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What is a Wood Lathe?

Shannon Kietzman
Shannon Kietzman

A wood lathe is a machine used to smooth and shape wood. In addition to lathes for wood, lathes are also available for working with metal and glass. Each of these lathes are commonly used by crafters and do-it-yourselfers in order to customize and complete projects.

In order to use a wood lathe, the crafter must insert a piece of wood into a special holder called a center. This center holds the wood in place so it can be shaped using the device with a variety of handheld blades. Some types of lathes, however, are capable of holding the blade in place, so the user does not have to hold the blade. The center spins the wood rapidly as the crafter applies the blade to the surface of the wood piece.

A wood lathe is used to smooth and shape wood.
A wood lathe is used to smooth and shape wood.

A wood lathe can be fitted with a variety of different blades. These blades can be of different widths, angles, and shapes. The type of blade determines the way the machine will cut the wood. Some blades are wide with sharper angles and intended to cut large portions of wood away from the piece. Other blades are sharper or pointier, and are used for detailing.

The cutting tools attached to a lathe vary in size and function.
The cutting tools attached to a lathe vary in size and function.

A crafter may also use a wood lathe to assist with sandpapering the surface of the wood. Rather than holding the piece in hand and rubbing it repeatedly with a piece of sandpaper, the crafter can allow the machine to spin the piece as he or she holds a piece of sandpaper against it. This makes it possible to finish sanding in a much shorter period of time and is also less physically demanding on the user.

A wood turning chisel is used to cut wood that’s being rapidly turned on a lathe.
A wood turning chisel is used to cut wood that’s being rapidly turned on a lathe.

Wood lathes can be used to create a variety of objects. For crafting and general woodworking, they can create decorative spindles to be used in the creation of table and chair legs. They can also be used to make cue sticks, baseball bats, and any other wooden object that needs to be cylindrical and smooth in shape.

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

@talentryto- If you are using a wood lathe for your hobby and not for a job, I think you should purchase a used one. You can find a good lathe that still works well for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Another idea for saving money on this tool is by purchasing a mini wood lathe instead of one that is standard size. The smaller versions are less expensive, and will do much of the same work as the larger models. Unless you are doing woodworking projects that involve large pieces of wood, you should find that a mini wood lathe will work perfectly for your needs.

Rundocuri

@talentryto- If you are looking for a wood lathe to use for small woodworking projects, you should be able to find a good deal at a home improvement store. Look for sales and special offers, and you can save a lot of money on your purchase.

Some of the best sales at these types of stores take place around holidays and at the end of seasons. Don't rush into purchasing a wood lathe machine, and you should be able to find one for an affordable price.

Talentryto

I like to do woodworking as a hobby, and would like to have a small wood lathe. I don't want to spend a lot of money on it, so I was wondering if anyone has some advice on buying one for an affordable price.

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    • A wood lathe is used to smooth and shape wood.
      By: joserpizarro
      A wood lathe is used to smooth and shape wood.
    • The cutting tools attached to a lathe vary in size and function.
      By: David San Segundo
      The cutting tools attached to a lathe vary in size and function.
    • A wood turning chisel is used to cut wood that’s being rapidly turned on a lathe.
      By: Lagui
      A wood turning chisel is used to cut wood that’s being rapidly turned on a lathe.
    • A wood lathe might be used to make baseball bats.
      By: Actionpics
      A wood lathe might be used to make baseball bats.