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The lathe is a tool used in many different applications, from ceramics to wood to metals.
For metals, including silver, the procedure is as simple as it is fascinating.
The first step is to produce the form, usually of steel today but once made of boxwood, which is simply the inside of the object to be produced.
The form is fastened to the lathe, and a disk of silver is fixed to the base.
Now the object is ready to be turned. After turning on the machine, the form and the silver disk rotate together on the lathe. First the disk is centered, and then turned.
Using special tools of horn and burnishers the flat disk is pressed toward the form.
This is the most exalting part of the work, because a flat disk of metal takes on volume as we proceed with the work.
When the metal completely adheres to the form, the object is complete.
Thus apparently identical objects are created: actually, no two are completely alike.
This is the mystery of turning. Even though intended to produce a series of identical objects, in reality each piece is a new creation.
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