Intro to the Metal Lathe

If you are interested in machining and metal fabrication, this class is for you! Learn how to operate the iconic South Bend 9A lathe. It will provide a great starting point to your machining journey. By the end of the class, you will be prepared to take the tool test to use the lathe independently.

• Safety - machine shop & lathe specific
• Lubrication procedure
• Basic turning theory and overview of types of tools
• Calculating and setting proper spindle speeds
• Setup tools, tool holders, and tool post for correct height and angle.
• Basic turning and facing operations
• Basic tailstock operations (drilling, live center)
• Basic work holding w/3 jaw chuck and/or 5C collets
• Understanding backlash and zeroing dials
• Basic turning to outside diameter dimension and length
• Power feed operation
• Introduction to parting off
• Cleanup procedure

Metal Lathe beginners and folks who are curious about Artisans Asylum's Machine Shop. Students who are 18 years or older.

• Aluminum round bar stock
• 1 HSS lathe tool
• Access to A2's Metal Shop for the duration of the session

David started his making journey as soon as he could hold a hammer. He is one of the Machine Shop repair volunteers and tool nerd. His training includes high school voc ed classes, university engineering classes, mentorship from Pat Warner and a few machinists. His teaching approach focuses on guiding students through the entire process from design and layout to machining parts.