Chasing Threads by Hand Hand chasing threads is kind of a lost art.  It was replaced by the advent of plastics and because it is one of the most demanding skills that a woodturner can pursue.  There are only a few of the older thread chasers left.  Fortunately, the skill has not been lost altogether and there are a few of us bringing it back. Chasing threads is done on a wood lathe.  The threads are not cut with mechanical control, but are cut with hand-held tools.  It requires timing and a steady hand.  The term "chasing" refers to the fact that once started, the tool has a tendancy to follow, or chase, the trace of the thread as it is strengthen and lengthened.