Basic Lathework for Home Machinists

Expand your enjoyment of the versatile lathe and take full advantage of its extensive capabilities!

• Essential handbook to the lathe covering everything from the selection of a machine and its construction to tooling and machining operations
• Hundreds of photos and diagrams help take the mystery out of your lathe
• In-depth introduction to the modern lathe, including a thorough review of its layout and components, and what to consider when buying a new or used machine
• Useful advice on steadies, tool height, and setting up
• Expert tips on how to use cutting fluids and mandrels, plus how to complete a parting off operation with confidence

Most home lathes are probably never used to their full potential. Perfect for any home machinist with a new lathe, this comprehensive guide is designed to expand your enjoyment of this versatile machine and take full advantage of its extensive capabilities. Profusely illustrated with hundreds of clear photographs and concise diagrams, it provides in-depth coverage of tooling and machining operations.

This book deals with all aspects of the lathe covering the selection of a machine and its construction, including modern types of machines as well as the more traditional models. All aspects of tooling, both traditional and modern are covered in depth, as are all machining operations, including general machining, taper turning, threading and boring.

Inside you'll find a thorough review of basic layout and components, plus the three things you need to consider when buying a new or used machine. Learn to select common cutting tools, and discover the key features of work-holding devices like chucks, tool posts, and faceplates.

Basic Lathework for Home Machinists covers all the most important rules and practices for safe general machining operations. Get handy advice on steadies, tool height, and setting up, plus expert tips on how to use cutting fluids and mandrels. Find out how to complete a parting off operation with confidence, and successfully accomplish threading, boring, taper turning, and many other tasks.

Author Stan Bray also pays particular attention to modern applications such as the conversion of power supplies from single to three phase and the use of digital equipment to improve efficiency.

Basic Lathework for Home Machinists is suitable for use by beginners with no knowledge at all of lathe work, as well as those who are more advanced and want to improve their skills.

"Basic Lathework is the perfect book for any home machinist with a new lathe. For such a broad subject, the author has effectively managed to cover all the need-to-know areas and this book is all that's required to take the mystery out of that new machine in your shop."
—George Bulliss,
The Home Shop Machinist magazine

Stan Bray has had his own workshop for most of his life and has made many tools, models and clocks. He is the founder and former editor of the magazine Model Engineers' Workshop, former editor of Engineering in Miniature. He is associate editor of Model Engineer where he has a regular column called "Bray's Bench".