How to Use a Metal Lathe - Kevin Caron
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ค. 2015
- From www.kevincaron.com - Artist Kevin Caron gives a tour of his metal lathe and then turns it on ... (don't miss the special guest at the end!)
A viewer had asked Caron for basic information about his lathe so he knows where to start.
Caron's lathe is an old Sheldon toolroom lathe from the 1940s. There's a tag on the side that says "War Finish" by military order, which probably explains why it's battleship gray. He figures it served in World War II.
It's a decent sized lathe with good horsepower - enough to turn anything Caron will need it for.
He shows you the on / off switch, which is located on the back of the machine. Rotating it forward turns the spindle one way, and backward turns it the other way for, say, polishing.
Caron shows the chuck that holds the metal to be turned. The one in the lathe is a three-jaw chuck, and it's auto-scroll, so when you turn the key in any adjusting hole, all three jaws adjust. He also has a big four-jaw chuck in which each of the jaws moves independently so you can use it to center odd-sized pieces.
Next he shows the lathe's bed and its rails, which the carriage moves back and forth on. The apron also moves back and forth from the front of the machine to the back of the machine. It holds the tool holder. The tool holder has set screws to hold the part that holds the cutting insert. There's an adjustment wheel that moves it up and down so you're not too high or too low on your metal stock.
This particular lathe is set up for threading, so it can turn threads and make big nuts and bolts. There's also a speed adjustment chart for the feed screw that moves the carriage back and forth as you're putting threads in.
There are additional threading controls and a control to engage a different set of gears inside the gear train to slow everything way down so your stock is just barely turning as you cut your threads. There's also a lever to set the direction of the feed screw.
On the back side of the machine is a tailstock that holds the end of your piece of metal that isn't held in the chuck. If you working with a long piece of metal, you don't want it wobbling around at the far end. So you slide the tailstock against the metal to keep it centered and tighten the set nut to lock it down. Then you have an adjustment wheel to tighten the live center.
It's called a live center because it turns - it has a bushing inside of it. So when your stock is turning, the live center is turning, too. There is also a static or dead center that does not turn.
Now it's time to turn some steel!
Basic safety applies. Put on safety glasses, but don't wear gloves - you don't want anything getting caught in the moving parts, so no loose shirts, either. With the parts whirring around, if something gets caught, you'll get jerked right down into the machine. "Danger, danger, danger," says Caron.
You can cut back and forth either direction. It depends upon how you have your cutting insert set. You want to cut on the edge of the insert, not on the point, so you don't cut grooves, like in a record.
Now it's time to make some chips! You can feed by hand or use the automatic feed. To use the auto feed, just flip down a lever, and the machine will feed by itself. You can tweak the speed with two different adjustments.
Looking at the metal, Caron shows where he was handfeeding, then stopped. Then you can see the shiny, smooth surface where the autofeed kicked in, and finally where he made a coarse adjustment and it started to speed up and cut grooves, which is basically just cutting threads.
So that's a basic metal lathe set up. If you're thinking of buying a lathe, you can look for a good old one, but do your homework first. Or you can buy a small new one for a little more money. There also are tabletop lathes for turning small parts that aren't too expensive that are fun to play with.
Speaking of playing, Caron's ready to get back to it, which means you have time to subscribe to this channel and to head out to www.kevincaron.com to see more how-to videos.
Before you do, DEFINITELY don't miss the special guest at the end of the video .....
"Inspired sculpture for public & private places."
Artist Kevin Caron has been sculpting full time since 2006. You can see his more than 45 commissions in public and private places coast-to-coast and online at www.kevincaron.com.
Please follow me!
Twitter: / kevincaronart
Facebook:
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Crazy how quiet a lathe made 75 years ago is. Would love to have one of those. I really like the authentic and old-school method.
You and me both! My brother has a wood lathe and when he heard mine he was really amazed! Thanks for watching and posting.
If they are making lots of noise, there is a problem. Even more so if the gear trains are disconnected. With just the spindle turning about the only thing that you should hear is the belt that runs from the motor or drive system to the spindle
It’s crazy that I know how strong these machines are, but never truly fathomed until I saw some guy get caught in it, whipped around like a rag doll and turned to chunks within seconds.
Some really scary videos out there!
@@KevincaronSculpture YES
thats why i am here now too lol also the old technology is amazing, such a interesting video
That’s exactly why I’m here just watched the video… I’m not sleeping
I didn’t know what a metal lathe was until I watched the video of the Russian worker. I’m used to watching gory stuff but that video traumatized me. These machines are so powerful.
Greetings from the UK! I’m a first year engineering student, and I have an assignment coming up. I need to learn the basics of lathes, and this video gave a really good introduction to them. Thanks for making the video!
Best of luck!
I guess i can learn as well
First year Industrial Millwright Mechanic apprentice and this was extremely helpful. We have an ancient LeBlonde lathe in our shop. It's so used that all the dials almost have the increments worn smooth. I had to make a gap spacer for a paddle in a big mixer the other week and this was good to watch beforehand.
Glad it was helpful!
I like the fact he mentioned the safety as well. I know it's common sense but nobody uses it anymore
thats what i came for, im doing work for college engineering and need to do research on how to use a lathe safely so it was very helpful
@@kamie993 there’s a recent video of a Russian dude turning into shredded meat using this machine.
@@bicboi46 ooh link
Exactly why I'm here. Stumbled upon the video on Facebook and was horrified by how dangerous these machines are.. call me a bitch but I'm not ever goin near no fucking lathe ever.
@@banginbadger75 Have a healthy respect for how quickly that machine can kill you.
Use common sense. Short sleeves and no loose fitting clothes at all. Wedding ring, watch, necklace, etc get put in your toolbox when you're working.
Life is not safe. Anyone that tells you they've come up with a way to go through life with no risks is a liar.
I don't wear any jewelry ever. I have a buddy that doesn't have a ring finger. He jumped off a stake box truck and caught his wedding band on a loose fastener. Tore his finger right off. His finger and his ring were laying on the planks of the truck bed.
wow i haven't used a lathe in over 40 years. its great to see such a old lathe still in use . bravo great video
This is a great machine! I finally had to change the bearings in the motor not to long ago. Was the original motor and wiring. Really fun to use and learn on.
@@KevincaronSculpture its' super nice i used one not so old as yours as part of my. tafe trade skills . . however your is so much older yet it works well thanks for posting
Oh my gosh!..... My wife and I had tears in our eyes from laughter after watching the end. Thanks you made our evening!
well it's a lathe th-cam.com/users/postUgkxN9zrzkkhnjUF5PQbuA_B1gYdsfCu9k6z but it wasn't what i would have anticipated. Headstock, tailstock, carriage apron are manufactured from aluminum now not cast iron. The spindle diameter for the bearings is too small allowing for a few play in the spindle so I am using some blue Loctite to take out the play.
It is a fine little lathe. Still learning new things to do with it.
You inspire me to build stuff, thanks Kevin for all you do.
Very welcome, thank you for watching and posting. Don't forget to stop by my website and see the rest of my work.
You did what you said you would do. Very nice. Thanks for the tour.
production value alone, this is a masterful video. bravo, sir.
Thanks for watching and posting. Please click on an ad or 2 when you get the chance. Helps pay for the videos.
Thank you for making this video, Kevin. It's a great quick introduction for someone who knows little about lathes, just enough info to make a person want to learn more! I do kinetic metal art, and am seeing a real need for a lathe in my shop. It's time to learn as much as I can so that I make a good purchase when the time comes. I took a quick look at your other videos in your list, and there's lots of good info there! Subscribed!
Thanks for joining the club!!
Thank u so much for this video Mr. Caron! I’m a first year metal student and we have one of these, i’ve been able to sorta avoid it for now but it’s been bothering me that i didn’t really know how the basics to operate it were! This video was so helpful and I really appreciate it. ❤️❤️
Glad it was helpful!
thanks kevin - same lathe the high school shop learned us on back in the day...end of semester maintenance was always fun - adjusting the brass gibbs to the ways, lost lathe dogs, etc. at that time carbide insert bit hadnt yet reached many local machine shops although (brazed on) carbide tip bit were prevalent as well as the standby hss cutters - rule of thumb was nothing exceeding about 7 degrees the 'sweep' and 'relief' of the cutter to the face of the work piece on center (material dependent of course - plastic screwdriver handles were introduced as a required term project.) thanks the demonstration.
I subscribed for the fact that you make things simple in your voice.
Thank you, its the only way I know how to think.
Nice job Kevin. Great to see an old lathe working well!
Thanks 👍
thanks buddy! im just learning,.....and im used to doing things by hand for small projects and really need help! i appreciate it!
Thanks for watching and posting!
This video was highly educational for beginners.
Thank you for watching and posting. If you get a chance. please click an ad or 2. It helps pay for the videos.
You have a great and simple way to explain things. Keep up the good videos ! Muz
Thanks, I have fun with my "job"!
Thanks for the informational video Kevin!
Any time!
You are an excellent instructor. Thank you for your videos
You are very welcome!
Thank you for watching and posting.
For the price these machines are still fantastic for starting out. Their also rather soothing to the soul. Slow and methodic.
I can get lost really easy watching the stock go round and round.
War finishes on industrial woodworking machinery typically have castings just minimally and coarsely ground. Machined surfaces such a table tops were left with coarser machining too.
I use an Oliver patternmaker's vise built during WW-II. While the dimensions that determine flawless function are all correct, the appearance of the castings is very crude with sprue and mold marks knocked down just enough that the user is not cut by brushing against them.
This lathe is in better shape than that for sure!
Thanks for explaining the basics to people. I've worked as a welder over 20 years around sophisticated machine shops with ancient and new equipment... but never learned the basics and terminology. Thanks.
Glad to help
Best lathe introductory vid ive seen. Trying to get into metal lathing to make a custom steering stem for my hd to adapt usd forks
Thanks for watching and posting. I learn the best by doing and it's fun to share.
Thank you for making this video it was very helpful
great information, thank you Kevin.
Glad it was helpful!
Enjoyed lesson, I too have a Sheldon, just purchased, but haven't used it yet... Still cleaning it up
Been a great machine so far. Still learning my way for sure.
I know it’s an old video, but thanks for this! Nice introduction to turning.
You're welcome! Thank you for watching and posting.
I spent 9 years one on one with my dad in our own shop to learn the tool and die trade while also attending 4 years of classes through the NTMA Nation Tool and Machining Association. It was very challenging… now after 43 years I’m still in the shop “cranking the handles” designing and building anything I can conceive. I have what dad called “the knack”..didn’t think I would ever attain that stature.. my point being this 7 minute video is great entertainment and certainly informative but this trade can be very dangerous. A little bit of knowledge is dangerous. If you embark on the tool trades get the education from a trained professional. Or else you will burn up a lot of good tools and maybe even lose a finger or an eye. This trade is the most satisfying occupation for me. Mainly since I’m part of 4 generations of tool makers in my family lineage. That makes it even more special. Good luck to anyone that embarks on this very traditional art form..
Point taken and thank you for watching and posting.
hi kevin
thanks for the info all about the Lathe,and yes i do think kermit sounds like yourself.
regards Pat
Loved the ending!!! I was thinking about the same thing lol.:0)
fantastic instructions! great presentation without all of the unnecessary blubub of amatures.
thanks Kevin this is very helpful.
Thanks for your information learning a lot
My pleasure
You are a great teacher kevin
Thank you for watching and posting !
thanks for the video K!
Thanks for watching!
Very interesting video Kevin.
Cool cameo by Kermit.
I hope to take off from work next week and get some welding time in with my AHP.
Scott L Always great to get the time to play..
Thank you! You're a great teacher!
Glad you think so!
please, explain on how the jaws of a self-centering chuck are changed from internal to external jaws, and precautions that must be taken to ensure concentricity.................your help will be grately appreciated
Thanks for the idea.. stay tuned..
Haha! brilliant ending!!
Just found your channel and Subscribed. Nice work
Welcome aboard! Thank you for watching and posting.
Hey man, I dig that Diamond Reo emblem on the wall behind you...
Cool video, too...
Kerry Mullins It is from my grandfathers truck..
Can you do a video about all the different shapes and angles etc of cutting tools? I just got a nice second hand lathe and need to buy some cutting tools and it's a big learning curve to get started when you know nothing :)
Not so much threads as that's more advanced, but for example:
* Facing the end of something
* getting a good surface on a round stock at the right diameter
* cutting a grove with a square/u shape/v shape profile
* making a conical/tapered shape etc
* hollowing out a part (inside cutting)
* parting off a finished item
And basically what shape cutting tools you'd use to do these things, what angles, heights etc you should attack the metal at
I'm an artist too, so it's mainly creative things I'd be using the lathe for so knowing the basics is very helpful!
Great video too. I've subscribed!
Will try to get something together.
For making exhaust flanges for a 2 stroke exhaust pipe....what kind of lathe would be best for that job? thanks
Jean Villar Not sure. I would use the metal lathe that I have but don't know how to make one.. Have to learn as I go..
I have loved the video. Thanks 👍👍👍👍👍
So nice of you
i saw some scary videos of this, so i wanted to learn about it. thank you for the informative video!
Fun machine to work with but it does demand respect! Thanks for watching and posting.
That sheldon is so quiet, Did you lube up the gear train before the video? I noticed you changed the gear box feeds while in motion. Is the Sheldon designed to do that?
I lube the gear box about once a month. Don't use it that hard or often. Some of the functions are change while running and some you have to stop the machine first. Thanks for watching.
Nice video. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
So fun... So much to be made!
It is a fun machine to work with. Thank you for watching and posting.
Hello my friend, I see the microphone escaped the hammer......lol that a beautiful old lathe.
So he was trying to turn it off and he got caught 😢 damn
I'm guessing you're here from the video as well
man 🤦🏾
I’m here from that video to, that shit was so crazy.
Same thing happened to a a good mate of mine.. ripped his arm clean off. Was watching to gain an understanding.
Do some lathes not have a tool height adjustment and shims are used to adjust the tool height?
Also, not all lathes have thread cutting capabilities - correct?
Correct on both counts!
Your lathe machine is very good
Thank you. And older than me!
A well done video, thank you. So many people are machining curios but have never had the chance to actually touch one. You did a good job on explaining the basics.
Also, good job in talking about safety. These machines all have an evil heart and they will sucker you in so that they can eat you.
Thank you for watching and posting. Kind words go far and after today I really needed to hear a few!
Hey Kevin! I have enjoyed your videos. What do you use your metal lathe the most for? Stay healthy my friend.
I turn goblets, bowels and such. Use it to make smaller parts for something else and the most important thing I do with it is make lots of chips and shavings!
My pops got one from a guy on Craigslist just I keep at the shop never have we used it 😂 and now that u stumbled on to this yt vid I’m going to play around with it to see how she works
Very cool! I have a lot of fun making things on the lathe. Mostly I make chips and swirls but every now and again I can make what i started out to.
Good video.
Thank you very much
You are welcome
brilliant
Kevin I am going to look at a Sheldon lathe tomorrow. About all I know to look for is the amount of slop in the feeds. Too much slack it is wore out. And look at the gears and see if teeth are missing. And if the bed is in good shape. The man tells me it is a 1938 with 11 inch swing. 110 one horse power motor. Anything else I need to look at? Thanks Kevin
You got all the high points ! Run it if you can . Listen to how it sounds. No grinding , no struggling to turn. Make sure feed works in both directions. Make sure motor runs in both directions . Should be a great old machine! Good luck!
@@KevincaronSculpture thanks for the info. I sure wish that you would do a video about lathe maintenance. I really don’t know much about a lathe. Kind of a beginner type video. The man is asking $400.00 for the Sheldon lathe. I don’t see how a person could get hurt on it if it is anything at all for that price. If I buy it I may ask you some questions if that is ok. Thanks again.
Good one! Not easy being, well, Kevin, huh? Actually, another excellent video teaching us a little something... Thanks guys! Sheldon... I may have mentioned that Sheldon is my mother's maiden name...
Charles Struble No way!!! It's a great old machine... been fun learning how to use it..
great!
So how do you know what has to be oiled or not when it is being cut?
On the machine is a data tag that shows all the lube points and how often. It is almost impossible to read from wear. So I just lube everything every few hours of use.
wonderful. superb
Thank you! Cheers!
What is the minimum lathe needed to make a exhaust flange? (2 stroke) thanks!
Jean Villar Try this one. www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G8688-Metal-Lathe-12-Inch/dp/B0000DCZ7D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437839495&sr=8-1&keywords=Small+Metal+Lathe
Thanks Kevin!
How do you place your tool What's the best angle for your tool
I will change the angle of the cutting tool several times while I am working. All depends on the cut I am making.
hey Kevin, Did you break your Microphone?, it is only recording in Mono.
Old mic, old video. Much better now.
How much does this weigh and what kind of price would this lathe be?
no idea on the weight and i paid $2500 for it used.
the reason i want to maybe get a small one, is a 1891 weltrecord german antique ratchet screwdriver, i cant find one to restore. so why not remake it. and it would take a metal lathe to do so. and knowing how to work the lathe. but i also need a breech for the ratchet part.
So much to learn about this machine and what it will do. Would love to find an old retired machinist to show me some tricks.
Thanks شكراً
You are welcome! Thank you for watching and posting.
haha. your good old man. awesome video
Thanks
No problem
Thankyou, i mastered this in high school but ive smoked too much pot since then
You are welcome my friend!
Kermit at the end sounded like Cliff Clavin!
This is all I ever wanted to know... in one video overview lol
Thank you for watching and posting.
@@KevincaronSculpture well, I lied. I do have a couple questions, but you still did amazing!
Can you put a drill bit in the chuck, and hold the work stationary to use it as a makeshift mill? Can you slot holes? (I know, I know, but this would be huge for custom fabrication / brackets)
In what orientations can you do things, etc
There are always more questions!! LOL, Talking about the chuck and putting a drill bit in it to mill with, NO, it doesn't work that way. I have a drill chuck that fits the tail stock at the other end of the lathe. I can clamp a bit in that and spin the work in the chuck to drill a hole with the non-turning bit. But no, you can't use the lathe like a mill and just move the work across the spinning bit if it was in the chuck. Lathes will round things. That is pretty much all they do.
@@KevincaronSculpture I believe they're called "Lathe Milling Attachments", essentially adding a vertical vice if you don't have a mill
Nice to see Kermit. Now I see the Rainbow connection!
Donald Dawson I have asked him to sing the song but he just says NO!!
Thank you Kermit 🐸
Happy to help pass along what I learn from doing.
For some reason i’m here having been completely traumatised by cctv footage of an accident where a worker gets horrifically killed by getting caught in a rotating lathe type machine and i won’t get into details... just wondering if you know the video i’m talking about
I don’t exactly know why i am here but it just makes me feel more at ease, interesting video though :)
Edit: sorry i’ve just realised that basically every comment mentions it 😂 i don’t mean to be annoying
I know the video and it is awful! If you do not respect this machine it will kill you! With the right operator it will do amazing work. Fear not but respect you must.
that is impressive . Thank you elder , you've helped a lot with my homework 😅. Greetings from the Poland.
You are most welcome
@@KevincaronSculpture 😊
Very nice video and very educational. I am a retired, savy white collar worker and have an interest in tool & die, however,, I see that I still have a bit to learn.
You and me both brother!
Kermit D Frog & Kevin Caron! Could be one in the same? LOL good video
We will never tell!
Thank you Kevin Whether it's a welding video or lathe Great videos
Thanks 👍
Best ending ever!
***** Thank you,, He may show up in a few more....
Kevin Caron, Artist omg how did you get Kermit to do this? superstars don't come cheap
No comment!
helping me with engineering in college 5 and a half years after its posted wow
Thank you for watching and posting !
We had one in high school but they never showed us how to use it or what applications it could be used in. They just said it was too dangerous and the 7 years I studied in that department I never seen it in use.
Awesome machine but must be respected for sure.
Herne bay?
@@bradleypease2492 no I went to school in Ireland
Thank for make this vdo,
It's my pleasure
Hey Kevin, whatcha making.......been awhile since I visited, best wishes, Paul
Hi Paul! Long time for sure. Lots of cool work and a big load to the gallery in Santa Fe. How you doing?
@@KevincaronSculpture just hanging in, taking it slow, had a big heart attack two years ago this November, clogged coronary arteries...99% and 100%, luck I went to ER, dropped dead 10 minutes later.....anyway, just got a new 13" Southbend, 1939 build date.....by the way, War Time production finish on you lathe is no filler on casting and less prep on paint, Your lathe is a cutie.....we are making some stainless mobile bars for the hotels here in Orlando, no art.....but challenging, so good to see you doing so well, keep on keeping on...cheers, Paul in Orlando
I subscribed
Thank you for watching and posting. I am also on Instagram.
i just bought the same lathe...shame it doesnt have metric threads :)
I hear ya. That is the one thing I have never figured out on this machine. Have no idea how to turn threads.
I am not a machinist nor do I work in any industries but I m terrified of these things, I visited recently a factory and when I entered , I turned and saw it behind me I immediately backed instinctively 5 m even if it was off.
This is a machine that needs a healthy amount of respect. But you don't have to be afraid of it. Thank you for watching and posting.
@@KevincaronSculpture Thank you 🙏 and good luck for the rest.
very intreasting vid, thanks, you sound more like emo phillips to me!!
Anyone else here to figure out how that poor man got stuck in this ? 🥺 rest his soul
I do this because I want to do this. Thank you for watching and posting.
Are talking about that Russian video where the worker got caught by the machine and got blended up into a red mist?
@@josecortez1986 probably i just saw it on instagram scared the shit outta me
@@ratonman same I got mildly lightheaded after watching it, mines was worse cause I saw the aftermath and closeup photos of it
If you respect the machine, you are safe
HEY kERMIT I WISH I COULD FIND A NICE LITTLE MACHINE LIKE THAT.
Charles Dyer I found this one through Craigs list.
The cross feed slide is not the apron, Mr. The apron is always in front of your best buddy when you are machining. 😊
You are correct
@@KevincaronSculpture love you, anyhow, Sr.
That was more naval ship lathe
Aren’t you also NOT supposed to wear sleeves as well, just like you aren’t in this video?
❤❤❤👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
THE "RAILS" ARE CALLED THE WAYS
THE WAYS
Sorry, gray hair moment.
No it's called the Dick !
Not gonna lie. Laughed at making sparks.
Thanks for watching and posting.