If holes have to be bored in the lathe, the work is generally fixed to a face plate or in a chuck, and the drill or cutter bar held firmly in the tool holder. Drills, unlike turning tools, cut with two edges simultaneously on opposite sides, but the rules about their clearance and cutting angles are the same. If a large hole has to be bored from the solid, several drills of progressive sizes must be used, the last taking only a thin finishing cut, so as to produce a true hole of the required diameter. The size must be tested with the inside callipers, and to prevent accidents it is advisable to stop the lathe before its application The feed of the drill would be imparted in the same manner as that of the tool in turning. Much experience and care are necessary to ensure exactness of fitting in metal, as there is very little compression possible, thus greatly differing from wood.

In the case of the foot lathe the tools have to be held by the hand, and are either straight, with short handles, or bent, and fitted with long handles. The latter are known as heel tools, and are used for heavy work. Hand tools are supported on a "T" rest, and the feed is produced by a combined twist and side movement of the tool handle, the heel of the tool being kept firmly in position by the left hand. Much practice is necessary to ensure good work with a foot lathe, particularly in the manipulation of the tools.