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How to Control Size on a 7x10 Lathe

A 7x10 lathe is a miniature engine lathe, also known as a bench top engine lathe. Although the parts are smaller, the machine works the same as larger engine lathes. You can control the cutting size of the engine lathe with the turret cross slide. Once you understand how to use the cross slide, you will be able to cut billets to precise diameters.

Things You'll Need

1/4-inch lathe cutting tool
Dial calipers or micrometer

Instructions

- 1
  Secure the billet into the lathe chuck or between the lathe centers.
- 2
  Place the 1/4-inch cutting tool into the turret and tighten the turret bolts with the turret wrench supplied with the lathe.
- 3
  Adjust the spindle speed to a speed between 600 RPM and 1000 RPM if you plan to cut wood or plastic. Choose a speed between 60 RPM and 120 RPM if you plan to cut metal. Use the levers on gearbox to adjust the spindle speed.
- 4
  Adjust the feed rate for the turret with the levers on the gearbox. Select a slower feed rate for metals or if you want a smooth finish when cutting wood or plastic. Select a higher feed rate if you are cutting wood or plastic and you simply desire a rough cut.
- 5
  Rotate the feed dial counterclockwise to move the carriage, which holds the turret forward until the tip of the tool rests at the end of the billet.
- 6
  Move the cross slide dial counterclockwise to back the tool away from the billet. Stop when you can move the feed lever counterclockwise without the tool crashing into the end of the billet. Turn the lathe on.
- 7
  Rotate the cross slide dial clockwise until the tip of the tool just touches the edge of the billet. You will see a small piece of material peel off the billet. This is called the ̶0;chip.̶1;
- 8
  Take a reading from the cross slide dial and back the tool away from the billet.
- 9
  Move the feed dial clockwise until the tip of the tool rest just at the end of the billet. Adjust the feed dial to the reading you obtained in the above step.
- 10
  Press down on the feed lever to engage the carriage. The tool will create a skin cut across the length of the billet. Pull up on the lever when the tool reaches the end of the billet at the chuck and turn off the lathe.
- 11
  Turn the feed dial clockwise until the tip of the tool rests just at the other end of the billet.
- 12
  Take a measurement of the billet̵7;s diameter with dial calipers or with a micrometer. Subtract the required diameter from the actual diameter and adjust the cross slide dial inward until you reach the desired diameter.
- 13
  Turn on the lathe and engage the feed lever. Pull up on the feed lever after the tool cuts down the length of the billet. The billet now measures the correct diameter.

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