Rose engine lathe
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A rose engine lathe is a specialized kind of ornamental lathe. The headstock rocks back and forth with a rocking motion or along the spindle axis in a pumping motion, controlled by a rubber moving against a rosette or cam-like pattern mounted on the spindle, while the lathe spindle rotates. Rose engine work can make flower patterns, as well as convoluted, symmetrical, multi-lobed organic patterns. The patterns it produces are similar to that of a Spirograph, in metal. No other ornamental lathe can produce these "rose" patterns.
Engine work is easier than a high-gloss finish, especially in recessed areas, and is often found inside the casing of expensive watches. It sometimes confused with "jewel finishes," a much cheaper process of making swirly marks in metal made by attaching an abrasive pad to a power drill. Jewel finishes used to be common on stereo faceplates and automobile interiors.
