A bit of work will convert an inexpensive, common plumbing floor flange into a lathe faceplate for bowl turning. The biggest problem is that the threads on the floor flange are tapered. You’ll have to use a tap in the appropriate size to open up the taper so the faceplate will screw on your lathe’s spindle without binding. After you’ve opened up the threads, screw the flange on the spindle and check the fit of the hub against the shoulder of the headstock. File the high spots on the hub until it fits flat up against the shoulder. Now, with your lathe running at its slowest speed, scrape the face of the faceplate true with a carbide scraper or an old file ground into a chisel shape. To finish the faceplate, scrape or file the edge. If you use a file, be sure to keep it moving so you won’t wear out one spot.

Robert Kelton, Saranac Lake, N.Y.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, June 1987 No. 64

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