Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Aug 09, 2007 01:06am | #1

   Zimango.

   We published an article on this a few years back but I just checked our archives and for some reason it's not on the site. I'll work on getting it up, but in the meantime, it's a pretty standard procedure.

   Mill up one piece for every split segment you want. If you want quarter columns, mill up four equally sized pieces. Half columns, mill up two equally sized pieces. So on and so forth. The glue lines should intersect the center of the billet.

   Next, begin gluing up the milled segments with yellow glue and a sheet of heavy brown craft paper in between. The paper will allow you to split the turnings apart after the billet has been turned on the lathe.

   A few things to keep in mind.
   - If you're making quarter columns, glue the quarters into halves, flatten one face on each half, then glue the halves to create the final billet.
   - To keep the pieces from splitting prematurely, use a four-spur or circular headstock so it can really grab the workpiece, rather than a single-point one that will drive right through the glue line as you apply pressure.

   Let me know if you need more help with this.
   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

1. 
   zimango | Aug 09, 2007 06:32am | #2

   Thank-you for the quick response.

   Please let me know when the article is posted.  I had searched the archives  several times in the past and having found no listings posted the question.  I am familiar with that method.  I know that some people also like to wrap tape around each end after the glue up to help prevent a split while the piece is being machined.  I am very interested in reading the article.