Woodworker's Journal 2008-32-3, страница 26

To cut a V-groove, use either the toe (top) or the heel (bottom) of a skew chisel. Take small cuts and work from both sides, alternately.

To establish a correct dimension for an element in a turned spindle, use a parting tool and calipers. The calipers can be used safely with the lathe running, as shown.

Partins Tool Roughing Gouge Spindle Gouge Skew Chisel

master a spindle gouge, I have him or her try a bowl gouge, usually with much greater success. When I'm struggling with spindle turning, I grab a bowl gouge. Bad days: bowl gouges. Good days: spindle gouges.

Spindle gouges work great when they're sharpened with a long, steep bevel and a more pointed end in comparison to a bowl gouge. This type of edge profile allows for a clean cut and also allows for getting into tight areas between elements of the turned object.

When making a cut to create a cove, begin with a series of cuts, high point to low point: cut with the grain. As you make successive cuts, work toward the middle of the cove's low point.

Spindle turning requires that the wood always be cut from the high point to the low point. In other words, downhill. Even if you were to use a scraper for spindle turning, results are better with a downhill cut. Visualize a cat sitting on a chair and imagine how much howling would happen if you pet its fur in the wrong direction, tail to head!

Cutting Beads with a Spindle Gouge

I cut beads with a spindle gouge, which has been sharpened to somewhat of a point. This allows me a bit more control than using a skew chisel, especially when I've not practiced my skew work recently. We bowl turners don't often practice using the skew chisel.

I begin the bead at the top and roll the gouge first to the left side of the bead, then to the right side of the bead, turning the gouge on its side and leading with the tip as I make the cut. Because my spindle gouge is sharpened with a relatively long, steep bevel and somewhat of a point, it actually acts a bit like a skew chisel, only not as grabby.

Most other hardwoods are fine for spindle turning, with some being better than others. I like the qualities of ash and walnut. Almost any wood that has been air dried cuts well.

Best of all for practicing spindle turning is green wood. Carefully select a small branch from your maple tree — one that won't be easily missed — then cut it into modest lengths. Simply mount it between centers and cut away. You'll have more fun than you've ever had spindle turning, plus you'll have a pile of exotic kindling for your next outdoor bonfire!

Betty Scarpino and her eclectic mix of lathe tools reside in Indianapolis. Her maple tree does not need pruning!

Good Options for Spindle Turning

I've selected a 2V₂"-diameter piece of soft maple for the cuts in the photos. It's an excellent species for practicing. It's easy to cut, inexpensive, and you can achieve a good surface without torn grain.

Pine or fir is a challenge to use for spindle turning because it is very soft and the grain tears easily. But if that's all you have, give it a try.

Cut a cove with a spindle gouge. Work from the top to the bottom, alternating sides until you achieve the desired depth and shape.

26

June 2008 Woodworker's Journal