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10.0 Operation
The information which follows is general in nature
and not intended to be a complete course in wood
turning. Much knowledge can be gained by
discussions with experienced woodturners or by
consulting books, trade articles, and internet
forums. Above all, simple trial and error will aid in
developing proficiency in the craft.
10.1 Inspection
Before operating the lathe, check that everything is
in proper working order:
1.
Level your machine; If using the optional stand,
adjust the leveling feet.
2.
Check bearings; there should be no endplay or
spindle runout.
3.
Check belt; it should be snug but not overly
tight.
4.
Bed ways; keep clean, use steel wool to remove
any rust spots, and apply paste wax to prevent
buildup of rust and finishes.
5.
Tool support; use a mill file to remove nicks and
dings.
6.
Spindle tapers; should be clean and free of dust
and chips for proper seating of tapers.
7.
Tailstock; clean and lubricate quill and locking
device.
8.
Lighting; proper lighting is essential to eliminate
shadows and reduce eye strain.
10.2 Turning tools
If possible, select only fine quality, high-speed steel
turning tools. High-speed steel tools hold an edge
and last longer than ordinary carbon steel. As one
becomes proficient in turning, a variety of specialty
tools for specific applications may be acquired. The
following tools provide the basics for most
woodturning projects (see Figure 10-1):
Skews – 1-1/2" and 1" or 1-1/4", used to make
finishing cuts and details.
Large Roughing Gouge – 1" to 1-1/4", used to
eliminate waste wood.
Spindle Gouges – 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", used to turn
beads, coves and other details.
Deep Fluted Bowl Gouge – 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2",
used for turning bowls & plates.
Square Scraper (Bedan) – 3/8" or 1/2", used to
create square shoulders.
Large Round Nose (Domed) Scraper – 1-1/2",
used to reduce ridges on interior of bowls, round
edges of bowls, etc.
Parting Tool - 1/8", used for scraping, making a cut-
off, or to set diameters for sizing.
Figure 10-1: Basic Turning Tools
For safety and best performance, keep tools sharp.
If a tool stops cutting or requires excessive pressure
to make a cut, it needs to be sharpened. A number
of brand name sharpening jigs and fixtures are
available; however, a woodturner should learn to
sharpen tools freehand.
For best results, use a slow speed grinder (1800
rpm) fitted with a 60-grit aluminum oxide wheel (for
shaping) and a 100-grit alum. oxide wheel (for final
sharpening and touchup). The grinder should be
located near your lathe and at a comfortable height.
A diamond dresser will keep the wheels true and
eliminate glazing.
Never allow the tool to rest in one place on the
wheel; keep it moving and use a light touch.
Carbon steel tools can overheat easily and should
be cooled frequently. If the edge turns blue, it has
lost its temper and should be ground past the blue
area. High-speed steel tools are not as likely to
overheat, but can be damaged if allowed to get red
hot. High-speed steel tools should not be quenched
for cooling. Honing with a diamond lap or slipstone
will save trips to the grinder and keep the edge
fresh.
17
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