Date post: | 15-Jul-2015 |
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Technology |
Upload: | xtreme43v6 |
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Learning the Basics of
Woodturning
a step-by-step tutorial on the proper way to safely turn a pieces of wood into a
decorative object
for more information visit: www.woodturner.org
Measure
• Reference your scaled drawing and mark the rough measurements for your turning.
• Make sure that these are not the final measurements as you need tolerance built in so you can turn the wood down to its final size.
• Remember to always measure twice and cut once
• This is the most important step!
Rough Cutting • Using a compound miter saw cut
the wood to size using the measurements that you marked in the previous step.
• You can always cut it smaller but it is near impossible to add the material back on once cut.
• Keep your fingers out of the blade path while cutting.
• Reference your safety manual before using this tool to ensure you are using it properly.
Setting Up the Tool Rest
• After placing your piece of wood in the chuck of the lathe adjust the tool rest so that it is approximately ½ inch away from the wood.
• While turning you may need to adjust the tool rest as you turn material off.
• The wood should not touch the tool rest.
Protect Yourself
• Before turning on the machine read the safety manual of the wood lathe to familiarize yourself with its operation.
• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from wood chips.
• Wear a overcoat to protect your clothing
• If necessary wear ear protection.
• Abide by all safety protocol when using this machine.
Roughing the Surface to Size • Turn on the machine and start it
at a slow speed.
• Using a lathe tool placed on the tool rest slowly remove material until the wood is cylindrical.
• Be sure to adjust the tool rest as you remove material so it stays within the tolerance mentioned in the prior step
• This is the most dangerous step; the wood can explode and injure the operator.
Creating Detail
• Using a variety of lathe tools you can create different shapes and details to accent your turning.
• Be sure to have the dust collection system on while doing this step so you can visually see your turning.
• Reference your scaled drawing for spacing and depths while creating these features.
• Once you remove material you cannot add it back on to your turning.
Tool Control
• After getting comfortable using the wood lathe you can experiment with advanced tool control.
• A popular technique is turning a ring off of the original material so that the two pieces are completely independent.
• Do not be afraid to experiment.
• Advanced tool control is dangerous because the wood can explode while turning.
Finish Sanding • Once complete on the lathe, take
the turning off and finish sand.
• Using a belt sander finish the top and bottom where the turning was attached to the lathe.
• Before using a chemical finishing product use a fine grit sandpaper.
• While sanding, always start with a course grit and work your way to a finer grit.