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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Metal Lathes are Excellent for Wood
The difference between a metal lathe and a wood lathe is that the metal lathe is much sturdier and can produce much more precise cuts. You hold the cutting tool for a wood lathe with your hand while the cutting tool in a metal lathe is incorporated in the machine. The metal lathe can turn more slowly, and this again helps with fine cuts. You can use a metal lathe with excellent results on wood.
On the Other: The Cost is the Real Difference
A metal lathe is an excellent woodworking tool but costs much more than a wood lathe. In January 2010, you could buy a very inexpensive wood lathe for as little as $125, whereas a full-size metal lathe began at about $500. A large, computerized metal lathe could cost as much as $10,000. The metal lathe is a larger, heavier, more complicated tool than the wood lathe.
Bottom Line
You can use a metal lathe with absolute precision on wood. Just remember that the metal lathe is often a much larger and heavier unit. Also, because it is a much more precise tool, often with many extra features, it can cost a lot of money. You can buy a mini-lathe for metal used for small projects such as gun barrels. It is a very good device for a wood project no longer than about 10 inches. In January 2010, they cost about $200. You must decide how often and for what kinds of projects you will use the lathe, and what degree of precision you need for your woodworking projects.
Source:
Harvey Mudd College: E-8 Tools and Student Machine Shop: Metal Lathe--How to use a lathe
More Information:
Smithsonian: The Living Museum: 1950-1996--A Wind in the Attic: Robbins and Lawrence Metal Lathe
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