How to Operate a Wood Lathe

Wood lathes are perfect for the crafter looking to shape wood. Lathes are also used for glass and metal. A lathe is a machine that comes in many different sizes, as well as supporting a variety of different sized blades. The project you are working on will determine the size of the lathe and the blade. Operating a wood lathe isn't considered easy, but once learned isn't deemed difficult either. If you are looking to create furniture legs or posts, and you think a wood lathe would come in handy, read through the following steps to learn how to properly operate one.

Things You'll Need

• Wood Lathe Machine
• 2 by 2 by 12 Wood Post
• Pencil
• Diagonal
• Saw
• Drill Motor
• Drill
• Mallet
• Oil
• Wood Lathe Tools

Instructions

1. Choose a piece of wood to work with. A good size is 2 by 2 by 12. Find the centerpoint on each end by drawing diagonal lines. Using a saw, cut an 1/8-inch deep across both lines and bore a hole in the centerpoint using a drill motor.

2. Remove the live center from the spindle on one end of the lathe. With a mallet, drive the spur deep into the bored hole. Line up the spur with the cut lines. Apply oil to the opposite end of the wood and allow it time to penetrate.

3. Replace the spindle back into the live center using firm pressure. Move the tail stock about an inch from the opposite end of the wood and clamp it to the bed of the lathe. Make sure to pull the tail spindle back near the tail stock.

4. Turn the lever on the tail stock until the dead center is deep within the wood. When the wood is firmly held, the live center will no longer turn. Back up the dead center just until the live spindle turns again, and then clamp the dead center.

5. Decide what tools you will use to create the desired post. Wood lathe tools include, skews, gauges, and chisels. When turning the spindle to scrape or create patterns, slow down your machine. The cutting method is faster and requires advanced skill.

6. Turn on the wood lathe machine to the required speed. Make sure the wood is held tight between the dead and live centers. Gently apply your lathe tools to the surface of the wood while the machine is turning, and begin creating your design.

Tips & Warnings

• Locate the centerpoint at each end of your wood by drawing diagonals. Where the lines cross is the center, and is where to insert the spindles.

• Be careful not to run the lathe at speeds high enough to vibrate your machine. This can dangerously throw your wood.