Metal Spinning

This clear, hands‑on guide walks listeners through the fundamentals of metal spinning, the age‑old craft of shaping sheet metal into smooth, hollow forms on a lathe. It explains why artisans choose spinning over costly dies for everything from chandelier arms to automobile lamp housings, and shows how a wide variety of metals—from soft aluminum to hard steel—can be coaxed into shape. The author highlights the economic and creative flexibility that spinning offers, especially when designs are changing or production runs are modest.

The heart of the method is the spinning lathe, and the book breaks down each component—T‑rest, tail‑center, cone pulleys, and the hand tools that follow the metal’s curve. Speed guidelines are given for different thicknesses and alloys, helping listeners match rotation rates to material behavior. By contrasting spinning with traditional die work, the treatise reveals when each technique makes sense, giving practical insight for hobbyists, small‑shop engineers, and anyone curious about turning flat stock into elegant, functional shapes.