DIY Lathe

My Cheap Woodworking Lathe

(c)2007Paul Pinfield E-mail me

I made this woodworking lathe quite a few years ago, originally to turn Serpentine stone into cupboard handles, but I have also turned loads of stair spindles, chair and table legs and, recently, tippers, or beaters, for playing the bodhran drum. I actually hadn't used it for years until I started playing the bodhran and wanted to make some tippers. And I wasn't sure it would still work after being left in a damp shed for years but it kicked off first touch and seems to work as good as new. Well, as good as new for 100% recycled stuff!

<The lathe doesn't look much but it is pretty solid and has given very good service. The motor came from an old washing machine that had died. I guess some motors are better than others and this one has a few decent lubrication holes that I poke a bit of oil down from time to time. Some don't have the holes but maybe they don't need them. This one spins at 1250 RPM which seems fine for tippers and other small stuff. You wouldn't want to try and turn a 12in bowl on it though as the speed at the outer edge would be scary, (and dangerous). The lathe will only hold wood up to about 75mm (3in) radius anyway, so forget bowl turning.

Everything used was found or was recycled from the local scrap dealer so the cost was minimal. About £8, ($16 US-ish). Anyway it was fun to make and has done plenty of work. I'm sure you could improve on it, as I probably could now, but maybe there are some ideas here.

Good luck and happy spinning

Next... Part 2 ... Part 3

Junkdojo Editor note

Best of luck with your lathe building,

send us some video of your lathe, or document your own build.

Thanks for contributing this Paul.

Above all - BE SAFE!!!

Tools.

• A drill and bits
• Hack saw
• File (s)
• Spanner (2)
• Angle grinder, (or files and time!)
• Welder
• Normal stuff really, apart from the welder. (You could always borrow/hire one but get a little help if you are in ANY doubt. It's hot and bright!).