Precision Lathes Finesse Versus the Power of Heavy-Duty Lathes A lathe can possess two very different personalities on the shop floor. Some lathes have delicate precision, and others are tough and rugged. Precision lathes value finesse, accuracy, and consistency in...
Increase and Improve Production through Frequent Spindle Maintenance The spindle serves as one of the most critical components in lathe turning. The spindle controls rotational accuracy, surface finish quality, and overall machining performance. Proper spindle care...
Stay Safe, Machine On, With These Lathe Safety Tips Most safety precautions machinists take today are a result of someone learning from a past mistake or oversight. Those lessons are passed down from old-timers to green newbies, as well as through industry...
Signs of Tool Wear Machinists strive for perfection in every cut. Even the slightest deviation in precision metalworking can mean the difference between a flawless part and costly rework. Tool wear is inevitable, but early detection and correction can save valuable...
Don’t Get Haunted by Flawed Lathe Practices Even the most experienced machinist can be haunted by ghosts of poor performance — chatter marks that refuse to vanish, overheated tools that wear out too soon, or parts that just won’t meet spec. In the spirit of Halloween,...
The RKL-1300 Series is LeBlond’s smallest lathe and differs from a mini or desktop lathe, the smallest of which this post details.
You want to buy a metal lathe: gearhead or EVS?
Discover lathe uses. Also, learn about the differences between gearhead and variable speed lathes and the history of this machine tool.
Debating whether to go with a LeBlond variable speed or gearhead lathe? Check out this video that spells out the differences.