Mounting the Work, Tool Rest Position

After marking each end, mark the true center with a punch awl or dividers (Fig. 29). If the stock is hardwood, the centers should be drilled to a depth of about 1/8”. The spur or live center is then placed against one end of the work and seated by striking with a mallet (Fig. 30). In hardwood, make a starting seat for the spur center by sawing on the diagonal lines, and drilling a small hole at the intersection. After driving the center, hold the center

Fig. 29

and the work together and fit both immediately to head- stock spindle. If you are not using a ball bearing center, the end of work at tailstock center should be oiled. Place the lubricant on the wood either before or after it is put on the lathe. Many turners use beeswax, tallow, or a wax-and-oil mixture as a lubricant. A ball bearing center is ideal because it eliminates lubricating. If the work is to be removed from the lathe before completion, an index mark should be made as a guide for re-centering (Fig. 31). A permanent indexer can be made by grinding off one corner of one of the spurs.

MOUNTING THE WORK

Mount the work by moving the tailstock to a position about 1” or 1-1/2” from the end of the workpiece, and locking it in this position. Advance the tailstock center by turning the feed handle until the center cup makes contact with the work. Do not support the work on the center pin alone. Always have the rim of the center cup imbedded at least 1/8” into the work. Continue to advance the center while slowly rotating the work by hand. After it becomes difficult to turn the work, slack off on the feed about one-quarter turn and lock the tail- stock spindle.

TOOL REST POSITION

Mount the tool rest in place about 1/8” away from the work and 1/8” above the work centerline (Fig. 32.) This position may be varied to suit the work and the operator. Place a guide mark on the tool rest shank as an aid to quick and accurate resetting.

Fig. 32

Fig. 30

Fig. 31