Teaching myself the lathe - where to start?

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I have decided to buy a lathe and learn to use it.  This will be a self-taught thing.  With that, I have a couple of questions:1.  If you were going to teach yourself, how would you go about it?  What books and online resources do you find trustworthy for this?  Think lathe 101, 201, etc.2.  What type of lathe should I start out with?  Brand?  Used/new?Looking to do steel, not soft metals at this time if that helps.Thanks for your advice and help with this.
Reply:Its really not hard to figure out when you get into it. I bought a used Atlas lathe on craigslist and have never really needed anything better for what I do. look for a 10 or 12 inch craftsman, Atlas Southbend. Grizzly makes decent asian and chineese stuff for a ok price. Most chineese stuff is made by only a couple people and marketed by many from cheap to expensive.Beware Lathe cost will be way less than toolingBuy steel made for turning, not mild steel they tend to tear leaving poor results. I use mostly 1018 steel turns good and welds. But there are many choices find one that works for you. A cheap starting point is Deralin plastic turns easy and is cheap.Carbide inserts are way easier than HSS for me but cost more. Sharpining HSS is somewhat of a art form in itself.I learned mostly from watching YOUTUBE a old metal shop teacher called TUBALCAIN. This guy knows his stuff and I found myself watching his stuff over and over taking notes. He explains nearly everything so even I can understand it.Last edited by worm122; 01-30-2013 at 01:47 PM.Donnelly Small Engine & WeldingFoley AlabamaLincoln 225 TigLinoln 215 migHypertherm Powermax 65Ellis 1600 sawEllis 6000 belt grinderJD2 Model 4 tubing benderAtlas  12"X54" metal latheLots of large hammers
Reply:http://www.hobby-machinist.com/
Reply:Decide what you want the lathe to do. Large diameters? Long lengths?  Or just small parts?  Perhaps a bench-top 3-in-one Lathe-Mill-Drill will suffice.   I think SWells has a sizable machine in that catagory and can offer good advice.New modern bench lathes are expensive for their capabilities.  But they are new!   I bought a 1934 Craftsman 12x24 (Atlas Press built) for $500 that is at least as accurate as any equal sized import, and probably more durable, but at only 1/6 the cost to acquire.  Though the model is no longer in production and the company has changed hands the current owners (Clausing) still has many parts in stock (NOS) and there is a plethora of used parts available, mostly on E-Bay.South Bend lathes are considered by many to be the cat's meow in bench and so-called engine lathes but are likely to cost you more to acquire.  The SB Heavy Ten is a quality and sought-after machine.If you like refurbishing and using old iron and are considering the purchase of a relic I recommend you read these two web pages:  How to Buy a Latheand by the same author: In Praise of KlunkersIf you need production capacity without necessity of much tinkering then new or newer may be better for you.  JET and Grizzly have reasonable quality Chinese made machines in the 3 to 6 grand range.  There are some great bench lathes made by several European manufactures but they tend to be very expensive. Instructional books:See if you can pick up a copy of "Manual of Lathe Operation and Machinist Tables" which is the original Atlas Press company's book for their line of lathes, like my Craftsman.  Another old but excellent book is South Bend's "How to Run a Lathe".  You can find both in used book stores, E-Bay, or even in electronic form on line.  The US Navy and US Army both had their own lathe manuals that can still be found in used bookstores or even in pdf format on line.Two other excellent on-line resources:Machinist WebThe Home Shop MachinistI hope you find this helpful.- MondoLast edited by Mondo; 01-30-2013 at 02:14 PM.Reason: the usual spelling corrections, probaly didn't get them all.Member, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:For a novice just starting out, I would recommend the old faithful 9” South Bend.  They are the machine that was in every High School metal shop.  South Bends are quite plentiful, easy to find parts for and fairly inexpensive.  This will get you to start making chips and learning the basics.  Later on after you become more proficient you may want to upgrade to another machine that more suits the type of turning that you settle in to. I have a 9” SB that was given to me and only use it for small parts. It originally came from a high school that eliminated their metal shop program. My main lathe is a big 20” brute that will cut anything.  Start out with HSS tooling. It is inexpensive and you will learn how to grind and form the bits for each turning application. Purchase a few micrometers to learn measuring. The books previously mentioned are all good for starting out.  No need to go the more expensive route until you know exactly what you want. You can always find a buyer for a 9” SB if you decide you want an upgrade. A 9" SB is a much better machine than a Craftsman or Atlas. Stay away from the Chinese stuff. Attached ImagesLast edited by WFM; 01-30-2013 at 03:21 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by worm122I learned mostly from watching YOUTUBE a old metal shop teacher called TUBALCAIN. This guy knows his stuff and I found myself watching his stuff over and over taking notes. He explains nearly everything so even I can understand it.
Reply:You want to run a Lathe huh?Let's get to the basics first OK?.....!!!!!!!!!NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!Long hair..Rings..Loose Clothing..Necklaces...Shop Aprons..ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that can get caught will eventually get caught up in it SO stop that before it starts!!!They can BITE at any given moment so be on your toes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!Be very careful..OIL IT every day...Check your fluid levels..Keep the bed ways lubricated..Spindle oil is GOOD.Safety is # 1! and if it does bite you it does not say "I'M Sorry"..It just keeps going and the human body has no chance of winning that fight.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:All of what Zapster said can't be emphasized to much.  Print those rules in BIG font and post 'em on the wall in your shop!WFM:  That is a beautiful SB 9 !  Must be in a museum. It certainly isn't in a shop spewing chips these days, its too clean, no swarf, no oil...  Do you charge admission to see it up close?- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:I'd make sure the lathe you get has a quick change gearbox because changing the gears manually takes more time and the gear box just makes life that much easier.
Reply:Originally Posted by MondoWFM:  That is a beautiful SB 9 !  Must be in a museum. It certainly isn't in a shop spewing chips these days, its too clean, no swarf, no oil...  Do you charge admission to see it up close?- Mondo
Reply:Im with zapster on safety!.  Ive heard lathes described as the most dangerous tool in the shop.  Always be super extra cautious around one!  that being said also one of the most useful things ever! I would recommend taking a few night school classes for the lathe and mill.  I did about 10 years ago and its some of the wisest money I have ever spent
Reply:Tell other were you live so they can suggest you good deal on craiglist arround your place I found a nice Logan similar to mine for sale on Ebay (California)http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOGAN-12-PRE...item53f4084762Everything have already been said....Here a link to a rapidshare file I upload with plenty of old book (pdf)  download on the net. Keep the good one and trash the rest https://rapidshare.com/files/2790054514/South Band.rar;The Atlas manual someone suggest you is online at this link:http://fr.scribd.com/doc/34415359/Ma...Atlas-Press-CoLast edited by OldSkull; 01-30-2013 at 06:44 PM.Miller MM211Esab Mini Arc 161LTSEsab Handy Plasma 380Duck tapeTy- rapKool-aid
Reply:OldSkull, I'm in N. Texas - rural.  13 miles from the closest real loaf of bread and Miracle Whip But I can run my Pipeliner anytime and nobody cares...
Reply:loads of stuff on youtubelook for a guy called tubalcan[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glzl0oJpCKk[/ame]
Reply:I get a deep sense of forboding when someone says "I'm going to get a lathe and teach myself how to use it".Imagine a DIY self taught bomb disposal expert.....they don't exist....LOL.Get someone who knows lathes to show you what to do BEFORE you switch it on, otherwise you might just as well teach yourself how to drive a car by taking it onto the freeway in peak hour traffic.Ian.
Reply:Lots of info packed in here:http://www.angelfire.com/ks/mcguirk/metalworklinks.htmlMy best advise is to repeat what's been said.#1 BE SAFE!!!!! Tooling is expensive and it is easy to spend more on that than the lathe itself. Get out there and do it, you will start getting the feel for it and quickly identify what you need to know next. Start reading, there is a lot to learn. I'm dreaming of DRO's, servo's and home made CNC upgrades.If you don't want to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them.
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterloads of stuff on youtubelook for a guy called tubalcan
Reply:Now about those nasty ready to cut your fingers off chips...There WILL be blood.Get the machine first before we get into that.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Linepipe  -  Heed zapsters council.  Lathes are called the 'King of Tools' for a reason.'Home-schooled', can be good.'Own-schooled' on/with this tool, is a bad idea.Advance your learning and safety curve, by taking a community education class, or better.Opus
Reply:Do not ever let go of that chuck wrench unless it is in its storage place.  It can eat you alive. But it generally just breaks something like your hand.  Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerDo not ever let go of that chuck wrench unless it is in its storage place.  It can eat you alive. But it generally just breaks something like your hand.  Mac
Reply:While a community college course in machine tools would be the best way to go in learning quickly, easily and probably with the least bloodshed, they aren't around everywhere these days. Before warning a potential enthusiast that buying a lathe first and then teaching himself to use the machine is the wrong road taken to an easy acceptance of pain, bloodshed and/or death realize that a goodly percentage of the old smaller South Bends, Atlases, Logans, etc. were sold to just such a target audience. A healthy respect of the machine's destructive power, a few score Youtube videos and a thorough reading of South Bend's "How to Run a Lathe" or other primer should go a long way in getting a new enthusiast well on the way to an enjoyable hobby. That said, if the local community college offers a machinist program...take it. Here locally we have been fortunate enough to have the high school still offering a machinist program...bet those are few and far between these days...as well as the local Vo-Tech.EDIT: BTW, get ready to empty out your wallet for tooling! Attached ImagesLast edited by WyoRoy; 01-31-2013 at 12:41 AM.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerDo not ever let go of that chuck wrench unless it is in its storage place.  It can eat you alive. But it generally just breaks something like your hand.  Mac
Reply:So you leave the motor run and rely on the clutch while wrenching the chuck?
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTSo you leave the motor run and rely on the clutch while wrenching the chuck?And another thing...Safety Glasses are a MUST!!!Get one of those really small red hot chips stuck to your eyeball and then we'll see what happens..Maybe not because you can't see at all!!!!  ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterAnd another thing...Safety Glasses are a MUST!!!Get one of those really small red hot chips stuck to your eyeball and then we'll see what happens..Maybe not because you can't see at all!!!!  ...zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by puddytatI get a deep sense of forboding when someone says "I'm going to get a lathe and teach myself how to use it".Imagine a DIY self taught bomb disposal expert.....they don't exist....LOL.Get someone who knows lathes to show you what to do BEFORE you switch it on, otherwise you might just as well teach yourself how to drive a car by taking it onto the freeway in peak hour traffic.Ian.
Reply:I suggest starting with a smaller belt driven lathe, when you get distracted and run the tool/tool holder into the chuck it will stop... and you will.... starting on a smaller lathe will help prepare you for a larger full size lathe with lots of speeds and levers etc... do not take you hand off of the chuck tool when tightning or loosening... I also only use my left hand to start the lathe making sure my right hand is clear. Allways double check to make sure the part is tight as well...Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterYou only leave it in the chuck once...If you have a machine like mine that has a clutch and is "ON" all day I put the headstock in neutral EVERYTIME I go near the chuck with the wrench..GOOD habit to get into......zap!
Reply:Never work (or "learn") on your own, alonehttp://yaledailynews.com/blog/2011/0...d-after-death/XMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:As has been mentioned before, you should get a sick feeling looking at a chuck key alone in any chuck. Lathe, drill press, ect. Using files on spinning material in the lathe needs special attention and awareness.   If you can't find somebody to take you under their wing for a bit of knowledge and caution, read a bunch and go slow only after you understand the basics.  Have fun, a lathe is a great asset if used correctly.
Reply:Originally Posted by WFMI have a 9” SB that was given to me and only use it for small parts. It originally came from a high school that eliminated their metal shop program.
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt_MaguireI'm not sure what in the wide, wide world of sports is up with that WFM.   I expect metal shop was prolly replaced with "Advanced game controller techniques".  I'm starting to really believe that the slow kids in the class are now running things... Someday hopefully sombody will wise up & bring back the shop classes AND home economics as an elective for ANY gender kid to take.Matt
Reply:Have faith guys. My local high school has a full machine shop with an awesome teacher. We just donated them a big pile of metal (big stuff 3"x3" solid and 1.5"x4" solid) and a bunch of tooling from our old mill that I cant use. Needless to say the teacher was overjoyed. I graduated in 1994 and although at my school we didn't have a machine shop. We had welding, auto mechanics, vocational-agricultural, nursing and cosmetology. Of course both of these are smaller school districts with a pretty big farming culture.If you cant fix it with a hammer, it must be an electrical problem."Boy, everyone starts with a full bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before the bag of luck is empty."-Grandad circa 1990ish
Reply:Originally Posted by WFMEducation in the PA public schools has abandoned the trades.  In the 1970's, my high school had a metal shop with 12 lathes, milling machines, welders and a foundry. Fully functional wood shop, print shop, auto mechanics and drafting.  Now it is all gone. Replaced with things like computer graphics. The educators feel that if you want to do that kind of stuff then go to a trade school. They are afraid someone will get hurt with all those dangerous machines. It's a shame that a kid can't learn how to use a few basic tools in shop class anymore.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSW...cut up and scrap all the machine tools when they closed the program ...