Fervi

A wood lathe is used to work wood by rotation, to make cylindrical objects such as bowls, chair legs or handles. It is chosen according to the diameter of the workpiece and the motor power. Before use, secure the workpiece firmly between the centres, check the tools and wear face protection. Keep the tool rest a few millimetres from the workpiece, to prevent the gouge from catching.

For roughing, milling cutters or insert tools for facing are used, while for finishing, external and internal tools are needed. Threading kits, for internal and external threads, are used to cut threads on the workpiece. Inserts are replaceable, so choose the insert holder suited to the shape and size of the job. The internal set at 90 or 95 degrees covers machining at different angles.

An insert milling cutter has several replaceable cutting edges mounted on a body, so when one edge wears you replace it without discarding the tool. A facing milling cutter is used to flatten a surface. A shoulder milling cutter machines the shoulder of a workpiece, meaning the step between two different diameters. Choose the cutter according to the material, the depth of cut and the machine diameter.

Hex wrenches and sockets are available in complete sets, useful for assembling and maintaining machines and vehicles. A set in a carry case or box covers the most common sizes. Check that the socket drive matches the ratchet or handle. For tightly fastened nuts, use well-calibrated wrenches to avoid rounding the nut and damaging the head.

The knurling holder is used to impress a knurl pattern on cylindrical workpieces, using rollers called knurling wheels that press against the surface as it rotates. The three-pair knurl set offers different knurl pitches. Work at low speed with lubricant, keep the holder firmly fixed and align the rollers at the centre of the workpiece to obtain an even knurl.

Shank-mounted circular nylon brushes are used to clean, degrease and polish surfaces fitted to a drill or angle grinder, with a gentler action. Twisted-wire wheel brushes are more aggressive and are used to remove rust, scale or burrs. Choose the type according to the material and the finish required. Wear glasses and protection, as wires can detach at high speed.

Brackets, bases and replacement screws are used to keep tools fixed in the lathe tool post. The SX bracket is the left-hand version and the DX bracket the right-hand one, and each is used to mount the tool in the correct position. The replacement for bracket, base and screw should be chosen with the same code as the tool. Replace a worn screw as soon as you notice play, as a tool that is not securely clamped can move during machining.