What are lathes used for?
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| Woodturning chisels are used to cut and shape a piece of wood that is turned on a lathe. On a lathe, two types of wood turning can be performed: spindle turning and faceplate turning. | ||
| There are several different types of wood lathes and each one has a specific application. For more information see What are the types of turning tools for wood? | |
Spindle turning | ||
 | Spindle turning usually involves turning a cylindrical object on a wood lathe. | |
 | The workpiece is installed between the front and rear tailstocks of the machine. After clamping and centering, the workpiece is rotated at high speed and machined with a turning tool. | |
 | Some common spindle turning projects include: pens, pencils, candle holders, bottle caps, table legs, pepper mills, balusters, wands, and chess pieces. | |
Faceplate turning | ||
 | This type of turning involves the use of a faceplate to which you attach a piece of wood (blank) with a few screws. | |
 | In turn, the faceplate is attached to the spindle of the headstock of the lathe through a chuck. | |
 | After clamping, the workpiece is rotated at high speed and machined with a turning tool. | |
 | Some common faceplate turning projects are bowls, plates, dishes, urns, vases, cups, goblets, and various other hollow shapes. | |
| The images on this page are used with the kind permission of Brian Clifford at www.turningtools.co.uk. | ||
