Power Tools 100: Introduction to the Lathe

Power Tools 100: Introduction to the Lathe

Discover the fundamentals of woodturning in this 3-hour introductory class. This course provides essential knowledge and hands-on experience for safe and confident operation of the lathe, giving students a solid basic understanding of this versatile woodshop tool.

What You'll Learn:

Safety protocols and best practices at the lathe

Lathe anatomy and key components

Understanding three turning orientations:

• Spindle turning
• Cross-grain turning
• End-grain turning

Work-holding accessories and their applications:

• Spur drive
• Chuck and jaws
• Faceplate
• Mandrel
• Jacobs chuck
• Live center

Differences between HSS (high-speed steel) and carbide tools

Hands-On Skills:

• Roughing a spindle blank with a square-tip carbide tool
• Roughing a spindle blank with a HSS roughing gouge
• Creating coves with a round-tip carbide tool
• Creating coves with a HSS gouge
• Using a carbide detailer for fine details
• Using a HSS beading tool for decorative elements
• Sharpening options to maintain tool performance

This introductory class will give you the foundational skills and confidence to begin exploring woodturning on your own.

Prerequisites: None
Duration: 3 hours
Materials: All tools and materials provided