Turning

The lathe is the most fundamental of machine tools. It is used to make cylindrical parts of every possible description. It is used in ornamental ironwork to make one off custom finials, balls, urns and similar decorative elements. It can also be used to accurately drill and trim parts used in all kinds of wrought iron work. Decorative parts made on the lathe can be duplicated by making a die. The die is made by forging two red hot blocks of steel around the cold steel blank. These blocks are hardened and can be used to form the same part over and over again.