Lathes are also used in metalworking, glassworking and pottery. The principle behind the wood lathe is similar to the potter's wheel. In a lathe the piece of wood is held in place by a wood lathe chuck and turned at high velocity. Ornamental lathes can be used produce three-dimensional wood pieces that can be very complex and beautiful. The wood is held in position by one or two centers, which can be moved to allow for differing wood lengths. Other holding methods are clamping the wood about the axis using a chuck or collet, or attaching it to a faceplate, using clamps or dogs.
Cue sticks, table legs, bowls, baseball bats, musical instruments can all be made using wood lathes.
If you've never used a wood lathe before you owe it to yourself to try one out. The experience can be very fun and rewarding. Making a table leg on a lathe can bring out the artist in anyone, and it is a lot of fun watching a chunk of wood fly around at high speeds.
