Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Mar 05, 2008 02:58am | #1

   Hi Rotator:

   I've got a few ideas but write back if this doesn't get you to success.

   You can probably improve the rough surface by sharpening your tools more frequently. The sharper the better, and once per pass wouldn't be out of the question. It could also be the fault of the grain, in which case, your tools need to be even sharper.

   As far as what tool to use, I'm a gouges guy all the way but a skew chisel would also work. I'd avoid the scraper. In faceplate work from bowls to flat objects, I prefer to use a thumbnail gouge and hold the blade differently depending on the cut. For flat facing cuts, I use the blade like a skew chisel.

   The grooves might have to do with the speed of the lathe. If the grooves are mostly in the middle, it's because the RPM is much slower at the center compared to the rim. If it's not that, it could be how steady you're holding the tool is as it cuts. Do you have trouble moving the tool across the tool rest in a smooth fashion? If so try filing the edge of the rest flat to remove any dents or bumps.

   The last thing I can think of would be if the workpiece is off-center on the lathe. Is that a problem at all?

   Matt Berger

1. 
   Rotator | Mar 20, 2008 04:37pm | #2

   Hi <!----><!----><!---->

   Between post and reply I did have a go with a wider scraper with a deal of success but would still like to explore the alternatives you mentioned especially with the skew<!----><!---->

   Have Richard Raffan DVD arrive recently and found I already had the book. Must admit some of the cuts are a bit frightening at first. Any pointers or should I just persevere

   Rotator<!----><!---->

1. 
   MBerger | Mar 23, 2008 01:36am | #3

   Hi Rotator.I just re-read my original post and I'm questioning what I wrote about the skew chisel. I'm thinking that's a bad idea after all. I do still recommend the bowl gouge, however.I also read one of our articles on turning and carving a piecrust table (you can find it with a quick search) and the author used a scraper, so that's a fine choice.Raffan's demo of the skew is great. Alan Lacer also made a good DVD called Taming of the skew that shows a lot.- Matt.