A wood lathe is a useful tool for any DIYer, and it can be used to make everything from spindles to table legs. But before you can begin turning, it’s important to understand how the machine works.
A small wood lathe, also known as a benchtop lathe, is typically less expensive than a midi or full-sized lathe and is meant for smaller projects. It is also less intimidating to use for beginners, which can be a big advantage in the early stages of learning wood turning.
How to Set Up a Wood Lathe
When you start using a small wood lathe, it is important to set it up properly. This will help make your lathe more responsive and comfortable to use.
If you are using a larger lathe, it is also important to set up your workspace correctly. This will help you avoid accidents and keep your workspace safe.
A wood lathe is an extremely complex machine tool, so it is important to learn how to use it safely. You should wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes from flying wood, as well as clothing that is not easily caught in the spinning parts of the lathe.
Once you have mastered the use of a wood lathe, you will be able to tackle larger projects with ease. It is also a great way to build new skills and learn more about the craft of woodturning.
Turning a Blank
A lathe can turn a variety of different projects. Examples include tool handles, bodkins, candlesticks, egg cups, lamps, rolling pins, cylindrical boxes, Christmas ornaments, and chessmen.
Bowls, plates, and other small wooden pieces are a great beginner project to learn how to turn on your lathe. They can be made from a variety of woods and they are relatively inexpensive to make.
Lidded boxes, or salt cellars, are another fun and practical turning project to try on your small wood lathe. They are also an excellent way to showcase your skills and show off your creative side!
If you’re planning to use a screw chuck, be sure to first locate and drill a hole in the center of the blank. This hole will be used to insert the screw chuck into, and it needs to be big enough for the chuck to grip. Using a chuck with a hole that is too small will cause the chuck to slip and strip out of the hole, making it difficult for the blank to turn.
Lathing a Blank
A small wood lathe can turn many different kinds of objects. It is a great tool for making curved designs and spindles. You can also use a mini wood lathe to make things like rings and pens.
In addition, a lathe can also be used to make a variety of other items such as tool handles, candlesticks, egg cups, knobs, lamps, rolling pins, cylindrical boxes, Christmas ornaments, bodkins, knitting needles, needle cases, thimbles, pens, chessmen, spinning tops and more.
When using a lathe, it is important to follow all safety guidelines and wear protective gear such as eye protection and dust masks. Spinning wood at high speeds can be dangerous, so it is a good idea to only operate a wood lathe when you are sure that you can control the speed of the motor and the work piece you are turning.
Once a blank is prepared for the lathe it must be attached properly to start the process of turning. There are three basic ways to attach a bowl blank to the lathe, and one of the easiest is to mount it onto a faceplate that is threaded into the drive shaft.
Finishing a Blank
When using a small wood lathe, it’s important to finish a blank properly. It’s essential to shave away the corners of the stock, remove stress cracks and clear debris from the workpiece.
To begin, choose a square blank that’s about 9” long and mount it between centers on the lathe bed. Using a roughing gouge, turn it into a cylinder that’s cylindrical in shape with practice.
The next step is to select which end of the blank will be the base and which will be the cup. Once this is determined, use a parting tool or skew chisel to create a tenon on the base end of the blank that will fit into a scroll chuck.
This will allow you to work quickly and securely without having the tailstock stub attached to the blank’s tenon. However, this method requires a bit more time than working around the tailstock. Additionally, you’ll need to remove the stub from the chuck before you can mount it on the headstock.
