Metal Lathe Training

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).

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.

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.

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.

Name	Offered / wanted	Skill level	When available
Russsss	offered	??	??
Spooq	offered	??	??
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

Suggested training

Aim : To be able to use the machine safely and produce a simple piece of work, e.g. a cotton reel shape.

• Basic safety
  • 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)

Related pages

3 in 1 lathe