Lathe Basics - WOOD magazine

Whether you're new to the lathe or just need a refresher course, WOOD magazine's Craig Ruegsegger covers the basic operation of this machine. Learn not only the proper technique to using a lathe, but the terminology associated with it. These are the building blocks to mastering the tool for safety and accuracy.

[pnluther]

To the point - clear, concise and well done. Thank you.

[jimfouche]

This is one of the best introductory discussions and video for the beginner on the wood lathe. Very clear, concise explanations of basic concepts of wood turning and a very succinct discussion on safely engaging the tools to the stock. Great video - thank you.

[anepictree]

Thanks, this is the clearest video I have seen for someone like me who wants to start - I have not seen any clip that shows what a four jaw chuck is, how it works and explains so simply the parts fo a lathe! thanks for this

[demitriastevara]

the first 10 seconds of the video explain it all, i instantly get the idea of how a lathe machine works just by seeing the finished model and the machine... and a little bit imagination putting all the pieces together, thanks Craig.

[dustinkeller]

Thank you for this no nonsense introduction to the lathe. I feel confident enough to start playing around with it in a safe manner. All the best to you

[youruncoolniece]

Calling a hammer an “impact device” is incredibly helpful. As a beginner it isn’t immediately apparent if it is okay to hit it with anything (an ‘impact device’) or if there is a reason for using a specific tool like a hammer. Very frustrating if someone makes it sound as if a particular tool is needed and then you realize anything works. The opposite is true too — I have several scars on my left hand from taking the incorrect approach of “the instructor says use x tool, but obviously I can use anything!” 7:56

[brgovender]

Just love this video. I'm a beginner. Learnt so much of important information about the lathe and tools. Thanks for sharing.

[Practicingpreparedness]

Thank you, just bought my first lathe, used, I’ve been trying to figure out what parts I need, and basic but critical information, out of days of binge watching everything I can find, this is the very best video for someone brand new to this ❤

[teresamesa]

just got my first lathe and this helped out a lot! thank you!

[dianayates]

Excellent video. Well paced and organized . Your work space is clean and not cluttered. I will watch this several times before my beginners class. Thank you !

[AnimalBlundetto]

perfect for making wands of varying utility

[martingsilva]

Thanks for the beginner on the wood lathe video . Great video - thank you.

[youruncoolniece]

Thank you for this informative demonstration! What a great machine tool. I love how the wood lathe is mechanically simple. It is so much better than a machine tool that requires you to push a button to make the rotation faster or slower. If the button stops working, trouble shooting why and fixing it is too time-consuming to figure out for most people, including me. The ease of sanding with the lathe is what got me. 7:56 I’ve done a fairly small amount of woodworking, but only with hand tools and with hand held sheets of sandpaper. Sanding the wood so it is smooth for even a project like a small wooden bowl is very labor intensive because you have to apply pressure down on the sandpaper while you sand. I wonder if you can use most or all hand tools with the lathe? The hand tools used with the lathe in this video look like much bigger versions of some of the hand tools that I’m familiar with. Thank you again! ❤

Very informative video. I just bought this particular lathe and plan to use it with resin projects.

[paulshaw]

Thank you very much, I liked it a lot. I'm looking for something for beginners, to make bowls cups etc .
I need to learn

[brainsmith]

Thank you for your time, you’ve been very helpful

[mr.slippyfist]

This video was great, I've been wanting to try this for a while but couldn't find a video that makes sense and is truly helpful! Thank you for posting

[Adrak-Hiano]

Thx for the video, I got to work right away and did NOT end up with a wood piece lodged in my forehead x) even though I started with a rock hard 200 year old oak piece instead of a softer piece like any normal person would haha

[VivaceWand]

I loved how he called the hammer an Impact Device. I laughed a little :-D

[heartsrk]

How do you make sure your tool rest is parallel to the blank?