I have access to a manual lathe at college that is rarely used and I'm wondering how I can best utilize it to turn some plugs. I've done some work on lathes like this before, even roughing out a few plugs this way. But I'd like to get into using conventional wood lathe tools. Am i being ridiculous? has this type of "conversion" been done before?

ya, ive been doing a good amount of woodworking in this more or less "machine shop". Things do get a little sticky, but its sooo tempting, as no one else really utilizes this student shop that much. It has a bridgeport, this lathe, drill press, and a band saw. i cant ignore this opportunity. ive gone 2+ years of college only having tools in the summer at home, and im a little stir crazy. any one have any reccomendations for plug building with the tools listed above?

Simply cover the bed/ways of the lathe with some paper or cloth rags. Keep the saw dust out of the oil.
I would think that you would have to use the compound as a tool rest for your chisels. Or are you using the lathe tool post?

i haven't given it a shot yet, and i've never used a real wood lathe before... so i'm sort of in the dark here. how close does the tool rest need to be to the work?? (below and away from?) I was thinking I might make a "tool" that extends out in a way that I can use it as a rest.

It is all I use, Bridgeport for anything most use drill presses for. Thru drill in a $40,000 Hardinge tool room lathe:uhoh: and use a gigantic band saw at work also. I do all my turning at home on a wood lathe though. I just wipe everything down before and after use in the shop. I cover up as good as I can. Once in a while shouldn't be a problem. Millions of plugs would make a mess eventually. As far as converting a lathe for wood anything is possible but I wouldn't waste my time personally. I would buy a wood lathe. Chum uses a converted metal lathe and you know how good his stuff is. Good luck.