Here are the lathe tools that I use. They are all shear cutting tools and never used as scrapers. I haven't come across any spindle turning (versus bowl turning) shape that I can't manage with these few tools. Actually, I could do without a couple of them. The large roughing gouge and the sizing tool on the right are nice additions but not necessary. I'd say that a quality parting tool, 3/4" roughing gouge, 1/2" detail gouge and a 1/2" or 3/4" skew are all that one "needs". I like high speed steel for the ease of grinding (hss doesn't lose its hardness unless heated very hot, so a little bluing doesn't affect it) and the durability of the edge. Lathe tools do a great deal of cutting in a matter of seconds and constant grinding and sharpening are essential. A sharp lathe tool is the only kind that works. I often let students try to work with a worn tool, and work is best way to say it! Then we sharpen up and the fun begins. I cannot turn with dull tools and imagine that much of my turning ability is knowing when to sharpen. If I was to buy just one lathe tool, it would be the 3/4" gouge. This one tool can take you from roughing to finished work and create some lovely shapes. Learning to expand the uses of just a few tools is a great way to gain skill and confidence while saving a buck as well as valuable shop space!
Peter, do you use a steady rest to prevent lathe chatter when turning your spindles?
ReplyDeleteI have played around with steady rests in the past but have abandoned them in favor of using my hand at the back of the piece. Most chatter seems to be a product of heavy cutting with less than sharp tools. Using ones hand can be tricky at times but it adds the ability to feel the surface quality being cut and a flexible source of stability. Steady rests take time to set up and laziness sets in, especially when my hand is already to go!
ReplyDeleteUpon rereading your question, I have one of my own. Do you mean spindles or spindle turnings (such as legs). I don't turn any of my spindles, they are all shaved, if I did, a steady rest may be more of a necessity.
ReplyDeleteYes, legs. Sorry, I thought about the wording just as I hit the send key. I make Windors too. We spoke briefly at Williamsburg. I am getting some chatter after I go down to about one inch in the center of the leg. Have tried to steady it with my hand and it helps, but I'm still getting the swirl pattern. I think I shall go to the grinder and stones tonight. Thanks, love the blog
ReplyDeleteBob Glenn