This manual teaches beginners fundamental lathe operations through three concise exercises designed to maximize hands-on learning. It explains centering and mounting work, facing and turning procedures, tooling geometry and grinding, recommended spindle speeds and feeds, use of lathe centers, lathe dogs, and lubricants, plus practical hints for roughing and finishing cuts. Instruction emphasizes instructor-led demonstrations, approximate belt connections, and options for shorter courses by completing selected exercises. Diagrams and step-by-step directions guide a novice from initial setup to producing accurately sized, smooth shafts.