Power Tools 100: Introduction to the Lathe

This 3hr "Lathe Basics" class covers safety, parts of a lathe & how to shop for a lathe, then you turn a basic spindle with beads & coves. Power Tools 100: Introduction to the Lathe Discover the fundamentals of woodturning in this 3-hour introductory class. This course provides essential knowledge and hands-on experience for safe and confident operation of the lathe, giving students a solid basic understanding of this versatile woodshop tool. What You'll Learn: Safety protocols and best practices at the lathe Lathe anatomy and key components Understanding three turning orientations: • Spindle turning • Cross-grain turning • End-grain turning Work-holding accessories and their applications: • Spur drive • Chuck and jaws • Faceplate • Mandrel • Jacobs chuck • Live center Differences between HSS (high-speed steel) and carbide tools Hands-On Skills: • Roughing a spindle blank with a square-tip carbide tool • Roughing a spindle blank with a HSS roughing gouge • Creating coves with a round-tip carbide tool • Creating coves with a HSS gouge • Using a carbide detailer for fine details • Using a HSS beading tool for decorative elements • Sharpening options to maintain tool performance This introductory class will give you the foundational skills and confidence to begin exploring woodturning on your own. Prerequisites: None Duration: 3 hours Materials: All tools and materials provided