Lathe Operator how-to

How to Indicate a Part in a Lathe Chuck

Indicating removes wobble.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Indicating removes wobble. In short: mount; rotate; find, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Mount a dial indicator.

  2. Rotate by hand.

  3. Find the high spot.

  4. Adjust.

  5. Repeat.

  6. Confirm runout.

Safety reminders for lathe operators

  • Remove chuck keys
  • No loose clothing or gloves near rotating parts
  • Wear eye protection
  • Use chip hooks

Chuck · Facing · Turning · Threading · Boring · Tailstock: see the full lathe operator glossary.

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