Spindle Turning
Spindle turning (Figure 34) is the operation per- formed when a workpiece is mounted between the headstock and the tailstock.
Figure 34. Typical spindle turning operation.
To set up a spindle turning operation:
1.Mark both ends of your workpiece by draw- ing diagonal lines from corner to corner. The intersection point of these lines will show you the center of your workpiece. See Figure 35 for details.
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Figure 35. Workpiece marked diagonally from
corner to corner to determine the center.
G0657/G0658 Benchtop Lathe
2.Using a wood mallet, tap the point of the spur center into the center of the workpiece, so that it leaves a center mark, then remove the spur center.
3.Using a 1⁄8" drill bit, drill a 3⁄16" deep hole at the center mark.
4.Cut the corners off your workpiece if it is over 2" x 2" to make turning safer and easier.
5.Drive the spur center into the center of the workpiece with a wood mallet to embed it at least 1⁄4", as shown in Figure 36.
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Figure 36. Spur center properly embedded.
6.With the workpiece still attached, insert the spur center into the headstock spindle.
7.With the live center installed in the tailstock, slide the tailstock toward the workpiece until the live center touches the workpiece center- point, then lock the tailstock in this position.
8.Use the quill handwheel to push the live cen- ter into the workpiece at least 1⁄4".
Do not press the workpiece too firmly with the tailstock or the bearings will bind and overheat. Likewise, do not leave it too loose or the workpiece will spin off the lathe. Use good judgement. Serious personal injury could result if care is not taken.