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.

Intro to Metal Lathe