Guides
Guides
How to choose a mini lathe, tap a hole, cut threads, use a micrometer, indicate work in a 4 jaw chuck, grind an HSS tool and run a lathe safely.
SheetGuides
BasisResearched
Checked2026-09-24
GuideHow to choose a mini lathe for a home metal shopSwing, bed length, motor power and gearing explained so a first mini lathe purchase matches real project sizes, not marketing photos.GuideThe first upgrades worth buying for a mini latheA priority order for mini lathe upgrades, from a quick change tool post to a 4-jaw chuck, so budget goes to the parts that change what a lathe can actually do.GuideHow to tap a hole in metal, step by stepTap drill sizing, cutting fluid and technique for cutting clean internal threads by hand, with the 75 percent thread engagement rule explained.GuideHow to cut threads on a metal latheCompound angle, change gears and the pass by pass technique for cutting clean 60 degree threads on a mini lathe, checked with a thread pitch gauge.GuideHow to read and use an outside micrometerReading the sleeve and thimble, using the ratchet stop correctly, and checking zero on a 0-1 inch micrometer for repeatable 0.0001 inch measurements.GuideHow to indicate a part true in a 4-jaw chuckThe half-the-error adjustment method for centering round or square stock in a 4-jaw independent lathe chuck using a dial indicator, plus common mistakes to avoid.GuideHow to grind a high speed steel lathe tool bitClearance, rake and nose radius angles for grinding a general purpose HSS turning tool on a bench grinder, plus the threading tool variant.GuideLathe safety rules every home shop should followThe core safety rules for running a metal lathe safely at home: PPE, clothing, chuck keys and the habits that prevent the most common injuries.GuideHow to choose metal stock for a hobby machining projectAluminum, mild steel, brass and stainless compared for hobby lathe and mill projects, with weight and squareness checks before cutting.GuideCutting speed explained: SFM, RPM and why they matterSurface feet per minute and the RPM formula that converts it to a spindle speed, with typical SFM ranges for HSS and carbide tools on common metals.GuideHow to set up a home metal shop from scratchBench, power, lighting and the starter tool list for a home metal shop built around a mini lathe, from electrical needs to first-year tooling priorities.
