Manual milling and turning are traditional machining techniques that rely on hand-operated controls to shape and form metal, offering a more tactile and responsive approach to part production. In manual milling, a rotating cutting tool is used to remove material from the workpiece in a controlled manner, allowing for the creation of flat surfaces and slots. This technique provides machinists with direct control over feed rate, tool depth, and positioning, which is especially beneficial for unique or custom projects. Manual milling is often favoured for its flexibility, as it can quickly adapt to small-batch production needs without requiring elaborate setups or programming, making it ideal for prototyping, repair work, and low-volume production.

In manual turning, a lathe rotates the workpiece while a stationary cutting tool removes material to form cylindrical shapes and specific profiles, such as tapers or threads. Manual lathes provide precision in creating round components like shafts, bushings, and spindles, with the machinist directly adjusting the tool position and speed. The hands-on control of both milling and turning enables experienced machinists to make real-time adjustments, offering a level of flexibility that is valuable for custom work or small runs where design modifications might be needed. Though less automated than CNC processes, manual milling and turning remain essential for tasks that require a high degree of responsiveness and control, bridging the gap between highly customized work and efficient production for low-volume projects.