Mounting Workpiece Between Centers
Spindle turning takes place between the centers of the lathe. It requires a spur center in the headstock and a live center in the tailstock.
1.With a ruler locate and mark the center on each end by going corner to corner, see Figure 13. Accuracy is not critical on full rounds but extremely important on stock where square sections are to remain. Put a dimple in each end of the stock with an awl, or nail.
2.Extremely hard woods may require kerfs cut into the spur drive end of stock, see Figure 13. You may need to drive the spur center into the stock with a wood mallet. Note: Never drive stock onto spur while it is mounted in the lathe spindle.
3.Install workpiece by inserting the attached spur center into the spindle taper on the headstock.
4.Bring tailstock into position, lock it to the bed, and advance quill with the handwheel in order to seat the live center into the workpiece. Lock the quill in place. Make sure the live center point is centered on your mark.
5.Move tool rest into position. It should be parallel to workpiece, approximately at the centerline and approximately 1/8" from the closest part of the workpiece. Lock tool rest body and tool rest in place.
6.Rotate workpiece by hand to check for proper clearance from tool rest. Note: You may want to trim off the corners of a square workpiece to make turning a little easier, see Figure 14.
7.Start lathe at the lowest speed and bring it up to the appropriate RPM for the size of stock, see Figure 7 page 10.
The position of the tool rest can be varied to suit the work and operator. After you become experienced with setting the tool rest changing the position will become second nature for the workpiece and comfort of the user.
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