RIDGID WL1200LS1 manual Making Standard Cuts

How to Use Your RIDGID Wood Lathe (continued)

Making Standard Cuts

The Roughing-off Cut	has been formed, step lathe up to the next
Reducing a square or odd-shaped work-	faster speed. Further reductions in size
piece down to a cylinder of approximate	can now be carried out by cutting as
size for finish turning is called “Roughing-	deeply as desired at any spot along the
off”. Faceplate turning and large diameter	work. At this stage, long cuts, from the
spindles should first be partly reduced by	center off either end, can also be taken.
sawing but small spindles are easily turned	Roughing-off generally is continued until
down entirely with the large (3/4-in.) gouge.	the cylinder is approximately 1/8-in larger
Start the first cut about 2-in. from tailstock	than the desired finish size. Roundness
	can be tested by laying the gouge on top
end - then run it toward the tailstock and
	of the work - it will not ride up and down
off the end of the workpiece. Next, start
	when cylinder is perfectly round.
another cut 2-in. nearer the headstock -
and run it, also, toward tailstock, to merge
with first cut. Continue in this manner until
2- to 4-in. from the headstock end, then
reverse the direction of tool travel and
work one or two cuts in succession
toward the headstock, and off this end of
the workpiece. NOTE: Never start a cut
directly at the end -if the chisel catches
the end, it will damage the workpiece.		First Cuts
Never take long cuts while corners remain
on the work, as this tends to tear long sliv-
ers from the corners.
The first series of cuts should not be too
deep. It is better to partially reduce the
work to a cylinder all along its length; then
start a second series of cuts to complete
		Testing Roundness
reducing it to a cylinder. Once a cylinder
Rough-cutting To Size

The roughing-off cut can be made to accurately size the cylinder to a given diameter.

Another method is to make a number of sizing cuts at intervals along the work, then use the gouge to reduce the whole cylinder down to the diameter indicated by these cuts.

Making Sizing Cuts

Sizing cuts are useful to establish approx- imate finish-size diameters at various points along a workpiece. The work can then be turned down to the diameters indicated - and be ready for finishing. Diameters for sizing cuts should be planned to be about 1/8-in. greater than the desired finish diameters.

A sizing cut is made with the parting tool. Cut “in” with the parting tool. Turn the

lathe off and allow to come to a complete stop. Check the depth of cut with a cali- per. Repeat as necessary..

Checking

Sizing Cut

Diameter

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