PRACTICAL

EXERCISES AND
PROJECTS USING
LATHE
Simene, Mabao, Motlog, Amantiad, Agarrao,
Tapongot
Lathe Machine Practices

■ Once you’ve got your metal lathe set up in your home shop, it can be
daunting deciding what projects to tackle first.
■ This is a powerful machine after all. There’s plenty of scope and the
learning curve does not have to be inordinately steep.
■ With these 5 following projects you will be able to practice some of
the fundamental skills of metal lathe work, without going through the
frustration of lack-lustre results.
■ That being said, even if your first attempts to go a little awry – one of
the best ways to learn is through your mistakes.
Metal Mallet / Hammer

■ The metal mallet is a great first project for newbie lathe operators.
■ The first part should prove no real issues. The head of the mallet can
be created simply; you need to create a smooth finish and flat end on
both sides of the metal.
■ Working the handle is more complicated.
Using the knurling tool

■ You will also get a chance to use the knurling tool when working on a
metal mallet project. This to create the grip pattern on the handle.
The overall effect leading to a more professional finish.
Metal Rings

■ Metal rings are another great project that any beginner metal lathe
worker should be able to complete.
■ A whole range of scrap metal peices can be worked into rings, (even
nuts and bolts), which is another good reason a ring project is a good
one to practice your lathe skills on.
■ Soft metals such as brass are easier to work on however.
Metal/Brass Candlestick Holders

■ Candlestick holders are slightly more complicated than our first two
projects, however they are still suitable for beginners.
■ Select a small piece of metal that measures a little wider than the size
of the candles that you wish to mount.
■ Once you have the measurments of the candle you can than bore out
the necessary opening for the candle to rest in place.
■ The rest of the project can then be an experiment of rounding out the
base, and adding any decorative details.
A Machinist’s Scribe

■ A slightly more intricate project now that will help practice your
knurling skills.
■ Make a small machinist’s scribe out of a piece of aluminum. It will be
fiddly as the scribe should have 3 parts that fit together seamlessly.
■ Check out the video to see what we mean.
■ Acheive good results with this and you will be well on your way to
knowing how to properly use a metal lathe.
Replica Metal Bullets

■ Making bullets is one of the most popular beginner projects out there.
■ It is one of the easiest processes for beginner lathe operators, and essentially the
results are pretty cool too.
■ Making replica bullets also provides an opportunity to understand how your lathe
spins. You will need to focus on shaping different patterns on a small scale.
■ However, larger bullet casings can be tackled; the choice is up to you.
■ The best way to start is to find an image of a bullet you would like to copy. You
then use the lathe to replicate the shape as close as you can.
■ The great thing about bullets is that you literally use the project as a way of
practicing your operating skills. There is no great loss if you muck anything up