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will save trips to the grinder and keep the edge
fresh.
10.3 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 22 shows the basic profile shapes in spindle
turning.
Figure 22
10.4 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 23) using a
band saw, so the wood will accept the spur
center and the live center.
Figure 23
3.
Drive the spur center about 1/4" into the
workpiece, using a wood mallet or dead blow
hammer as shown in Figure 24. Be careful that
you do not split the workpiece.
6.
hammer and never drive the workpiece onto
the spur center while it is mounted in the
Lathe spindle.
4.
Make sure headstock is locked to lathe bed.
5.
Clean tapered end of spur center and inside of
headstock spindle.
6.
Insert tapered end of spur center (with the
attached workpiece) into headstock spindle.
7.
Support the workpiece while bringing the
tailstock into position about 1-inch away from
end of workpiece. Lock tailstock to bed.
8.
Advance tailstock quill with the handwheel in
order to seat the live center into the workpiece.
Use enough pressure to secure the workpiece
between the centers so that it won't fly off, but
do not use excessive pressure.
9.
Tighten quill locking handle.
7.
capable of exerting excessive pressure against
the workpiece and the headstock. Apply only
sufficient force with tailstock to hold workpiece
securely in place. Excessive pressure can
overheat center bearings and damage both
workpiece and lathe.
10. Move tool rest into position. It should be parallel
to workpiece, just below the centerline and
approximately 1/8" to 1/4" from the corners of
the workpiece to be turned, as in Figure 25.
Tighten tool rest base to Lathe bed.
11. Rotate workpiece by hand to check for proper
clearance.
16
Figure 24
Never use a steel face
The tailstock quill is
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