When you decide to buy a wood turning lathe, you’ll have to know what to look for. There are many things to consider, such as how to choose a power source, and how to control the speed and spindle speed. You’ll also need to learn how to use tools such as the skew chisel and candlestick.
Pen turning
Pen turning is a quick, inexpensive way to create unique writing implements. It is a good gateway to more advanced turning. Besides a lathe, you will need a pen press and a few turning tools.
For the best result, be sure to use a carbide insert tool as opposed to a traditional turning tool. These have a higher resistance to wear and tear. They also have a longer working life.
A good starting point is to buy a ready-to-turn pen blank. You can find these in man-made acrylic or wood. Some are even pre-drilled.
Pen-making is a rewarding hobby. It’s inexpensive and can be fun. Plus, you can easily turn out a dozen pens in a day. The finished product is easy to sell and makes a great gift.
Candlesticks
A wood turning lathe is an essential tool for any woodworker. Besides making simple tools, it can also be used to make items of a more artistic nature. Among these are tea light holders. These are small but attractive items that can be sold to a variety of people. You can use different types of woods to create these holders.
In fact, a wood turning lathe is the perfect way to get into the craft of woodturning. There are a few tips and tricks you should know.
Using a wood turning lathe is a great way to turn a unique candlestick. For starters, you’ll need to learn how to properly mount and secure your material. It’s also important to remember that the wood should not be too thick, as this may cause distortion.
Skew chisels
Skew chisels are useful tools for fine tuning spindles and producing smooth surfaces. They’re also used for planing and tapering wood. Having a skew chisel on hand is essential to any woodturner’s toolbox.
Typically, a skew chisel has a rounded edge. The rounded profile makes the tool easier to use, and eliminates the rocking effect. However, some skews have square corners. These can make it difficult to slide the chisel on the tool rest. Using a grinder can round these edges.
The skew chisel is held with the toe side facing the workpiece and the heel side of the blade pointing to the tool rest. If the toe side is not positioned on the tool rest, the blade can dig in. To prevent this from happening, keep the toe off the workpiece.
Sculptureturnery and Eccentric turning lathe
The lathe has been around for centuries, but it was only in the recent past that we started seeing multi-dimensional wood turning on the commercial scene. Unlike traditional turning, this process allows the work piece to rotate cyclically over the bed of a lathe. This allows for a variety of interesting shapes and patterns to be turned.
Several devices have been designed and produced in recent years. There are three main types, a chuck, an eccentric, and a spindle. These are typically used for cylindrical, spherical, and asymmetric parts. Some examples of eccentric turning include: a sleeve, a shaft, and a part akin to a helix.
Using an eccentric as a base allows for a plethora of possibilities. One of the most popular uses is in the manufacture of electronic components. Another popular application is in the field of machining metals.
Speed control
When turning wood, it is important to know what speed you should be running your lathe at. This will help ensure that you are operating safely and that you are getting a high-quality cut.
The optimal speed is one that produces low vibration and minimal impact. Also, it should provide a quick cycle time so that you can get a high-quality output.
A good rule of thumb when turning on a lathe is to keep the speed between 6000 and 9000 RPM. At this speed, you should be able to get a quality cut and minimize tool wear.
The lathe speed will also depend on the type of material being turned. For example, if you are turning an odd shaped workpiece, you will want to slow the speed down.
