Technique using hand held tooling on metal lathe.

[DavidR8]

Ages ago I recall seeing hand held cutting tools being used on a metal lathe. I just cannot recall the name of the technique.
Anyone know what this is called? Maybe it doesn't actually have a name?
Here's an example:

 

[stupoty]

Ornamental turning in metal ?

Most watch makers lathes have some form of hand rest to do hand turning in metal.

Stu

 

[francist]

I would call it "freehand turning", and the tool used is a graver. What someone else calls it may be a whole other matter though.

-f

 

[DavidR8]

Graver! That's the word. Thanks Frank!

 

[francist]

You looking to try some? I've only done it a few times to try to duplicate a missing part or something. Takes a bit of practise but after you get the hang of it it's okay. I think it helps having a wood turning background too.

 

[DavidR8]

You looking to try some? I've only done it a few times to try to duplicate a missing part or something. Takes a bit of practise but after you get the hang of it it's okay. I think it helps having a wood turning background too.

No particular part in mind, really just looking at how to make a more organic shape such as what's shown in the video.

 

[mikey]

Agree that is a graver. We discussed them here.

 

[DavidR8]

Thanks for the @mikey

 

[benmychree]

Threads can be cut this way, using a hand chaser with threads cut on it at the desired TPI, this was common in the dim past on hand lathes cutting brass.

 

[savarin]

Before I owned a lathe I used my drill press to turn stuff, the tools were old files ground to the desired shape.
It was surprisingly successful.