Turning Wood on a Metal Lathe

[@DIYTinkerer]

Some commentary would be useful, personally, after research, I've come to the conclusion that whilst a metal work lathe can do wood turning, and you can even build a rest to work the wood in the traditional manner, the swing on a hobby metal work lathe is going to be quite restrictive and my ideal workshop would have both. My main interest is really in saving space but i think I'm back to considering a small metal work lathe and a midi wood turning lathe ( when I've worked out where they will go!)

[@WinkysWorkshop]

I agree, this was not a well thought out video. I was using a tracer to cut the profile. I've also let this channel die so to speak. I have not contributed content in a long time. I have another channel called Winky's Workshop. It's mostly metal working but there is woodworking also. One project was a CNC wood lathe that is amazing.

[@jimthethirdprobably]

very useful as i only have a metal lathe but also need to do wood lathe work, thanks

[@gregnold9190]

Nice work Mark! Perfect results!!

[@flashgordon6238]

Never thought to use router bits in my tail stock! Also the video was self-explanatory. Your instructions included: More speed, use of router bits for drilling and sanding will fix the finish!

[@WinkysWorkshop]

I guess you figured out the purpose of the spring. I removed the screw to the cross feed nut and the spring hold the tracer bearing to the template. I need to redo this video.

[@flashgordon6238]

I saw you had explained it in one of the other comments.....I think the video is fine. Cheers,

[@knightlifefunctionband4465]

I like the basic video but agree with those arguing that a commentary would be incredibly useful. For myself I am very familiar with the concept and there should be no restriction to styling assuming you have the correct tools and toolrest and you can cut coarse threads if you so wish. It would be useful to have a close up of the tool used though please and an explanation of the shape, angles and tool height.

[@WinkysWorkshop]

I agree, this is an old video with poor planning. The tool was 1/4" square HSS ground with a full radius and a fairy aggressive rake and back rake. The control you have on a metal lathe is amazing. With the aggressive rake angles you can get a very smooth cut. You might be interested in a more resent video of mine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXbdoIObptOFiNk

[@WestAustralianadventures]

OK, thats a fine video, but can you show how to make a cpoy part template please.

[@dominangel23]

Horses for courses comes to mind. Wood is alive. It is tactile. It speaks to you as you work it. A metalwork lathe doesn't have the ability to listen.

[@mikebetts2046]

"Instructional" video's with no explanation are of little interest to people trying to learn something.

[@markswoodworkingtips2350]

I'm not sure I agree completely but I do understand what you are saying. At some point I may revisit this and do a better video. Most my videos are much more instructional. Hopefully you will like them better. I also have a metal working channel - Winkys Metal Working Tips. Thanks for the comment.

[@joewest1972]

I would have to agree, but look on the bright side, at least there's no ridiculous music. I'm just a retired guy that's thinking about buying a metal lathe, wouldn't have a clue what to make but I would like to be able to work with wood as well and this was to some degree instructional

[@WinkysWorkshop]

A metal lathe works very well for wood but in most cases it give you mechanical looking results. It's hard to be artistic with smooth curves. In this video I removed the cross feed nut so that the cross feed moved freely and mounted a bearing to the end of the cross feed. A spring pulls the cross feed and bearing into a steel plate template the shape of the curve being cut. It worked fantastic for duplicate items but there was a lot of set up time involved. Also sawdust sticks to everything oily and on a metal lathe most things are oily. CNC would be amazing!

[@sicesp]

I tend to agree with Mark Betts for most videos. In this case I simply found it interesting for proof of concept. I do appreciate the comments Mr. Winky added, as I was wondering about how the tool was controlled. For my benchtop lathe, I am able to obtain a wood turner tool rest. For a slimline pen kit, I probably will not need it however. Also, good points about sticky oil etc. Another tool that may work for radii is a ball turning tool. I've used a homemade one on acrylic with metal lathe and the results are great.

[@chipperkeithmgb]

Just get some wood lathe tools that’s what I did bolt a bit of hex y bar to the tool post and you’ll away