How to Spin a Metal Cone
Spinning metal on a lathe is an effective way to form sheet types of metal into rounded shapes. Cones, in particular, are far easier to form using a metal lathe than shaping with a hammer and anvil. It is most effective to mass produce small to medium amounts of cones using spinning, but larger amounts are often handled by a metal stamping manufacturer. For the at-home metal spinner, spinning a metal cone is a project for novices and experts alike.
Things You'll Need
- Metal lathe
- Spinning pin
- Tool bar rest
- Cone-shaped chuck
- Follow block
- Metal disc
- Wax lubricant
- Sheep's nose spinning tool
- Safety goggles
- Safety gloves
Instructions
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Put on your gloves and goggles. Put the cone-shaped chuck, then the metal disc and then the follow block on your lathe. Make sure the disc is centered between your chuck and follow block. Set up your tool bar rest next to the lathe. Insert the spinning pin into the tool bar rest. The pin is what you will be using for leverage as you spin the cone so make sure it is secure.
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Start the lathe. Apply lubricant to the outer surface of the metal disc as it spins.
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Hold the sheep's nose tool in your right hand and secure the handle under your arm. Place it on the inside of the spinning pin and apply pressure to the spinning disc. Press the disc against the cone-shaped chuck by working the sheep's nose tool from the center outward. Apply pressure to the disc where needed to get it to conform to the shape of your chuck always working from the center outward.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not stand directly beside the metal disc while it is turning on the lathe.
Check the metal disc for defects before spinning.
Make sure lathe is clean before use.
Double-check to make sure all pieces on the lathe are secure before starting.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
