VIDEO: Using a Small Lathe Properly

A small lathe is a versatile machine tool that any hobby mechanic can use. But small lathes are also used in the professional sector. The way it works is identical to that of a large lathe.

The following work can be carried out with a small lathe

• A small lathe allows you to do basically the same job as a large lathe. The difference, of course, is that only smaller workpieces can be machined.
• You can turn off metal or turn out bushings with a small lathe. Of course you can also face turning. Facing refers to the removal of unevenness on surfaces, such as the turning of brake discs.
• If the small lathe is a lead screw machine, you can even turn threads with it. To do this, however, the required change gears are required.
• If you have a drill chuck for the tailstock, you can also drill precisely centered holes using a small lathe.


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• Taper turning is also possible thanks to an adjustable top slide. Taper turning is the conical turning of workpieces.

How to work with a lathe

• The most important thing when working with a lathe is clamping the workpiece. It is clamped in the lathe chuck. Care must be taken that the workpiece does not hit. That means it has to rotate very evenly.
• The corresponding turning tool must then be clamped into the clamping device on the top slide. You have to clamp it in such a way that it lies exactly in the middle of the workpiece. You may have to compensate for the height with small pieces of sheet metal.
• A so-called roughing chisel is first used for rough turning. This means that a large amount of chips can be removed. The surface becomes quite rough as a result. You should therefore turn off the last tenths of a millimeter with a finishing chisel.

Useful accessories for a small lathe

• In any case, you should get a full set of turning tools. This usually includes roughing chisels, finishing chisels, internal chisels, separating chisels and thread chisels.
• You should also get a drill chuck for the tailstock. Sometimes it is enough to buy a conventional drill chuck for a drill. You can turn off the corresponding cone for the mounting yourself with the small lathe.
• A steady rest is also recommended for machining longer workpieces. A steady rest is an additional clamping device that is mounted on the lathe bed. This avoids hitting long workpieces.