A lathe is a machine tool that rotates a workpiece about an axis of rotation to perform various operations such as zeroing, shaving, facing, cutting, tapping, drilling/boring, and turning down with tools that are applied to the workpiece to create an object with symmetry about that axis.

Stock Types

Hex ThunderHex Round Stock The difference between hex and thunderhex is the roundness of the edge. Hex has sharp pointy edges while thunderhex is more flat and rounded on its edges. We primarily use thunderhex because we use thunderhex bearings. Image Modified	Image Modified
We have ½” and ⅜” stock. This means the outside diameter of the part is one of these widths, respectively. On round stock, you can measure this diameter from anywhere, but on hex and thunderhex stock, this diameter can be seen by measuring from opposite flat edges.

Reading a Part Drawing

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This diagram shows each of the dimensions required to read and effectively use a part drawing.

Important:

The outer diameter (OD) will tell you what size shaft you need to use.
The inner diameter (ID) will tell you the size of the hole of the shaft, make sure your part ID matches the drawing ID.
The tolerance will tell you how much your part length can be off. If your part is not within the tolerance given by the part drawing, you will need to do one of the two things listed:

1. If it's too short, you’ll need to redo your part.
2. If it's too long, you can face/shave it down to length.

Safety Precautions

Never use gloves while operating the lathe because it may get caught.
Hair tied back, safety glasses, make sure nothing loose is dangling over the lathe (e.g. hoodie strings, baggy clothes, jewelry).
Keep hands and body a safe distance from the cutting line and spinning parts on the lathe.
Be cautious of heat: The metal stock gets very hot quickly.
Always remove the tightening key from the chuck before starting the machine.
Ensure the lathe spins towards you when turned on.

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Machine Setup and Operation

Turning on the Machine
Blue Lathe Image Modified	Silver Lathe Image Modified
Turn the knob down.	Turn the knob to 1.
Image Modified Flip the switch to 1.	Image Modified Flip the switch to 1.
Image Modified Pull out the emergency-stop AKA the e-stop or red button (this goes for both lathes.) Push the green button and make sure it is lit up, and turn the black knob (right of the green button) to the LEFT.	Image Modified Pull the red lever out and down and make sure the lathe is spinning towards you. NEVER let the lathe spin away from you.
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The x axis corresponds to a forward and back movement, and the y axis corresponds to a side to side movement. This is consistent for both lathes, however keep in mind that the y axis on the blue lathe is referred to as the z axis on the silver lathe. Moving the x axis knob clockwise results in a forward movement, and moving the y/z axis clockwise results in a right movement.