Large diameter holes that require precise and accurate alignment such as stern and rudder tubes can be best be cut using a boring lathe or boring bar. They are ideal for the job as it can be difficult to bore such holes. Usually, it is not easy to see the processing surface as the scraps are kept in the hole during cutting. This also prevents obtaining a surface with the correct roughness. Such problems are eliminated by a using a lathe.

Setting Up The Wood Lathe: Considerations

Once a wood lathe has come into the woodworking shop there are a few things to consider as far as setting it up for work. It will likely be in use a fair amount of the time and the enjoyment of the tool will depend on the setup and installation. Here are six things to work on to make the craft more efficient and enjoyable.

Setting Up a Mini Lathe

A great advantage of the mini-lathe is that it can easily be moved by one person. Larger lathes generally require a fork-lift, shop crane or some other means, plus 2-3 people to move them. The following photos illustrate proper and improper technique for moving heavy objects.

When the wood lathe moves into the woodworking shop or when a new shop is set up around the lathe itself, lighting is a big consideration. Like most stationary tools, wood lathes are heavy, powerful and dangerous. This is only aggravated by poor lighting. With the alternatives offered to day, adequate lighting is inexpensive and easy to acquire.

Setting Up The Wood Lathe: Clearing the Shavings

One of the great problems of turning wood as well as other types of woodworking is the difficulty of disposing of large amounts of dust and shavings. This is of course aggravated if the workshop is in the basement of another area of the house, as are many workshops of amateur wood turners. Some thought is given here to the reduction of the shavings while dust will be considered in future articles.