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Figure 9-1: basic turning tools
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
quenched for cooling. Honing with a diamond lap
or slipstone will save trips to the grinder and keep
the edge fresh.
9.3 Spindle Turning
Spindle turning takes place between the centers of
the lathe. It requires a spur or drive center in the
headstock and a live or dead center in the tailstock.
A cup center rather than a cone center in the
tailstock will often reduce the risk of splitting the
stock.
Figure 9-2 shows the basic profile shapes in
spindle turning.
Figure 9-2
tools
should
not
be
9.4 Stock Selection
Stock for spindles should be straight grained and
free of checks, cracks, knots and other defects. It
should be cut 1/8" to 1/4" larger than the finished
diameter and may require additional length so the
ends can be removed later. Larger stock should
have the corners removed to produce an octagon
making the piece easier to rough down to a
cylinder.
1.
With a combination square, or plastic center
finder for round stock, locate and mark center
on each end of the workpiece. Accuracy is not
critical on full rounds but extremely important
on stock where square sections are to remain.
Put a dimple in the stock with an awl or nail, or
use a spring-loaded automatic center punch.
2.
Extremely hard woods may require kerfs cut
into the ends of the stock (Figure 9-3) using a
band saw, so the wood will accept the spur
center and the live center.
3.
Drive the spur center about 1/4" into the
workpiece, using a wood mallet or dead blow
hammer as shown in Figure 9-4. Be careful
that you do not split the workpiece.
hammer and never drive the workpiece
onto the spur center while it is mounted in
the Lathe spindle.
17
Figure 9-3
Never use a steel face
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