Intro to Metal Lathe

T he metal lathe is capable of shaving off small amounts of metal mainly to create round or cylindrical objects. With this machine many things can be produced: handles, pistons, pens, hardware, tools, crafts, machine parts, and so much more.

T his class will cover the essentials for operating the metal lathe available at Port City Makerspace. You can find the agenda below:

1) Safety!

• Spinning/rotating parts. Always wear safety glasses. Never wear loose clothing around a lathe. NEVER leave the chuck key in the chuck!
• Beware of flying chips, hot chips sharp chips, and oil
• Cleaning up when you are done

2) Parts of the Metal Lathe

• Headstock
• Tailstock
• Chucks and Faceplates
• Carriage
• Cross slide
• Compound swivel
• Tool post

3) Operation of the Metal Lathe

• Setting up material
• Establishing cutting tool height
• Feeds and speeds
• Using live centers, dead centers, and drill chucks
• Knurling
• Change gears and thread cutting
• Quick rundown on math, dealing with one-thousandths of an inch (.001")
• Dials for calculating dimensional cutting

4) Cutting material

• Selection of cutting tool for facing, parting and boring
• Drilling/boring
• Use of dials for measuring cutting and drilling depths

This class needs a minimum of 3 attendees to run

Open to ages 18 and up

Instructor: Craig Merrow

Instructor Bio: Craig spent his career in the metal trades. Working as a machinist at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Masks are encouraged.

If you are sick or think you may have been exposed recently, please don't come!

Registration closes 3 days before event.

Attendees can receive refunds up to 7 days before your event start date.

Active members receive 25% off using their discount code or Member Discount ticket.