How to Use a Wood Lathe (Wood Lathe Basics)

If you’re just starting to learn how to use a lathe, there are a lot of different aspects that go into using one properly. You can most definitely be a self-taught woodworker on the lathe but it’s good to know the basics of how to properly use a lathe.

There are so many different things you can make or work towards and most of them require varying levels of skill. Whether you want to be able to create intricate chess pieces, you want to turn bowls, or you’re just looking for a fun hobby, we’ve got you covered!

In this guide, we will share with you some wood lathe basics. Much like this quick YouTube video, these basics are designed with simple instructions for how to use a wood lathe. Our goal is not necessarily to make you an expert today but to give you the information you need to be able to safely handle a lathe and get started on your next project.

Let’s take a look!

Understanding the Basic Components of a Wood Lathe

First things first. You need to have a basic understanding of the tool you are working with. If you’re new to working with a lathe, this is the best place to start. There are some basic things to know to operate a lathe safely.

In order to truly understand the operations of a lathe, you should understand how the various parts work to operate the lathe so you can get to work.

The Motor

The motor is the centerpiece of every lathe. This is where the power comes from to turn your lathe so that you can work. If you don’t have power, you have no wood turning, right? With that in mind, you also need to know the motor will provide enough power for the task at hand.

You will find a broad range of motors and they will also vary greatly depending on the size of the lathe. For example, a mini lathe might only offer about 1/2 HP but that is typically sufficient for that size of lathe.

A full-sized lathe should offer more like 2 HP to really be able to power such a large and mighty machine. Again, you will see a broad range here. The goal is to be sure the motor is powerful enough for the speeds you need and the size of the lathe itself. It doesn’t hurt to do a bit of research before you purchase a lathe as well.

The motor is almost always placed on the left end of a lathe. This area is also commonly referred to as the headstock of the lathe. The motor might be open beneath the headstock or it might actually be inside of the headstock. We will talk more about the headstock shortly.

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Speed & Power

As we mentioned earlier, the motor is what gives you the speed and the power to turn your wood. You will need to be able to change speeds for your project. You might have a variable speed that lets you 100% adjust as you wish or you might just have a few different speed settings to choose from.

A good lathe will have a good range of speeds so you can control the speed based on your project needs. You should see a broad range like perhaps 350 to 2,500 RPM. The RPM stands for rotations per minute and you will find this is important for your wood.

There isn’t an exact science here but be sure you have a good range of speed options and that your motor is powerful enough to handle the high speeds.

Headstock/Tailstock

Headstock and tailstock are two terms you will definitely become familiar with here. Remember that the headstock is on the left, with the motor. The headstock is responsible for powering the spindle based on your speed setting.

Then, there is the tailstock. This is on the opposite end of the lathe so you have a head and a tail. The tailstock can often be moved around and adjusted so that it fits your project at the time.

Ultimately, the combination of the headstock and tailstock controls your spindle and keeps it held centrally to your project. This makes the spindle rotate evenly for your project. Adjustments can be made and the tailstock can also be locked into place as well.

Tool Rests

Some lathes have several tool rests, some have interchangeable tool rests, and some don’t even have a tool rest. However, if you have the option, we definitely recommend a tool rest. This is a little piece that juts up from the base of the lathe and can be adjusted.

The tool rests literally act as a rest or a base for you to rest your tool while you work. This is super important and it is also a safety element of the lathe so you don’t accidentally get your fingers in the wrong place while you work.

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How to Use a Wood Lathe

You’re familiar now with the basic components. While this is not the entire lathe, it gives you the basic build of the lathe. Some parts can be adjusted and changed and you can also add in things like faceplates or jaw chucks as well. However, right now, we’re sticking to the basics.

Now, when you read our step that says “do this to the tailstock” you will understand what part of the lathe that is.

There are several parts to using a wood lathe. Before you get started, you need to set up the lathe for use. Then, you actually work on your project from there. So, let’s break it down.

Preparing the Lathe

You need to prepare the lathe to handle your project before you get started. There will be settings and adjustments to prepare so the lathe is set up to handle the specific project you are working on.

This set up process should happen every single time you use the lathe and it could very well change depending on your project as well.

To prepare the lathe, be sure the power is turned off for safety purposes. The setup process includes gathering and preparing your tools for the task as well. This helps you to have the proper tools handy so you don’t accidentally use the wrong tool at the wrong time.

You also need to make sure that your tools are properly sharpened before you get started. If they are dull, they could lead to issues or even potentially damage your project. If they aren’t sharp, take the time to sharpen them up.

Regardless of whether you are working with tool bits or perhaps a blade, it all needs to be sharp before you get started.

You need to set up the tool rest to the proper angle. You will find that 90 degrees is the most common angle you will use but this could also vary depending on your project and what you are doing. You will get a feel for this as you learn and improve your skills but we recommend you start with 90 degrees.

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Putting the Lathe to Work

The lathe is set up and prepared so now it’s time to actually use it, right? Remember that to this point, everything has been a basic overview and you will see the same here. Not to worry though as we still have a lot more information to share about using a wood lathe.

Now is the point where you are going to use your tailstock and put it into the proper position. Positioning the tailstock can be challenging and take a bit of getting used to but you will get it! You want to get the stock above the spindle of the headstock.

You will turn the wheel of the headstock to move it into position. You will also need to check and be sure that your tailstock is tight once it has been positioned. This will help to keep it in place so that it doesn’t come loose in the middle of your project.

There have been incidents in which a tailstock has actually come off of the lathe and gone flying. This is not safe and you could get hit by a fast flying object, so just take the time to make sure your tailstock is tight and secure.

Move your tool rest into position, adjusting it so that it is perfectly in line with your tailstock. You should have a gap of right around 3/4 of an inch between the tool rest and the stock or item you will be working on. The tool rest should never hit or be touching the wood.

When you power up the lathe, start it out at a very low speed. Once you get a feel for speeds and how they work for you, you can instantly turn the lathe on to the speed you need for your project but for now, take it slow.

If you’re ever unsure about what speed you need for a project, take a quick moment to find an instructional or guide for making something and review the recommended speeds. Again, while you are learning how to use the wood lathe, always start slow, and then you can adjust from there as you get comfortable.

When you’re ready, place your bit on the tool rest and start pressing into the wood. You will be met with resistance so keep a firm grasp on your tool and be prepared for that. It is the combination of the turning and the resistance that will form the wood for you.

You will most definitely see bits of wood falling off as you go. It will be necessary to move your tool over the surface from end to end of your spinning project. You also may need to adjust the directions of your bit so that you are making cuts for a smooth and even surface as you go.

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Choosing the Right Tool for a Wood Lathe Project

Now that you understand the basics of using a wood lathe, let’s talk about how you can choose the right tool to work with your lathe. Here are some of the most common tools you will use.

• Gouges
• Parting tools
• Chisels
• Hollowing tools

Gouges

Gouges are perhaps one of the most common tools used with a lathe and they are typically used as the name would suggest – for gouging. These make long deep cuts but there are several different types of gouges as well.

Gouges include options like a bowl gouge, spindle gouge, and grind bowl gouge. They are most commonly used for bowl making but they can serve other purposes as well. The gouge always has a specific edge and the edge is designed for cutting.

The edges on a gouge have unique or specific shapes to them so that they can be used to make very particular cuts for your projects. The bowl gouge is a must if you plan to get into bowl turning for your wood lathe projects.

Parting Tools

Parting tools are another common piece and they are typically used for finishing purposes. They truly are designed for parting so in the end, you will use the parting tool to separate your finely tuned piece from any type of remaining waste material.

This tool is used particularly for items that you create a mortise for. They are made very thin so they can easily get into tight places as well.

Chisels

Chisels, or bits, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You should plan to have a good variety of chisels on hand. You will use the chisels for the majority of work you do on the lathe, particularly on the exterior of a project.

If you’re turning bowls, a chisel or bit will be used to shape and form the exterior of the bowl before you use a gouge to create the interior of the bowl.

We recommend getting a set of chisels so that you have an assortment of sizes and pieces to choose from and you can be prepared for any project or need.

Hollowing Tools

Hollowing tools are much like bowl gouges but they are very particular and typically used for smaller projects or for the finishing touches when hollowing out an item. These help you hollow out a piece and smooth out the edges while you work.

You might even decide to use a gouge for the primary hollowing and then finish the interior of something like a bowl with a hollowing tool.

Always Read Your Manual

It is important that you familiarize yourself with your owner’s manual before you start using your lathe. Remember that every lathe is created and operated differently. Your manual will have instructions for adjustments and parts that are specific to the lathe you are using.

This is an essential step and it’s optimal not only for a successful project but also for the safety of you and your project while you work. Reading the manual familiarizes you with any quirks and details that you really should know before you start operating a lathe.

These manuals are designed to share pertinent safety information as well as basic steps for adjustments and operations of the lathe and it is the best way to be informed. While we can give you generic steps for using a wood lathe, we can’t tell you the specifics of your lathe. It’s up to you to read the owner’s manual.

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Choose Your Wood Wisely

Another important element of using a wood lathe is to choose the wood carefully. Some types of wood are far easier to work than others. You want quality wood but you also will want wood that is easy to work with as you’re getting started.

As you improve and perfect your skills, you can try new types of wood to challenge yourself and build on your skills further. However, while you’re getting started, we recommend choosing a semi-soft wood to learn the basics. You can try something like yellow pine or balsam fir as you start out.

We also recommend that you avoid split wood or wood that has knots in it as this will not help you. These types of wood can split or even break free from your lathe and lead to safety problems and a ruined project.

Conclusion

Now that you know the basic concepts, it’s time to put your lathe to the test. If you carefully follow these steps and learn the proper procedures for your lathe, you will be an expert in no time!

What will you make first?

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