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Metal Spinning Lathes

Spinning lathes form round parts from flat sheet: caps, cones, finials, bowls and transitions. The catalog includes two manual lathes and a CNC lathe.

How metal spinning works

A flat disc of sheet is clamped against a form, called a mandrel or chuck, on the lathe. As the lathe turns, a roller or tool presses the metal over the form a little at a time. The result is a round part with no seam and no welding. Copper, aluminum and mild steel all spin well within the lathe’s capacity.

Lathes in the catalog

  • Manual metal spinning lathe D31. A manual lathe for smaller parts and short runs.
  • Manual metal spinning lathe D47. A larger manual lathe for bigger diameters.
  • D800 CNC metal spinning lathe. A CNC lathe that repeats the same part to the same shape, for production runs.

Manual or CNC

A manual lathe costs less and suits custom work, prototypes and small batches. It depends on the operator’s skill. A CNC lathe repeats each part the same way and frees the operator for other work, which pays off on long runs of the same piece.

What to ask before you buy

  • The largest blank diameter and the thickness range for each metal.
  • What tooling comes with the lathe and what you will need to make for your parts.
  • Power, floor space and guarding requirements.
  • What setup help or training the manufacturer offers.

Questions

What parts do roofers spin?

Chimney caps, finials, cone tops and round flashings are common uses in roofing and architectural sheet metal.

Can I spin copper on these lathes?

Copper spins well. Check the lathe’s capacity for the diameter and thickness you need.

Is training included?

Ask us before you order. It depends on the lathe and the manufacturer.

How thick a sheet can I spin?

It depends on the lathe, the metal and the diameter. Thin copper and aluminum are the easiest to spin by hand. Thicker blanks need more force and often a CNC lathe.

Do you sell copper sheet for spinning?

Copper sheet is in our coil and sheet catalog. Ask which sizes are in stock.

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