How to Use a Wood Lathe

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Wood lathes are unique machines used to make beautiful and functional objects out of wood. They are surprisingly easy to operate and open up a whole new world of woodworking possibilities. Learn about their uses, parts, and how to start turning wood on a wood lathe.

What Is a Wood Lathe

A wood lathe is a machine used to shape blocks of wood. The woodblock is horizontally mounted on a spindle and turned by a motor. As the wood turns, tools are introduced to the wood’s surface to remove material, changing the shape of the woodblock. 

Wood Lathe Uses

Wood lathes are used to create cylindrical objects and concave or convex shapes. 

  • Using a lathe is called ‘turning’.
  • Faceplate turning is the method used to create wooden bowls. 
  • Spindle turning is the process used to create tool handles, chair legs, and staircase spindles or balusters. 

Wood Lathe Parts

Learn the anatomy of a wood lathe for the greatest control over the considerable capacities of this versatile machine. 

Base or Stand

Wood lathes can be free-standing or sit atop a workbench. The base or stand is at the bottom of the machine and provides a stable, steady foundation for your work. Minimizing vibration, or chatter, is important for the accurate operation of a lathe.

For this reason, heavy cast iron is a popular lathe construction material.

Motor

Lathes are powered by motors, ranging in horsepower (HP) from ¾ HP up to about 10 HP. The amount of horsepower you need depends on the kind of projects you plan to tackle. For a lathe that turns bowls, for instance, you’ll need at least two or three HP. 

Emergency Stop Button

Usually located near the motor housing, the emergency stop button is one of the most important features of a lathe. Pressing this button immediately cuts off the power to the machine. If jewelry, hair, or a finger gets caught at any time, the emergency button should be pressed at once. 

Power and Controls

Mounted on the body of the lathe is a control panel. This panel contains the regular (non-emergency) on/off button. It’s also where the speed of the motor can be controlled. 

Wood and lathe machinist

Lathe Bed Rails

Above the base or stand are the lathe bed rails. Bed rails run horizontally along the length of the machine. Another piece called banjo slides along the bed rails and can be locked into position using the banjo lock. 

Banjo

The banjo can be moved along the bed rails from left to right. On top of the banjo is the tool rest, where gouges, chisels, and turning tools are held to shape the wood. The banjo has a locking mechanism that keeps it in place for safe operation. 

Tool Rest

Material is removed from the block of wood using tools. To accurately and evenly shape the wood, the tool must be carefully controlled. The tool rest provides a sturdy and stable surface upon which to rest the turning tool, ensuring it can be introduced at the proper angle and depth, and that the operator will be able to control the tool during use. 

Headstock

When you stand in front of a wood lathe, the headstock is located on the left side of the machine and is used to drive or turn the wood. A chuck or spur drive center attached to the headstock serves to connect the wood to the headstock’s spindle.  

Chuck or Spur Drive

A spur drive or a chuck is used to grip and rotate the wood. There are many different kinds of chucks available, They include; scroll chucks, drill chucks, jawed chucks (with two, three, four, five, or even six jaws), combination chucks, collet chucks, and the infinitely customizable Longworth chuck. Some chucks are designed to be direct-threaded onto the headstock, while others have adjustable inserts that hold them in place. 

Tailstock

The tailstock is located on the right side of the machine. Where the headstock is stationary, the tailstock can move back and forth on the bed rails. This allows it to adjust to the size of your workpiece.

The tailstock’s purpose is to stabilize wood during lathe operation. 

Cup Center

Contained within the tailstock is the cup center. When the tailstock is moved into place against the wood, the cup center butts up against the wood, holding it securely. 

Safe Operation of a Lathe

Even the best wood lathe for beginners comes with safety risks, and it’s important to be mindful as you use this powerful tool. To guard your eyes and face while allowing good visibility while turning, a full face shield is a great piece of protective gear. You can also use goggles or safety glasses, but these provide less protection. 

Injuries can happen when hair, dangling jewelry, or loose clothing gets caught in a spinning lathe. Always remove hanging jewelry, tie your hair back, and wear snug clothing with short sleeves to avoid wood lathe accidents

How to Use a Wood Lathe

Turning wood on a lathe is a satisfying project that is easier than it looks. Get the hang of the basics with this handy guide. 

Wood and lathe worker.
  1. Square your wood stock. Most lathe projects start with a rectangular prism of wood. In order to produce a cylindrical or rounded shape, the sides of the wood block must be symmetrical. Mark the center of your wood block. 
  2. Choose a turning method. The first choice you need to make at the beginning of a new project is whether you will be faceplate turning or spindle turning. The method you use dictates the techniques and tools required. 
  3. Lay out your tools. There are dozens of available wood-turning tools. Some are generic, while others have specialized uses. It can take some time to fully grasp the options available, but in general: for faceplate turning, you will need a bowl gouge and a scraper. For spindle turning, set out a spindle roughing gouge, a fine spindle gouge, a skew chisel, and a parting tool. 
  4. Attach wood to the headstock. The most common way to attach wood to the headstock is through the use of a four-jawed chuck. First, insert the chuck into the headstock. Then, loosen the jaws or clamping mechanism of the chuck and insert the wood blank. Tighten the jaws or clamping mechanism to securely hold the wood in place. 
  5. Adjust the tailstock. Unlock the tailstock and slide it along the rails until the cup center meets the bottom of the wood blank. Tighten the cup center and lock the tailstock.
  6. Position the tool rest. The closer the tool rest is to the wood, the better control you will have over your tools. But if it’s too close, the wood will hit the tool rest as it turns. ¾ of an inch is a good distance for most lathe operations. Use the handle to spin the block, checking that it is securely fastened and the tool rest is appropriately positioned. 
  7. Mark your lines. With the lathe turned off, use a tape measure and pencil to measure and mark the features you intend to carve into the surface of the wood. Then, start the lathe and allow the wood to spin at a low speed. Press the pencil tip against your previous mark to extend it around the surface of the wood blank. 
  8. Prepare to turn. Choose a chisel, skew, or gouge that corresponds with how you’d like to cut and shape the wood. With the wood block spinning at the slowest setting, place the tip of the turning tool on the tool rest. Grasp the tool handle with your non-dominant hand and stabilize the tool end with your dominant hand. Keep your elbows tucked in and brace against your body. 
  9. Begin turning. Slowly ease the tool toward the spinning block. Control the tool as it connects with the wood block and starts to remove material. In general, you want to remove as little material as possible with each pass. Avoid putting excessive pressure on the turning tool. If the lathe starts to make funny noises or does something you don’t expect, immediately remove the tool and turn off the lathe. 
  10. Continue and experiment. By changing the angle of the tool, you can alter the cutting path and direct the shavings away from your body. Try out different turning tools and observe the effect on the wood. When you’re comfortable, you can increase the rotation speed of the lathe.
  11. Check your progress. Periodically stop the lathe and inspect your work. You can use wrenches to measure your material removal progress, or calipers will work when more exact measurements are needed. Remove shavings from your work area while the lathe is stopped, and give the wood a quick spin by hand to check that it hasn’t cracked under the stress.
  12. Never leave a spinning lathe. When you’re done with your work session, power down the lathe. Wait for it to come to a complete stop before leaving the area. 

Need a lathe that combines the power of a full-size lathe and the convenience of a portable lathe? Read my midi-lathe reviews to find a good option.

Learning to Use a Lathe, Part 1: Basic operation and facing cut

Conclusion

Wood lathes are used to remove material from blocks of wood, creating cylindrical and round shapes. The lathe itself holds and rotates wood while turning tools are used to remove material. Lathes are highly customizable, with different attachments that can be used to hold the wood in place as well as a number of different turning tools. 

Ellenkate grew up on job sites run by her family’s construction company. She earned her theater degree from The Hartt School, a prestigious performing arts conservatory in Connecticut. Her design and DIY work from her Chicago loft was featured in the Chicago Reader and on Apartment Therapy.