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5. Intended Use of the Lathe
& Basic Woodturning Instructions
Intended Use of the Lathe
This lathe is designed for turning wood between centres or on the
headstock (using appropriate accessories), for sanding and applying finishes
to wood. It is not to be used for any other purpose. Doing so will invalidate
the warranty and may cause serious harm to the user.
Health & Safety
Please read the health and safety instructions contained in this manual
and the specific health and safety instructions relating to woodturning.
In addition, it is recommended to ensure your work area is adequately
equipped with dust extraction and air filtration equipment.
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Respiratory equipment should also be used to greatly reduce lung exposure
to harmful fine dust. Always establish the properties of the timber being
turned and take extra care when working with harmful and
carcinogenic materials.
Eye protection must always be worn. Due to the nature of woodturning,
shavings, dust and splinters can be thrown at fast speeds, making adequate
eye protection essential.
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Mounting Timber to a Faceplate or Chuck
Before mounting the workpiece to a faceplate or chuck (not supplied), it is
advisable to shape the timber into as cylindrical a profile as possible, see
fig 8.1. Turning unbalanced timber increases lathe vibration, the risk of
it being thrown from the lathe, increased risk of chisel dig in and makes
correct positioning of the tool rest difficult due to variable distances.
Mounting Timber Between Centres
When turning between centres, it is essential to correctly and securely
mount the timber so as to reduce the risk of it being thrown from the lathe.
It is also essential to mount the timber as centrally as possible. This will
reduce the amount of roughing out needed and also maximise the possible
diameter of the final piece.
1. Using a square or rectangular profile blank, draw two lines, one from
each opposing diagonal corner to the other, at each end of the blank. The
point where the lines intersect indicates the centre of the blank. See fig
8.2. If using irregular shaped timber, a centre finder is an invaluable tool.
2. Take the four prong centre supplied with the lathe and place its point
directly on to the centre point of one end of the blank. Using a soft mallet
(of either plastic, rubber or wood) tap the four prong centre with reasonable
force until it bites into the timber. See fig 8.3.
3. Carefully place the four prong centre into the headstock spindle of
the lathe, fig 8.4, and ensure that it is correctly seated in the spindle by
tapping it firmly into place with a mallet.
4. Slide the tailstock up the bed until the tailstock centre is almost touching
the other end of the blank. Lock the tailstock in position and use the hand
wheel to extend the tailstock centre until it grips the blank firmly at the
centre point. See fig 8.5. Then use the tailstock locking handle the secure
the position. The blank is now successfully mounted and ready to be turned.
Positioning the Tool Rest
It is extremely important to ensure the tool rest is correctly positioned
before turning on the lathe. Place the tool rest close to the timber, allowing
enough room to manoeuvre the chisel with ease. Spin the timber by hand
to ensure it does not come into contact with the tool rest. If the lathe is
started without checking this and the timber hits the tool rest, there is a risk
the timber could be thrown from the lathe and cause injury. Never attempt
to reposition the tool rest while the lathe is in motion.
Tool rest height is also important and varies depending on the chisel
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Fig.8.1
Fig.8.2
Fig.8.3
Fig.8.4
Fig.8.5
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