Intro to Manual Machining – Lathe & Knee Mill
https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6323259
Cost: $199 + HST
Date(s): Wednesday, Oct 15th & Thursday, Oct 16th, 2025 — 6:00–8:30 PM
Workshop: Metal Shop (Machine Bay)
Maximum Participants: 4
Course Description
Curious about the art and precision of machining? This hands-on course introduces you to the manual metal lathe and vertical knee mill, two essential tools for shaping and fabricating custom metal parts. You’ll gain a foundational understanding of how these machines work and learn to safely turn, drill, mill, and cut components to size.
Whether you're exploring machining for prototyping, repair, or creative builds, this course gives you the confidence and skill to take your ideas into the world of precision metal shaping.
Key Learnings
Safety & PPE:
Hazards of rotating machinery: flying debris, sharp edges, and noise
Proper use of safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, and hearing protection
Importance of fitted clothing — no loose sleeves, jewelry, or neckwear
Machine Overview & Parts:
Lathe: Headstock, chuck, carriage, cross slide, compound rest, tailstock, tool post
Knee Mill: Column, base, table, spindle, vise, hand wheels, vertical crank
Functions and controls of each component
Techniques You'll Practice:
Turning parts to precise diameter
Drilling with the tailstock
Parting off, cutting threads, machining tapers and angles
Calculating RPM using cutting speed formulas
Milling flat surfaces, keyways, and drilled holes in shafts
Cutting a flat surface on round stock
✅ Prerequisites
Basic understanding of shop safety recommended.
What to Wear
Steel-toe boots
Safety glasses (provided or bring your own)
Fitted, non-synthetic clothing (cotton or denim preferred)
Hair tied back; no jewelry or loose accessories
What to Bring
Notebook and pen
Water bottle
All tools and materials provided
About Your Instructor
Iain Campbell is a retired mechanical engineer with over four decades of experience in machining and engineering design. He cut his first CNC project 40 years ago and has since built a career that bridges hands-on manufacturing with technical training. For 25 years, Iain worked as a Technical Trainer at IBM, where he taught operating systems, systems and network administration, Python, SQL, and server security. Now CNC Manager at Upper Canada Stretchers — a company serving professional artists worldwide — he continues to combine precision, creativity, and practical instruction. Iain’s deep knowledge of machining fundamentals and approachable teaching style make him an excellent guide for anyone starting out in the machine shop.
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