About two years ago, I bought everthing that pertains to turning that an older gentleman had. I got a 36 inch lathe but the real value was in the tools and accessories. Two years later, I’ve never turned on the lathe.
Anyone have any plans or suggestions for a mounting bench/ work station for the lathe?
I have limited room for the lathe and need a place for the chucks, jigs, etc as well as the tools.
Chip collection even work for a lathe?
Worthwhile or am I barking up the wrond tree?
JET of TN
Replies
I may be able to help.
My suggestion is that you carefully pack and ship those tools directly to my shop. <g> I will even pay for the shipping charges. I will organize and store them for you and even keep them sharpened and free of rust and dust. I have just the spot for them. When you are ready to use them you will be free to visit them at any time. Now, doesn't that sound like the best solution?
Andy
"It seemed like a good idea at the time"
The Turners clubs are a good Idea and I would also think of getting a couple of good turning books. In particular Mike Darlow and Richard Raffin. Read the books thoroughly, Especially the sharpening sections. Work on the chisles and get them sharpened properly and only then go to the lathe. Master one tool at a time. In this order Roughing Gouge, Spindle Gouge, Parting tool, round nose scraper. And when you get very confident in your abilities with them and not getting any catches move on to the skew. The skew will be the toughest to master well, Using it to shear a spindle smooth isn't too tough, But rolling beads will be the trick to master, Safety glasses and face shield a must all of the time.
Pay close attention in the books to what they have to say about riding the bevel (except scrapers),It is of the utmost importance, that bevel is the chisels support to prevent catches. I could probably go on forever, So just take your time, READ a lot, or go to one of the Clubs or Both. Spindle turning is great, But turning Bowls is addictive. An easy lumber to start on would be 3" X 18-24" Green maple or cherry chunk of log, straight from the tree.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
"Riding the bevel" is the starting point in the shearing cut, but one must lift the bevel from the work-piece to produce a clearance angle before any cutting will occur. The lift must be done with delicacy, to avoid a catch.
Tom
I somewhat agree with what you said, What I'am trying to say is that there is still a portion, be it minimal, of the bevel still riding on the work piece. It's that support under the chisel that helps prevent "tearout" otherwise you are just scraping, And a scraped finish is nothing like a sheared finish. Think we're close to the same page though.Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Just came in from the shop, Turning "green wood " Box Elder bowl.
The one thing I wouldn't do is to make a storage cabinet under the lathe, I find it very comfortable to have a foot rail under the lathe, Sort of like a bar rail. While standing for long stretches it's nice to be able to raise and alternate legs, Helps minimize back pain too.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Edited 6/9/2006 10:07 pm ET by BruceS
One of the best ideas I can give you is to look up the nearest chapter of AAW woodturners and join. American Assn. Woodworkers has chapters in nearly all cities. Joining would allow you to get first hand experience as well as safety info. They usually meet once a month and always have demos or talks on various issues. Thier philosophy is to help all turners regardless of experience. They even welcome people who do not even own a lathe. It cost very little to join and you can sit in on meetings without joining.
Guess I got off on turning more than on your questions. Build a very very stout and heavy bench, adjust leg height so that the centers are at elbow height, thats whats comfortable for me. If you have a pre-made bench either build a platform to stand on or raise the lathe depending on your height. Dust collection !!! I just love to see the curls shooting out in long streams and stand on them, nice and cushony. I do use a Four Inch hose hooked to my dust collector while sanding, especially the exotics, Cocobola and Goncola Alves, I'am lucky they don't bother me, but they can be very toxic to some. Tool/Chisle storage, See the books, a simple roll-about with vertical small tubes is good. My nova and one-way chucks are in a cabinet, calipers hang on the wall. Sharpening center, slow speed grinder and jigs are right next to the lathe.. Hopefully the Cache of chisles you got are HSS, but if not thats ok too, I have many turn of the century high carbon chisles which I love.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Jet,
I bought a lathe a few years ago and soon realized a heavy sold base was important. I built a workbench with Doug Fir beams, sled feet and a poplar top(5/4"). I then incorporated nested drawers under the lathe top and in the back above the lathe (but attached to the lathe) a cabinet with boxed doors for the tools, etc. I made the workbench long enough to accomodate a sharpening station on the end. With the drawers full, I cannot move the table at all.
If you get a chance watch http://www.thewoodworkingchannel.com They have some turning demos which are quite interesting and you'll pick up some good information.
JET , At the time I built mine I used 2x4 df legs with a 3/4" pb top and mounted the motor to a shelf below the lathe . Made some cleats from 2x4 and set the shelf on top . Used the hinging method of tensioning the belt .
Imo you need to screw or fasten the bench to the wall for less vibration . I keep calipers and such on the wall directly over the lathe on a stick with dowels for holders.
I keep most of my lathe tools in a wooden sort of a tray that fits over the ways or the bed , and I slide it to the right end not in use usually . Keeps them right there and out of the way . Mine are mostly scrapers .
have fun dusty
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