About Precision Lathe
Design turned objects online — vases, bowls, chess pieces, pen blanks, and more. Draw a profile, revolve it, export STL for 3D printing or woodturning plans. Free, browser-based.
How to use
- Start with a template or a blank profile. The left panel shows a 2D cross-section view — this is the profile that gets revolved around the center axis to create the 3D shape. Choose from 19 templates across Furniture, Vessels, Decorative, Practical, and Ring categories.
- Add and move control points on the 2D canvas to shape your profile. Click to add points, drag to reposition. Toggle between sharp and smooth (Catmull-Rom) interpolation per point. The 3D preview on the right updates in real time as you edit.
- Use the dimension inputs in the toolbar to set exact heights and diameters. Switch between millimeters and inches. The measurement readouts show current diameter, height, and point count so you always know the exact size of your design.
- For ring designs, use the Ring Size selector — choose from 27 US sizes (3-16) and 7 band profiles (Flat, Comfort, D-Shape, Court, Knife Edge, Beveled, Rounded). The tool sets the correct inner bore diameter automatically.
- Add multiple parts with the Parts system — create a matching lid, a separate base, or a multi-piece assembly. Each part has its own profile and can be exported individually or combined. Assign different materials/colors to each part.
- Switch to Sculpt mode to refine the 3D surface directly. Push, Pull, Smooth, and Flatten brushes let you add organic details beyond what the 2D profile can express. Adjust brush radius and strength with the sliders.
- Export your design as STL (binary, for 3D printing slicers), OBJ (for 3D modeling tools), or SVG (the 2D profile outline for laser cutting or CNC). Save your work as JSON and reload it anytime to continue editing.
Frequently asked questions
How does the precision lathe work?
You draw a 2D cross-section profile on the left canvas using control points. The tool revolves this profile 360 degrees around the vertical axis (like a real lathe spinning wood) to generate a 3D mesh. The right panel shows the 3D preview updating in real time as you adjust the profile. This is the same revolve operation used in professional CAD tools like Fusion 360 and SolidWorks.
What can I design with it?
Any rotationally symmetric object — meaning anything that's the same shape all the way around a center axis. Common designs: vases, bowls, cups, chalices, chess pieces (King, Queen, Bishop, Rook, Pawn), candlesticks, pen barrels, ring bands, bottles, lamp shades, table legs, finials, and spindles. Start from one of 19 built-in templates or draw from scratch.
Can I export for 3D printing?
Yes. Export as STL (binary format, compatible with all slicers: Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio) or OBJ (for 3D modeling tools like Blender, Meshmixer). Multi-part designs can export each part separately or all together as a single mesh. The SVG export gives you the 2D profile outline for laser cutting or importing into other CAD tools.
What are the ring size templates?
27 US ring sizes (3 through 16, including half sizes) across 7 band profiles: Flat, Comfort Fit, D-Shape, Court, Knife Edge, Beveled, and Rounded. Each template sets the exact inner diameter for that ring size so you can 3D print accurate ring blanks, test fitment prototypes, or plan jewelry designs with confidence.
Does it support 3D sculpting?
Yes. Sculpt mode provides four brushes: Push (deform outward), Pull (deform inward), Smooth (average nearby surface), and Flatten (level to a plane). Adjust radius and strength with sliders. Sculpting is non-destructive — you can undo any stroke. This lets you add organic details like bark texture, finger grips, or decorative ridges that a symmetric profile alone can't express.
Can I create hollow objects?
Yes. The Hole tool adds a through-bore down the center axis, turning a solid vase into a hollow one. Set the bore radius to control wall thickness. This is essential for functional vessels (cups, vases that hold water) and for reducing material usage in 3D prints.
How do I design a chess piece?
Select a chess template from the Templates panel (Pawn is included, others can be created by starting from the closest template). The key to a good chess piece is the silhouette — adjust the profile to create the distinctive crown (King), cross (Bishop), or battlements (Rook). Use smooth interpolation for curves and sharp points for angular features.
Is my data stored anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser. Your profile data, templates, and exports are generated locally. Save your work as JSON to keep it — this file contains your full design and can be reloaded anytime. No account needed, no cloud storage, no tracking.
Part of ToolFluency’s library of free online tools for Creative. No account needed, no data leaves your device.