Spindle Turning
Spindle turning is the operation performed when a workpiece is mounted between the headstock and the tailstock (see Figure 30 for an example).
Figure 30. Typical spindle turning operation.
Damage to your eyes and lungs could result from using this machine without proper pro- tective gear. Always wear a face shield and respirator when operating this machine.
NOTICE
Always disconnect the lathe from power before using the spindle lock feature. Never resume turning operations without making sure that the spindle lock is disengaged and the spindle turns freely by hand. Otherwise machine damage could result.
Setting Up for Spindle Turning
1.Find the center point of both ends of your workpiece by drawing diagonal lines from cor- ner to corner across the end of the workpiece (Figure 31).
Workpiece
Pencil Lines
Marked Diagonally
Across Corners
Workpiece
Center
Figure 31. Workpiece marked diagonally from
corner to corner to determine the center.
2.Using a wood mallet and spur center, tap a center mark into both ends of the workpiece.
3.Using a 1⁄4" drill bit, drill a 1⁄4" deep hole at the center mark on the end of the workpiece to be mounted on the headstock spur center.
4.To help embed the spur center into the workpiece, cut 1⁄8" deep saw kerfs in the same end of the workpiece along the diagonal lines marked in Step 1.
Note: If your workpiece is over 2" x 2", cut the corners off the workpiece lengthwise to make turning safer and easier.