Oliver 2019, Owner'S Manual

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2019 Lathe OLIVERMACHINERY.NET 55 | Page
Appendix
Suggested Lathe Speed Limits for Turning
Woodturning is best conducted at an optimal speed. If the lathe speed is too high, the centrifugal force
can cause a workpiece to disintegrate. If the speed is too low, it can result in a poor finish. This speed
chart shows the suggested lathe speed limit for turning blanks of various diameters. The speed limits are
set assuming the workpiece is a solid piece of wood that is strong, balanced, rounded, and perfectly intact.
Blanks that are off-balanced, irregularly shaped, or with less than perfect integrity will require a lower
turning speed.
Please note that the suggested speed is only for performing cuts only. Use 50% of the minimum RPM
listed in the table for roughing blanks, negative rake scraping, sanding, and polishing.
Use the lathe’s lowest speed (50 RPM) for applying finish.
Diameter(in.) Min RPM Max RPM
1 3200 3200
2 2860 3200
3 1910 3050
4 1430 2290
5 1140 1830
6 950 1520
7 810 1310
8 710 1140
9 630 1010
10 570 910
Diameter(in.) Min RPM Max RPM
11 520 830
12 470 760
13 440 700
14 400 650
15 380 610
16 350 570
17 330 530
18 310 500
19 300 480
20 280 450
WARNING
Failure to set the lathe speed for safe operation can cause the blank to disintegrate
at high speed, which can result in serious injuries or death.
Useful Links
Tool Sharpening:
•
https://thompsonlathetools.com/sharpening/
•
https://carterandsontoolworks.com/pages/woodturning-resources
List of Woodturning Clubs, Craft Schools, and Symposiums:
•
https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturner/Woodturner/AAWConnects/AAW-Connects.aspx