The Lathe20

The Lathe

It isn't very often that industrial machinery projects the feeling of creativity. In the case of a machine called the lathe that simply isn't true! Lathes are used to create many different and beautiful objects made out of wood, metal, glass and even plastic. They are useful for everyday functions such as factory use as well as creative uses.

The first type of lathe and the oldest is the wood lathe. They are actually the base models for all other types of lathes. The lathe accommodates the correct positioning for all the necessary wood shaping tools through the use of a horizontal metal rail. These tools are usually hand held so the wood lathe allows you to shape the wood hands free. This hands free function also allows you to run sandpaper along the surface of your creation just as you would if you weren't using the machinery. Other types of lathes used for wood can be used for the making of plates and bowls and they do not have a metal rail and is instead held by a metal faceplate.

The metal lathe is a much more complicated form of lathes. A piece of metal is placed within the machine and is shaped with a hardened cutting tool that is fixed to a moveable mounting plate. This plate is called a tool post, and it moves against the metal with hand wheels. Roughing and finishing cuts are produced when the piece is turned. When the piece of metal is being carved into the desired shape it may become too warm, even hot. If this happens when using it you can use cutting fluid in order to cool it down. The metal variety is commonly used in the work force and hobby shops. The mini lathe is another type of the lathe that is used in hobby shops.

If you are looking for something a bit smaller and less industrial the mini lathe is probably the lathe for you. They are quite inexpensive only costing three hundred to five hundred dollars. They are best suited for hobbyists, model makers and inventors since they are small enough to fit in your home. They are essentially a miniature model of a metal lathe in design and function. The mini can shape anything that larger lathes can shape including metal, wood and plastic. Just like its larger counterparts this lathe is a great way to make many different creations no matter what the artist's passion.