Record Power SC1 Original Instruction Manual page 16

6. Intended Use of the Lathe
Using the Skew Chisel
Skew chisels are available in both flat and oval profiles.
The curved profile is favoured by many as it gives better
results more easily. Skew chisels are ideal for creating
beads, refining the profiles and can be used to create
a final smooth finish to the workpiece. The skew chisel
should be applied to the workpiece horizontally with the
blade resting on the tool rest, fig 6.11, again with the
bevel rubbing the workpiece and raising the handle to
take careful, controlled cuts.
Further Operations
The guidelines above give basic instructions on some of
the most common woodturning procedures. There are a
wide variety of specialised chisels and many complementary
accessories available for Record Power lathes which
enable a huge variety of work to be created. For further
instructions on more advanced safe and effective
woodturning, please seek professional training.
Speeds of the Lathe
To ensure the safest possible use of the lathe, it is
important to understand which speeds are suited to
which tasks. In general, the slower speeds should be used
for the initial turning and roughing out of large pieces
i
and the slowest speed should be used when large pieces
are out of balance. This will reduce the possibility of the
workpiece being thrown from the lathe.
Medium speeds are ideally suited for general purpose
work which doesn't place heavy loads on the spindle
of the lathes, for example when creating the profiles of
spindles and some smaller bowl turning.
16
Fig 6.11
The fastest speeds should be used only for small diameter
work, where the size of workpiece is relatively small and
therefore poses a lower risk of causing damage. Extra
care should be taken when turning at the fastest speeds,
using only a relatively light touch.
When sanding, care should be taken to not burn the
operator's hands or the workpiece. It is recommended to
not exceed the speed used for the last turning operation.
If in doubt, use a slow speed.