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CUTTING SMALL BEADS
Beads can be scraped or cut. The easy method of scrap¬
ing is done with the spear chisel, and works to best
advantage on beads separated by parting tool cuts, as
shown in Fig. 56. Scraping is slower and less productive
of clean work than cutting, but it has the advantage of
perfect safety - you won't spoil the work with long gash
runs.
Cutting beads quickly and accurately with the small skew
is one of the most difficult lathe operations. Various work¬
ing methods can be used, the usual system being as
shown in Figs. 57, 58 and 59. The first cut is a vertical
incision at the point where the two curved surfaces will
eventually come together. This cut can be made with
either heel or toe of skew, Fig. 60 showing the toe being
used. Now, place the skew at right angles to the work and
well up on the cylinder, as shown in Fig. 57. The chisel
is flat on its side at the start, and is evenly rotated through
the successive stages of the cut, as shown in Figs. 57,
58 and 59. At the same time, the chisel is pulled slightly
backwards to maintain the cutting point. The entire cut
is made with the heel of chisel. The opposite side of the
bead is cut in the same manner, one cut serving to pro¬
duce the full shape in each instance. Beads cut in this
manner are beautifully smooth and polished, and the
technique is well worth mastering.
1
.
1
a
Bn
Fig. 59
VEE GROOVES
Cutting the vee groove demands much the same techni¬
que as the bead, except the skew is hinged straight into
the work without rotation, as shown in Fig. 61. Only one-
haif of the vee is made at a time, and one, two or more
cuts may be needed on each side to obtain the desired
shape. As in all cutting with the skew, the bevel next to
the cut must be used as a fulcrum, without at the same
time allowing the full edge of the chisel to catch and cause
a run. Vee grooves can also be made with the toe of the
skew, in the manner already described for squaring an
end.
Fig. 61
18
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