Lathe
A lathe is a fundamental machine used in furniture making that spins wood or other materials so craftspeople can shape them into round or cylindrical forms. Think of it like a potter's wheel, but for wood. Woodworkers use lathes to create things like table legs, chair spindles, bowls, and decorative posts. When someone mentions lathe work or "turning" in their resume, they're talking about their ability to create these rounded wooden pieces. This skill is particularly valuable in traditional furniture making, custom woodworking, and restoration work.
Examples in Resumes
Created custom table legs and balusters using a Lathe for high-end furniture pieces
Operated Wood Lathe to produce matching chair spindles for dining room set restoration
Trained junior woodworkers in safe Turning Lathe operation and maintenance
Typical job title: "Woodturners"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Woodturners
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach training someone new to lathe work?
Expected Answer: A senior woodturner should discuss safety procedures, basic tool handling, speed control, and progression from simple to complex projects. They should mention supervision methods and common beginner mistakes to watch for.
Q: How do you handle complex restoration projects requiring multiple matching pieces?
Expected Answer: Should explain process of creating templates, maintaining consistency across multiple pieces, and techniques for matching historical styles and patterns.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What safety procedures do you follow when operating a lathe?
Expected Answer: Should discuss proper protective equipment, speed settings for different materials, proper tool rest positioning, and workplace organization for safe operation.
Q: How do you determine the appropriate speed for different wood types and sizes?
Expected Answer: Should explain how wood density, piece size, and project type affect speed selection, and signs that indicate speed adjustments are needed.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic tools used in woodturning?
Expected Answer: Should be able to name and describe common tools like gouges, skew chisels, and parting tools, and explain their basic uses.
Q: How do you prepare wood for turning on a lathe?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic wood selection, checking for defects, proper mounting techniques, and initial balancing of the workpiece.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic lathe operation and safety
- Simple spindle turning
- Basic tool maintenance
- Understanding of common wood types
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex spindle work
- Bowl turning
- Pattern replication
- Tool sharpening and maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- Custom design work
- Complex restoration projects
- Training and supervision
- Advanced finishing techniques
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic lathe safety procedures
- Inability to identify different wood types
- No experience with tool maintenance
- Lack of understanding about proper speeds for different materials
