This is really going to help with the locomotive project. I need to be able to make wheels and axles the right size. I also want to make brass/bronze steam engine parts.
Hi there, I would consider starting with aluminum. It's an excellent metal to start with, too get the feel of things. I would not run wood in your lathe. I'll look for some safety videos for you. For now, always remember to wear your safety glasses. No long sleeves around your lathe. No jewelry. No aprons. Nothing that can get caught in the lathe. Always examine your lathe before turning it on. Make sure the your work is secure in the chuck. As for your first cuts, go in slowly. Make gentle contact with the spinning part until you get the hang of things. Give your lathe your complete attention, no distractions while running your lathe. You must concentrate while performing any operation on your lathe. Know what everything does on your lathe to further expand your use of it. I wish you the very best with your new lathe. I will find some safety videos for you. I'm really proud of you for wanting to use it safely. Sincerely Robert
Please do not turn the chuck at high speed with nothing in it's jaws. The Jaws could fly out and injure you or someone else. Nice video. Congratulations on your new lathe. Sincerely Robert
Thanks for the info. Do you have suggestions on where I can find some good resources for getting into it and doing it safely? My dad is helping me here and there, but he probably doesn’t abide by the safe practices that exist.. Should I start working with wooden dowels before brass/bronze metals?
Hi there,
I would consider starting with aluminum. It's an excellent metal to start with, too get the feel of things. I would not run wood in your lathe. I'll look for some safety videos for you. For now, always remember to wear your safety glasses. No long sleeves around your lathe. No jewelry. No aprons. Nothing that can get caught in the lathe. Always examine your lathe before turning it on. Make sure the your work is secure in the chuck.
As for your first cuts, go in slowly. Make gentle contact with the spinning part until you get the hang of things. Give your lathe your complete attention, no distractions while running your lathe. You must concentrate while performing any operation on your lathe.
Know what everything does on your lathe to further expand your use of it.
I wish you the very best with your new lathe. I will find some safety videos for you. I'm really proud of you for wanting to use it safely.
Sincerely Robert
Please do not turn the chuck at high speed with nothing in it's jaws. The Jaws could fly out and injure you or someone else. Nice video. Congratulations on your new lathe.
Sincerely Robert
Thanks for the info. Do you have suggestions on where I can find some good resources for getting into it and doing it safely? My dad is helping me here and there, but he probably doesn’t abide by the safe practices that exist.. Should I start working with wooden dowels before brass/bronze metals?