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Find wood and metal lathe training courses

The best way to learn how to work with a machine is through hands-on experience and live demonstrations. This is much more effective than just reading the instructions. While written instructions are often a great resource, watching an expert use the equipment and trying out the machine yourself is essential for learning how lathe tools really work.

I recommend: Lathe suppliers, like Ganesh Machinery, often offer free training on how to use their products. Haas Factory Outlet is another supplier that offers many courses in lathe and machine training.

Choose online training courses for lathes to save time

Online training courses cannot give you the same type of hands-on experience an in-person training course. However, there are many online courses out there that do a good job of simulating how a lathe runs, so you can try your hand at a virtual lathe before you move on to the real deal.

I recommend: Index Group offers an online training course that teaches the skills needed to run a Swiss-style lathe. This program uses a virtual lathe to teach all the basics. Smithy offers many training topics for metal lathes.

Use lathe training videos to supplement courses

If you can't get an expert lathe operator to perform a live demonstration, but still want a visual aid to show you the ins and outs of running a lathe, choose training videos. Most of these videos will outline safety procedures in addition to techniques for using the lathe.

I recommend: Centroid provides a list of videos for working with lathes. Coastal offers video training for lathes, the basics of the machine technology, and milling for those who are new to a factory environment.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want the most in-depth training possible, choose training materials that focus on the specific kind of lathe you use, such as a metal or wood lathe. This will help you train employees to better know the machines they use, which translates into a better quality product.

1. Using a wood lathe to shape special furniture parts or sports equipment
2. Forming machine parts or piping with metal lathes
3. Locating services for lathe parts or repairs

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Expand your woodworking functions with a wood lathe

Variety is the spice of life, so they say. Being able to design and build a variety of furniture will help your business. A wood lathe allows you to create furniture pieces such as chair and table legs with perfect radial symmetry. Alternatively, lathes are used to fashion sports equipment like baseball bats and pool cues. Whether you're in sports or supports, a wood lathe can help your business.

I recommend: Look into the plethora of products available from lathe suppliers like Rockler, NewWoodworker.com and Tool King.

Use a metal lathe for more efficiency in machining

Many machines require perfectly-formed parts to function properly. That means a precision that can often only be obtained with a metal lathe. Circular machine parts such as wheels, pistons, pipes and cylinders must meet precise specifications, and you often need a metal lathe for such work. Increase your ability to perform these jobs, especially in engine work, by purchasing the necessary lathe for your projects.

I recommend: Lathe distributors such as Southern Tool, Summit Machine Tool and ROMI have various lathes from which you can choose the one for your needs.

Keep your industrial lathes spinning with information on parts and repair services

Like any machinery, lathes will sometimes break down. You need access to service and/or replacement parts so that your business doesn't suffer and you can remain productive. If local businesses can't meet your needs, you must know how and where you can get your equipment back to full functionality, whether the problem is a faulty part or simply normal wear and tear.

I recommend: Get information and quotes on lathe repair or parts from CNCLatheCutting Tools.com or Bourn and Koch. You can also get a quote from Orange Coast Rebuilding for extensive overhaul of old or severely damaged lathes.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you or your employees are new to using a lathe, ensure your and their safety with protective eyewear, gloves and clothing and provide training. In the event of accident or injury, the lathe will become a liability to your business rather than an asset.

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Refer to written instruction manuals for lathes and lathe tools

The best way to learn about a specific tool, such as a lathe, is to read the full manual. This will tell any operator the specific functions of the lathe, what additional tools can be used with a particular model, and how to troubleshoot mechanical or safety issues.

I recommend: Quarterbore provides a long list of manuals for various models of metal lathes. If you are working with wood lathes, Jet Tools provides online manuals for each of its wood lathe models.

Choose wood lathe courses and seminars for hands-on experience

There are a wide variety of lathe applications for work and hobbies, from decorative woodturning to practical design for high productivity furniture shops. You can find plenty of seminars that cover the basics of using a lathe. However, there are also many seminars and courses offered that can teach you to make specific products with lathes.

I recommend: Highland Woodworking provides a variety of evening and weekend classes for lathe professionals and hobbyists. Palomar College provides lathe courses in such areas as furniture making and mill work.

Sign up for classes to learn about working with metal lathes

Metal lathes are similar to wood lathes in that you have the ability to sculpt and shape materials. But because wood and metal are so different, it takes specialized training to produce metal parts. This training can be used for work on vehicles and other mechanical projects.

I recommend: Mid-State Technical College can provide vocational courses that teach all of the skills needed to run a metal lathe. Southwest Georgia Technical College provides a lathe operator certificate for just 29 credit hours of study in machine tooling and lathe operating skills. The State of Michigan offers extensive information on training and apprenticeship opportunities for lathe operators.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want to find teaching materials specific to a brand or model, ask professional who offer lathes for sale if they have additional training materials available.

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Wood lathe

A wood lathe is one of the most common types of lathes available. A wood lathe is used for shaping wood pieces into a desired design or shape. Lathes are used to cut down on the time spent carving wood and makes the finished product look even and smooth.

I recommend: The Woodturner's Workshop provides a guide on the basics of woodturning using a wood lathe.

Metal lathe

Metal lathes are specific types of lathes designed to work with materials harder than wood. These machines can turn many types of metals, plastics and other hard materials.

I recommend: The HMC Department of Engineering provides a diagram of a metal lathe and instructional videos on how a metal lathe works.

Vertical turret lathe

A vertical turret lathe is a lathe that turns the wood or metal piece at a vertical angle as opposed to a horizontal one.

I recommend: Wise Geek provides additional information on the vertical turret lathe, how it operates, and what types of materials can be used with it.

Computer numerical control (CNC)

A lathe or other industrial machine can have computer numerical controls (CNC). A CNC lathe offers programmable settings for better precision when turning a piece of wood or metal.

I recommend: CNC Concepts provides an explanation of CNC and how it works in different types of machines for manufacturing.

Chisels

Lathe chisels are hand tools used to produce the final product. Chisels are used in woodworking to produce chair legs, rails and spindles.

I recommend: WoodworkingLathe.com provides instructions on how to properly hold lathe chisels to produce the best product.

Tool posts or holders

A tool post is an accessory for lathes that holds the working tool in place while the lathe is running. These are available in a number of sizes and strengths to work with variable speeds.

I recommend: Fox Valley Technical College provides an overview of some common tool posts for lathes.