Jet Tools JWL-1440VS operating instructions Turning Tools, Spindle Turning

4.Bed ways; keep clean, use steel wool to remove any rust spots, and apply paste wax to prevent buildup of rust and finishes.

5.Tool rest; use a mill file to remove nicks and dings.

6.Spindle tapers; should be clean and free of dust and chips for proper seating of tapers.

7.Tailstock; clean and lubricate quill and locking device.

8.Lighting; proper lighting is essential to eliminate shadows and reduce eye strain.

10.2Turning Tools

If possible, select only quality, high-speed steel turning tools. High-speed steel tools hold an edge and last longer than ordinary carbon steel. As one becomes proficient in turning, a variety of specialty tools for specific applications can be acquired. The following tools provide the basics for most woodturning projects (see Figure 21):

Skews – 1-1/2" and 1" or 1-1/4", used to make finishing cuts and details.

Large Roughing Gouge – 1" to 1-1/4", used to eliminate waste wood.

Spindle Gouges – 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", used to turn beads, coves and other details.

Deep Fluted Bowl Gouge – 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2", used for turning bowls & plates.

Square Scraper (Bedan) – 3/8” or 1/2", used to create square shoulders.

Large Round Nose (Domed) Scraper – 1-1/2", used to reduce ridges on interior of bowls, round edges of bowls, etc.

Parting Tool - 1/8", used for scraping, making a cut-off, or to set diameters for sizing.

For safety and best performance, keep tools sharp. If a tool stops cutting or requires excessive pressure to make a cut, it needs to be sharpened. A number of brand name sharpening jigs and fixtures are available; however, a woodturner should learn to sharpen tools freehand.

For best results, use a slow speed grinder (1800 rpm) fitted with a 60-grit aluminum oxide wheel (for shaping) and a 100-grit alum. oxide wheel (for final sharpening and touchup). The grinder should be located near your lathe and at a comfortable height. A diamond dresser will keep the wheels true and eliminate glazing.

Never allow the tool to rest in one place on the wheel, keep it moving and use a light touch.

Figure 21

Basic Turning Tools

Carbon steel tools can overheat easily and should be cooled frequently. If the edge turns blue, it has lost its temper and should be ground past the blue area. High-speed steel tools are not as likely to overheat, but can be damaged if allowed to get red hot. High-speed steel tools should not be quenched for cooling. Honing with a diamond lap or slipstone will save trips to the grinder and keep the edge fresh.

10.3Spindle Turning

Spindle turning takes place between the centers of the lathe. It requires a spur or drive center in the headstock and a live or dead center in the tailstock. A cup center rather than a cone center in the tailstock will often reduce the risk of splitting the stock.

Figure 22 shows the basic profile shapes in spindle turning.

Figure 22

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