Turning a bar to a diameter. What tool? How to move the tool across the stock? Depth of cut. Surface speed.


Separating your work piece from the bar stock. Remove and hacksaw for now since doing it on the machine (parting off) comes at a later level. Rechuck the workpiece the other way round and face the new rough end. Chamfer the sharp edge.
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fgj7m4MTbw&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=12 Surface Finish])


Repeat in one or two new materials. Get signed off for being competent at Lathe Level 1.
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBVo8wufsCE&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=13 Choosing Materials])


Level 1.5: Basic construction
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrcDr2WO6Ho&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=21 Feeds and Speeds])


We'll make something useful for the hackspace: an equipment stand (like a lab stand used in Chemistry, etc.)
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mNH1ZLy-hk Additional Video on Surface Finish])


Look at drawings or photos of existing ones (not available yet as I've just dreamt this up).
Note - most of the videos above are from the Blondihacks 'lathe skills' video series. This whole series is filled with useful content and we would fully recommend watching the rest, although this is not compulsary for a level 1 training session.


Square base with four legs. One leg piece is longer than the others so it goes through a through hole through the base (fixed with two grub screws). Other two legs screw fitted into blind holes into the base. Can do all kinds of variation on base shape and legs.
The notes used for Toby's training sessions are available here - [[File:Toby's Lathe Training Notes r03.pdf| below]]. Other trainers will do something similar, but might not follow this exact plan
Upright of the stand screw fit into the base - missing the legs...


Upright is longer so is to be turned between centres. Screw threads for the upright to be cut on the lathe? Others can be done with tap and die.
==Level 2 - Intermediate Lathe Skills==
Level 2 training is broken down into a range of small manageable topics – this means we can really focus on covering the subject in detail. Sessions are less formal then level 1, and should be arranged as and when the new skill is needed, ideally with a part or project in mind so we can tailor the session accordingly.
Beginner users can ask for a level 2 session once they have completed at least 20 hours of unsupervised practical lathe use following a level 1 induction (if you can’t think of enough projects to keep you going for 20 hours, speak to a maintainer – we may well have some hackspace maintenance projects in mind that need parts making!). If you already have experience from elsewhere, particularly in the topic you want to cover, then this could be brought forward. Note there is usually no cost for these sessions, apart from tools and/ or materials.
Just like level 1, you will need to take the time to learn the theory of the operation before you arrive for a session as this will significantly reduce the training burden. Where relevant, recommended youtube videos are linked to below.


Clamp for the stand can be square that has a central hole - drilled then bored to size? With a gap cut by slitting saw to allow the clamping action. Use modified bold for the clamping - making the bolt head round then fluted or knurled to be finger friendly.
====Parting Tools====
Learn to use a parting tool to cut parts cleanly and accurately from stock in the lathe
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeHmee4tvYc&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=15 Training Video])


Make parts for the legs to the right dimensions.
====Boring Bars====
Learn to use boring bars for accurate, concentric turning on the inside of a part
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-ySTD5b7Dw&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=22 Training Video])


====Power Feed====
Learn to use power feed for improved surface finish


Level 2: Basic mill.
====External Threading====
Understanding the machine some more - configuring for mill and drill.
Learn to create single-point cut threads on the outside of a workpiece. Useful for unusual or custom-profiled screw threads (the tailstock die holder is a better choice for most conventional threads) ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7scadYptTI&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=28 Training Video])
How the basic mill differs from the lathe - the work moves past the cutter instead of the cutter moving past the work.


Cut some plate or bar stock to size.
Requires at least 5 hours experience with power feeding
Square up the stock.


Drill some of the holes (as accurately as possible).
====Collet Chuck====
Learn to use the collet chuck for improved concentricity compared with the three-jaw chuck


====4-Jaw Chuck====
Learn to use the 4-jaw chuck for improved concentricity, holding square workpieces, or eccentric turning
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKqEuSvO86I&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=9 Training Video])


And so on... the idea is to build up a selection of stands for the space as demo items of what people have made on the lathe. Can have some snazzy round bases... The first piece cut in plastic could make a good clamp or spacer for the stand...
====Steady or Follow Rests====
Learn to use the rests to support long workpieces without (or sometimes as additional support to) a tailstock centre


====HSS Tools and Tool Grinding====
Learn to use the tool grinder in the cage to create and maintain your own high speed steel lathe tooling
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OzRtY8SVcM&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=24 Training Video 1])
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__A2xtLF0AU Training Video 2])


== Maintainers ==  
==Level 3 - Advanced Lathe Skills==
Level 3 works in the same way as level 2 training - the difference is essentially that level 3 topics are much more difficult and require a more experienced lathe user – we’d generally be expecting at least 40 hours of unsupervised use before arranging a session. Some of these topics are also follow-ons to other topics (e.g. internal threading follows external) so these must be considered first. 
 
====Internal Threading====
We have equipment to create single-point cut threads on the inside of a workpiece ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvWlizV4s8s&list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN&index=29 Training Video])
 
Requires at least 5 hours practice with external threading
 
====Faceplate Work====
We have a faceplate, which can be for all kinds of weird and wonderful lathe setups (note - in many situations a rotary table in the mill is an easier and safer option)
 
====Turning Between Centres====
We have the option to setup the lathe for turning between centres, offering maximum concentricity with easy repeatability or for odd-shaped parts
 
====Metal Spinning====
We have some basic tooling for metal spinning, a process of forming sheetmetal in the lathe. This is a tricky operation for very experienced users only
 
====Taper Turning====
We have a taper turning attachment on our lathe, which can be used to cut tapers longer than can be achieved with the cross-slide


The current maintainers on the 3-in-1 are, Ian, Adrian and Russ


== External resources ==  
==Other topics==
If you’d like to try out any technique not covered by these training notes then please get in touch with the maintainers – we generally love to try out new ideas so we’ll do what we can to make it happen, but please bear in mind safety of our members and preventing damage to our machines have to take priority.


MIT have made a [http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos series of videos] about safely working in a machine shop. The relevant ones are:
== Authorised Members ==
* [http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos/144-machine-shop-8 Lathe 1]: Lathe basics; turning and facing; cutting off a part
* [http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos/134-machine-shop-9 Lathe 2]: Tapping; boring; knurling; cutting tapers; turning shafts with a live centre; single point thread turning
* [http://techtv.mit.edu/collections/ehs-videos/videos/172-machine-shop-10 Lathe 3]: Chucking large items; using lathe arbours; turning between centres; working with irregular shapes & thin materials.


==Related pages==
* 2022-09-14 / Mateusz / HS35026 / L1 Beginner / TM
[[3 in 1 lathe]]
* 2022-08-17 / Manji / HS35048 / L1 Beginner + L2 Power Feed, Parting Tools / TM
* 2022-06-30 / Liyang / HS35016 / L1 Beginner / TM
* 2022-06-23 / Sara / HS34984 / L1 Beginner / TM
* 2022-06-08 / Dragos / HS32771 / L2 Power Feed, Collet Chuck / TM
* 2022.05.25 / Dave / HS33388 / L1 Beginner / TM
* 2022.04.21 / Rob / HS27573 / L1 Beginner / TM
* 2022.03.25 / Dragos / HS32771 / L1 Beginner / TM
* 2022.02.28 / Petr / HS33204 /  L1 Beginner + L2 Power Feed / TM
* 2022.09.15 / Chris / HS32763 / L2 Intermediate / DF
* 2020.09.15 / Ana / HS28349 / L1 Beginner / DF
* 2020.09.15 / Robert / HS28863 / L2 Intermediate / DF


[[Category:Training]]
[[Category:Training]]
[[Category:Workshops]]
[[Category:Workshops]]

Latest revision as of 09:24, 4 November 2024

This page details the training programme/ requirements for the metal lathe. Although incredibly rewarding and satisfying to use, the lathe and mill are complex tools and so require a more involved induction process than many of the other machines at the hackspace.

The training is divided into a range of different topics/ modules, which are graded level 1 through to level 3. All LHS members will need to start with a level 1 induction, and can then train on additional skills/ topics from the level 2 or 3 series as they progress and become more experienced. Those who have prior experience will still need to attend a session on each skill they want to use, but these can be used as more of a quick recap session and a chance to demonstrate the existing skill (this will take less time, so we can cover multiple topics at once and speed things along)

This incremental training process helps protect the health and safety of the user but also crucially that of the machines - despite its large size the lathe is quite a delicate piece and can be easily damaged by an inexperienced user.

Anyone coming for a training session needs good footwear, eye protection, no baggy clothing or un-restrained hair.

Temporary Alternative During LHS Closure

Following the move out from Ujima house we are obviously unable to provide any lathe training for the time being. If any members are keen to get some training in the short term, Uxbridge college offer an evening course that may be of interest. This course covers enough material that the member should be able to do all level 1 LHS operations with ease, once we are set up again they will just need to attend a quick familiarisation/ run-through training session to show them the specifics of the LHS lathe, which we'd be able to run very soon once the lathe is operational again.

Maintainers

The current maintainers are Liam Lynch, Dean Forbes, Toby Molyneux and Tim

Waiting List

To get a spot on a level 1 training session you will first need to add your name to the waiting list, see Metal Lathe/ Mill Training Waiting List

Then, keep an eye on the 'lhs-induction-requests' channel on the hackspace Discord server for announcements of upcoming sessions.

Level 2 and 3 training sessions should be arranged on a more ad-hoc basis, simply post in the 'metal-lathe' discord channel or speak directly to one of the maintainers and we can set something up

Level 1 – Beginner Lathe Skills

Level 1 training consists of a single course which is designed to take a complete beginner through all the essential skills needed to produce basic but functional parts on a lathe. It will also act as a good refresher/ competency test for those who already have experience from elsewhere. Members must start by watching the recommended videos listed below, to learn as much of the theory in advance – although no substitute for practical experience, machining is a skill where a firm grasp of both is essential and there will not be time to cover both in the induction session. We will start the training session by re-capping the theory and going over the key safety concerns before we move onto taking our first cuts with an external turning tool, facing and turning. We will then introduce the tailstock and explain its role in supporting long workpieces and use it to drill a hole. Finally, we will demonstrate how to measure the work and use the DRO to work to dimensions. The course will end with a semi-supervised test part which you will make, putting the skills you have learned into practice. Note that level 1 only considers use of a 3-jaw chuck, level 2 training is required for other work holding methods. This course usually requires a fee (which goes into a pot for future LHS purchases). This is usually £40, but can be reduced if this is too much for you to pay – please speak to your trainer in advance – we don’t want this to be a barrier to entry.

Beginner users should watch the following training videos before booking a session:

(Lathe Theory)

(Tool Bits)

(Facing)

(Tail Support)

(Turning)

(Chatter)

(Turning to a Shoulder)

(Drilling)

(Surface Finish)

(Choosing Materials)

(Feeds and Speeds)

(Additional Video on Surface Finish)

Note - most of the videos above are from the Blondihacks 'lathe skills' video series. This whole series is filled with useful content and we would fully recommend watching the rest, although this is not compulsary for a level 1 training session.

The notes used for Toby's training sessions are available here - File:Toby's Lathe Training Notes r03.pdf. Other trainers will do something similar, but might not follow this exact plan

Level 2 - Intermediate Lathe Skills

Level 2 training is broken down into a range of small manageable topics – this means we can really focus on covering the subject in detail. Sessions are less formal then level 1, and should be arranged as and when the new skill is needed, ideally with a part or project in mind so we can tailor the session accordingly. Beginner users can ask for a level 2 session once they have completed at least 20 hours of unsupervised practical lathe use following a level 1 induction (if you can’t think of enough projects to keep you going for 20 hours, speak to a maintainer – we may well have some hackspace maintenance projects in mind that need parts making!). If you already have experience from elsewhere, particularly in the topic you want to cover, then this could be brought forward. Note there is usually no cost for these sessions, apart from tools and/ or materials. Just like level 1, you will need to take the time to learn the theory of the operation before you arrive for a session as this will significantly reduce the training burden. Where relevant, recommended youtube videos are linked to below.

Parting Tools

Learn to use a parting tool to cut parts cleanly and accurately from stock in the lathe (Training Video)

Boring Bars

Learn to use boring bars for accurate, concentric turning on the inside of a part (Training Video)

Power Feed

Learn to use power feed for improved surface finish

External Threading

Learn to create single-point cut threads on the outside of a workpiece. Useful for unusual or custom-profiled screw threads (the tailstock die holder is a better choice for most conventional threads) (Training Video)

Requires at least 5 hours experience with power feeding

Collet Chuck

Learn to use the collet chuck for improved concentricity compared with the three-jaw chuck

4-Jaw Chuck

Learn to use the 4-jaw chuck for improved concentricity, holding square workpieces, or eccentric turning (Training Video)

Steady or Follow Rests

Learn to use the rests to support long workpieces without (or sometimes as additional support to) a tailstock centre

HSS Tools and Tool Grinding

Learn to use the tool grinder in the cage to create and maintain your own high speed steel lathe tooling (Training Video 1) (Training Video 2)

Level 3 - Advanced Lathe Skills

Level 3 works in the same way as level 2 training - the difference is essentially that level 3 topics are much more difficult and require a more experienced lathe user – we’d generally be expecting at least 40 hours of unsupervised use before arranging a session. Some of these topics are also follow-ons to other topics (e.g. internal threading follows external) so these must be considered first.

Internal Threading

We have equipment to create single-point cut threads on the inside of a workpiece (Training Video)

Requires at least 5 hours practice with external threading

Faceplate Work

We have a faceplate, which can be for all kinds of weird and wonderful lathe setups (note - in many situations a rotary table in the mill is an easier and safer option)

Turning Between Centres

We have the option to setup the lathe for turning between centres, offering maximum concentricity with easy repeatability or for odd-shaped parts

Metal Spinning

We have some basic tooling for metal spinning, a process of forming sheetmetal in the lathe. This is a tricky operation for very experienced users only

Taper Turning

We have a taper turning attachment on our lathe, which can be used to cut tapers longer than can be achieved with the cross-slide


Other topics

If you’d like to try out any technique not covered by these training notes then please get in touch with the maintainers – we generally love to try out new ideas so we’ll do what we can to make it happen, but please bear in mind safety of our members and preventing damage to our machines have to take priority.

Authorised Members

  • 2022-09-14 / Mateusz / HS35026 / L1 Beginner / TM
  • 2022-08-17 / Manji / HS35048 / L1 Beginner + L2 Power Feed, Parting Tools / TM
  • 2022-06-30 / Liyang / HS35016 / L1 Beginner / TM
  • 2022-06-23 / Sara / HS34984 / L1 Beginner / TM
  • 2022-06-08 / Dragos / HS32771 / L2 Power Feed, Collet Chuck / TM
  • 2022.05.25 / Dave / HS33388 / L1 Beginner / TM
  • 2022.04.21 / Rob / HS27573 / L1 Beginner / TM
  • 2022.03.25 / Dragos / HS32771 / L1 Beginner / TM
  • 2022.02.28 / Petr / HS33204 / L1 Beginner + L2 Power Feed / TM
  • 2022.09.15 / Chris / HS32763 / L2 Intermediate / DF
  • 2020.09.15 / Ana / HS28349 / L1 Beginner / DF
  • 2020.09.15 / Robert / HS28863 / L2 Intermediate / DF
Retrieved from ‘https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/w/index.php?title=Metal_Lathe_Training&oldid=56568’