Woodturning Introduction

This page is INCOMPLETE and still missing some important information before it can be used as a resource. Please use the "Discussion" feature above or talk to one of the tutors if you would like to help improve it. Thanks!

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This is the content required for an introduction to our wood lathe and woodturning tools - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's manual and have watched this video explaining how "catches" happen.

Safety

Dangers

• quickly spinning exposed chuck and workpiece
• tools, especially skew chisels, can get caught on the workpiece's surface
• parting tools can get stuck in the cut due to the high friction
• flying shavings, splinters and dust
• quickly spinning workpiece might fly at you if it gets loose
• belt-based speed selection

Precautions

• always make sure all screws and nuts (tool rest, tailstock, spindle) are properly tightened
• give the workpiece a test spin by hand to check whether it catches on anything before turning on the motor
• wear a face shield
• wear a dust mask depending on your material
• do NOT wear gloves, loose-sleeve clothing or open long hair!
• proceed slowly and smoothly "into" the workpiece - you want to shave material off, not break it!
• always let the tool touch the tool rest before the workpiece
• make sure the tool is supported on the side you're going to cut with
• unplug the machine before opening the belt housing to select a different speed

Suggested Reading

Besides these safety notes, you should read our page on woodturning tools.

Demonstration

The tutor will show you these steps in detail:

• speed selection
  • unplug the lathe
  • open the belt housing on the left
  • loosen the red screws holding the motor in place (just a little bit, do NOT remove them!)
  • lift the motor up to get some slack in the belt
  • switch the belt to the desired setup (same position on both pulleys!)
  • let the motor go back into its original position and re-tighten the holding screws
  • leave the belt a bit looser than you would on the drill press - that way, it can slip when an accident happens!
• setting up a workpiece between centers ("spindle work")
  • find the center point and mark it on both sides
  • remove the drive center from the headstock, set it on the center point you marked on your workpiece, and hammer it "in"
  • in case of hardwood, a few relief cuts across the center point may prevent splitting
    • this may also reduce the need for hammering the drive center into the workpiece
  • screw the drive center back onto the headstock spindle and move the tailstock as close as the workpiece allows
  • drive the tailstock spindle into the workpiece and secure it with the nuts on either side of the tailstock
• letting the bevel of a gouge "ride" on the workpiece before the cut