The lathe is an essential tool for all but the most basic of workshops. It enables the engineer to produce turned components to a high degree of accuracy. Often called the 'king of machine tools', it is also very versatile and can be used to make a wide range of engineering components. This new book shows you how to make full use of your lathe safely and effectively in your workshop. Topics covered include: a guide to choosing a lathe looking at different sizes and features available; advice on installing and maintaining a lathe, selecting and sharpening tools, and working with chucks, and finally, instruction is given on a range of techniques ranging from how to hold work in a collet through to cutting a screw thread.

David Clark is a freelance writer who has spent over 30 years in the engineering industry on milling, turning and grinding machines, both manual and CNC. He is the editor of Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop. He has been a lifelong enthusiast for model engineering and railways, especially the Welsh Narrow gauge railways.