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Metal Spinning on the Lathe

The lathe is one of the most versatile machine tool.  When the lathe is operating the work piece is rotating.  Metal spinning was originated by the Egyptians.  In 1840 metal spinning was finally introduce in the United States. The shaping of a material takes place when the metal disc is forced over a piece of wood called a chuck.

This sheet contains the methods to properly spin metal in order to create the optimal piece of merchandise that is desired.  For other operations or more in depth procedures for the operation of these hand held tools, please contact the supervisor or refer to one of many texts available. 

Controls/Parts: The few controls that are utilized on this equipment, consist of the following:

  • The head stock
  • The spindle
  • The tail stock
  • The spinning pin
  • The t-bar rest
Note: There are other controls on various accessories used with the lathe for spinning, but for this discussion, the aforementioned materials are all that are necessary to complete this procedure.

Procedures Required for Safe Operation of the lathe (Metal Spinning): Metal Spinning is the operation when raising a sheet of metal into certain types of forms on the lathe.  The instructions are as follows: 

  1. Prepare a work drawing design of the metal piece that is going to be spinning on the lathe.
  2. Prepare a hardwood chuck of the appropriate shape.
  3. Select a metal disc of the proper size.
  4. Center the metal disc between the chuck.
  5. The operating controls must be in proper working condition.
  6. The lathe must be kept clean at all times.
  7. When not in use, unplug the electrical cord.
Procedures to Begin Metal Spinning: Now that you are ready, follow these simple steps to begin the process involved with metal spinning:
  1. Start up the lathe.
  2. Select the proper cutting tool for the job.
  3. Insert the spinning pin in the T-bar rest.  Then adjust the T-bar rest so that the tool is at a slight angle against the pin.
  4. Turn on the power supply and apply some lubrication, to the outer surface of the metal that is spinning.
  5. Hold the tool with your right hand, placing the handle under your arm.
  6. Make sure to place the tool on the ride side of the spinning pin.
  7. Finally, apply pressure to the metal that is spinning by moving the tool down and to the left.
Note: There are several other operations that can be done using the lathe to spin metal, however, for the purposes of these procedures, only the previous mentioned operations are needed.  For more information about other procedures, contact your instructor and/or refer to one of the many references available. 
Always put some lubrication on the piece of metal that is spinning to avoid hazards.  Hold the tool with your right hand, with the handle under your arm, to prevent hazards.

Potential Hazards:

  • Contact with the edge of the metal disc that is spinning
  • Entanglement (hair, clothing, jewelry, etc...) in the rotating parts 
  • Spinning tool knock-out
  • Flying metal chip/pieces
Safety practices: Due to the potential hazards involved with the operating of this equipment, the following safety rules must be adhered to:
  • Never stand directly behind the disc.
  • Be sure that the stock does not have any defects that could cause the metal to break when spinning.
  • Always wear safety glasses during spinning operations..
  • Make sure that the metal piece is securely attached to the face plate.
  • Be sure that the tail stock is locked.
  • Never insert the metal disc, while the lathe is running.
  • Wear the appropriate safety equipment.
  • Confirm that all safety equipment is correctly attached to the machine.
References:

Johnson, Harold V., (1973). Technical Metals. Chas. A. Bennettt Co., Inc., Peoria, IL.

Walker, John R., (1972). Exploring Metal Working. The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc., South Holland, IL.

ITT 252 - Materials Processing
Department of Technology
University of Southern Maine
Prepared by Joey Soucy, 11/14/2001