Manual Lathe Work & Turning Services

High-precision manual turning for shafts, bushings, pins, and round components.

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

ISO 9001:2015

Made in Canada

Made in Canada

40+

Years of Experience

5K+

Satisfied Customers

Overview

Pearson Manufacturing delivers high-precision manual lathe services for round parts with exact dimensions and clean finishes. Depending on schedule and complexity, work may be coordinated under Pearson QA through our internal team or trusted Canadian partners. From prototype shafts and custom fittings to accurate reworks, we focus on consistency, fit, and function.

⚠️ Hybrid fulfillment: Not all lathe services are performed at our facility. We act as your sourcing and fulfillment partner to meet cost, capacity, and schedule.

Manual lathe turning process

Quick Specs

Typical Tolerance
Metals ±0.001″; Plastics ±0.002–0.005″ (feature/material dependent)
Between Centers
Up to ~1.0 m (≈40″) typical; longer by routing
Max Swing
≈300 mm (≈12″) over bed typical; larger by routing
Threads
UNC/UNF, ISO Metric, NPT/NPTF, BSPP/BSPT, Acme/Trapezoidal, LH/RH
Surface Finish
Turned ≈ Ra 1.6–3.2 µm (63–125 µin) typical; finer with polish/grind
Materials
Aluminum, steels, stainless, brass/bronze, copper, engineering plastics
Files Accepted
STEP/IGES + PDF; sketches & samples welcome
Rush Options
Often available—note your need-by date on RFQ
EngagementBest ForSpeedNotes
One-Off / RepairWorn shafts, bushings, pinsFastReverse-engineer from sample; restore fits/threads
New Part / PrototypeCustom shafts & fittingsFastMinimal setup; quick DFM feedback
Small-BatchShort runs with repeatabilityMediumConsistent tooling, in-process checks
Threading & TapersUNC/metric, NPT, AcmeFastRelief grooves, gauge-verified classes/fit

Common Materials

  • Aluminum: 6061-T6, 7075-T6
  • Steels: 1018, 1045, 4140 (HT by spec)
  • Stainless: 303, 304, 316/316L
  • Brass/Bronze: C360, C932
  • Plastics: Acetal (Delrin/POM), Nylon, UHMW

Typical Lathe Capabilities

  • Custom shafts, rods, pins, and bushings (new or rework)
  • Precision external & internal threading (UNC/UNF, metric, NPT/BSPT, Acme)
  • Boring, facing, grooving, parting, and precise shoulders/steps
  • Close-fit diameters and press-fit features with targeted tolerances
  • Tapers (MT/JT), chamfers, fillets, undercuts, and relief features
  • Finishing & polishing on turned surfaces; basic knurling on request

Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

  • Add relief/undercuts at shoulders and thread runouts to achieve clean seats and full thread depth.
  • Specify thread standard/class (e.g., 3A/2A, 6g/6H) and gauge method (GO/NO-GO) for verification.
  • Call out only CTQ diameters for tight tolerances; allow standard fits elsewhere to control cost.
  • Use generous fillets/radii at diameter transitions to improve strength and finish.
  • For long, slender parts, note straightness/runout limits and support strategy (centers/steady rest).
  • Define surface finish on bearing/seal areas (e.g., ≤ Ra 1.6 µm) and allow cosmetic finishes elsewhere.

We’ll review CTQs, thread classes, and finish targets to confirm achievable specs before kickoff.

Why Choose Our Lathe Work?

  • Rapid turnaround for prototypes, spares, and repairs
  • Cost-effective for small quantities with minimal setup
  • Skilled machinists achieving tight diameters and clean finishes
  • Hybrid routing (in-house + trusted Canadian partners) for size/schedule coverage
  • Clear QA: gauge-verified threads, documented fits, and inspection summaries on request

Industries We Serve

  • Automation & Robotics
  • Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO)
  • Automotive & Powersports
  • Industrial Machinery & Fabrication
  • Agriculture & Material Handling

Common Applications

  • Drive shafts, axles, spindles, and mandrels
  • Custom bushings, sleeves, and spacers
  • Press-fit pins, dowels, and locating features
  • Threaded fittings, adapters, and couplers

Manual Lathe FAQs

What materials can you turn?

Commonly aluminum, carbon/stainless steels, brass/bronze, copper, and engineering plastics (Acetal/Delrin®, Nylon, UHMW). Ask about your specific alloy/polymer.

What tolerances can you hold?

As a starting point: metals ±0.001″ on critical diameters; plastics typically ±0.002–0.005″ due to thermal/mechanical behavior. Tighter bands may be achievable after review.

Which thread forms can you cut?

UNC/UNF, ISO metric coarse/fine, NPT/NPTF, BSPP/BSPT, and Acme/Trapezoidal. Left-hand and multi-start threads available by review. We verify with calibrated thread gauges when specified.

Can you match a worn shaft without a drawing?

Yes. Send photos and basic dimensions. We can measure the sample, recreate the critical fits/threads, and produce a drawing for your approval. Start your lathe work quote — include overall length, diameters, thread spec, material, and finish targets.

What surface finish can I expect?

Typical turned finish is around Ra 1.6–3.2 µm (≈63–125 µin). Finer finishes are possible with polishing or post-process grinding where required.

Ready to Get Started?

Upload your drawing for a quote, lead-time estimate, and DFM tips. We’ll confirm achievable fits, threads, and finishes.

Start Your Quote