15
11.3
Spindle 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 18 shows the basic profile shapes in spindle
turning.
Figure 18
11.3.1
Stock Selection
Stock for spindles should be straight grained and
free of checks, cracks, knots and other defects. It
should be cut 1/8" to 1/4" larger than the finished
diameter and may require additional length so the
ends can be removed later. Larger stock should
have the corners removed to produce an octagon
making the piece easier to rough down to a
cylinder.
1. With a combination square, or plastic center
finder for round stock, locate and mark center
on each end of the workpiece. Accuracy is not
critical on full rounds but extremely important
on stock where square sections are to remain.
Put a dimple in the stock with an awl or nail, or
use a spring-loaded automatic center punch.
2. Extremely hard woods may require kerfs cut
into the ends of the stock (Figure 19) using a
band saw, so the wood will accept the spur
center and the live center.
Figure 19
3. Drive the spur center about 1/4” into the
workpiece, using a wood mallet or dead blow
hammer as shown in Figure 20. Be careful that
you do not split the workpiece.
Never use a
steel face hammer and never drive the
workpiece onto the spur center while it is
mounted in the Lathe spindle.
Figure 20
4. Make sure the headstock is locked to the
Lathe bed.
5. Clean the tapered end of the spur center and
the inside of the headstock spindle.
6. Insert the tapered end of the spur center (with
the attached workpiece) into the headstock
spindle.
7. Support the workpiece while bringing the
tailstock into position about 1” away from the
end of the workpiece. Lock the tailstock to the
bed.
8. Advance the tailstock spindle with the
handwheel in order to seat the live center into
the workpiece. Use enough pressure to secure
the workpiece between the centers so that it
won’t fly off, but do not use excessive
pressure.
9. Tighten the spindle locking handle.
The tailstock ram is capable of
exerting excessive pressure against the
workpiece and the headstock. Apply only
sufficient force with the tailstock to hold the
workpiece securely in place. Excessive
pressure can overheat center bearings and
damage both workpiece and Lathe.
10. Move tool support into position. It should be
parallel to the workpiece, just below the
centerline and approximately 1/8" to 1/4" from
the corners of the workpiece to be turned, as
in Figure 21. Tighten support base to Lathe
bed.
