Using wood on a metal lathe

[Guy RobinsonParticipant @guyrobinson27287]

Can you use wood on a metal lathe or is it not a good idea?

[Guy RobinsonParticipant @guyrobinson27287]

Beginner

[colin hawesParticipant @colinhawes85982]

I have often turned wood on my metal lathe ,it needs a very sharp high rake tool preferably a high speed and works best on hard woods. Colin

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

I've even used my mill as a big router. Spindle speed not as fast but it works.

Paul.

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Seasoned oak on a mill takes the edge off HSS cutters quicker than steel would. Once you have turned wood on your lathe, give it a good clean up (especially wood with high tannin content – Oak) as it soon turns metal blue.

[DalboyParticipant @dalboy]

It depend on the shape you want to turn simple shape yes it would be possible, you may need to experiment with the tool height unless you make a tool rest and use hand tools.

Woodturning tools are normally used with a bevel and it ideally need to be rubbing just to the point of cutting to give a clean cut.

As also stated some woods have a high content of tannin so an immediate clean up is needed once finished.

If it is just a problem then finding someone into woodturning close to you to do the job. You can also find woodturning clubs worth a try there are many around the UK have a look HERE from the AWGB

What is it that you wish to turn.

This is something I know a little about you can see some of my work HERE

From a woodworker who also wants to get into model engineering

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

No Problem, I have used mine for large patterns as well as detailed parts in exotic woods. If using the lathe to cut as you would with metal then a **GT insert works well and won't be blunted by most woods, if turning by hand with conventional woodturning tools then a bit of bar in the toolpost to use as a rest will do, longer term make a proper rest.

[Bill PhinnParticipant @billphinn90025]

Posted by Derek Lane 2 on 15/09/2018 12:43:12:

This is something I know a little about you can see some of my work HERE

From a woodworker who also wants to get into model engineering

You're a real artist, Derek. I particularly like the lidded pot with the Chinese for "lucky" scribed on it. Your Chinese calligraphy is a whole lot better than mine.

[DalboyParticipant @dalboy]

Posted by Bill Phinn on 15/09/2018 13:18:37:

Posted by Derek Lane 2 on 15/09/2018 12:43:12:

This is something I know a little about you can see some of my work HERE

From a woodworker who also wants to get into model engineering

You're a real artist, Derek. I particularly like the lidded pot with the Chinese for "lucky" scribed on it. Your Chinese calligraphy is a whole lot better than mine.

Thank you Bill

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

The Raglan Little John lathe was actually supplied as a woodworking version. It had the 2 pole motor option, so operated at up to about twice the speed of the metal cutting versions. Presumably supplied with a suitable tool rest instead of a tool post.

The ones I have seen sold on epay have fetched mega bucks, so seemingly very much sought after.

One person, I know, bought a Raglan 5” which seemed to have been used more for wood turning than metalwork. It is in very good condition, so likely not used much for any metal cutting before he acquired it (and not for much wood turning, either).

[Benjamin DayParticipant @benjaminday94198]

I am sorry to the o.p but i do have to say Derek lane…wow! I love the model trucks. fantastic model work!

[Mick B1Participant @mickb1]

Yes. For a freehand shape I’d still use a woodturner’s gouge rested on a length of bar clamped in the toolpost.
Metal lathe chucks have a larger range of diameter they can grip, but they don’t have as good a circumferential hold as wood lathe chucks, so that limits the manual force you can use in some conditions.
Wood swarf can be useful to help lift oily dirt from your machine.

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

Did a 10 minute wood job once

Took 2 hours to clean up the mess, it was EVERYWHERE, even floating about in the air

So be aware, and a mask should be worn

[Jack Smith-EdwardsParticipant @jacksmith-edwards83620]

i often turn wood on our lathe at work mainly ebony as long as you clean it off it should be ok tends to soak up the oil and therefore quicken any rusting as far as i can tell

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

There are some woods that are best turned i a metal lathe, such as Australian Iron Bark, and use HSS tools, if you use carbon steel you'll be at the oil stone about every second cut. Ebony would be another one, also Lignum Viti.

Ian S C

[Mick B1Participant @mickb1]

Posted by Benjamin Day on 15/09/2018 20:27:02:
I am sorry to the o.p but i do have to say Derek lane…wow! I love the model trucks. fantastic model work!

Indeed. Most of the wide variety of work shown is of such a standard that I don't really feel qualified even to comment on it.

[DalboyParticipant @dalboy]

Thank you guys. I did not post it to show off my work in that sense but to show the OP that I was able to make a comment about his question on wood turning.

As stated some wood are very hard and even in the woodturning world we use carbide tipped tools. I have three which luckily don't need to get used that much.

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