7
Cutting Flutes
Determine the number of flutes you want for your spindle. Depending on the number of flutes, you will dial the index
number on your lathe (or indexing accessory) and lock your headstock in place prior to cutting a flute.
Insert a “V” groove or Round Nose bit into your router depending on the profile you want on your fluted spindle.
Position the point of the bit at the beginning of your flute on the left side of your spindle (
Fig 9
). Mark the front of the
transport base onto the Platform. Mount and lock the stop collar to limit the left hand distance of the Transport. Do the
same on the right side - mark the front of the transport and set the right hand Stop Collar. Draw a reference line between
the marks on the left and right side
Determine the depth of your flute
(Fig 9)
. Advance the Guide bar to that distance in front of the reference line. Lock the
Guide Bar in place securely. Don’t make the cut too deep (1/16” max). If too shallow, you can always cut a deeper flute over
a shallow flute but you can’t make a deeper flute shallow.
Make sure your lathe spindle is locked in place, and everything else is secure. For your safety Unplug your Lathe.
align bits to center points
FIGURE 10 - Set up for flute cuts
Platform guide bar
Trim cutter router bit
Figure 9 - Set up for cutting flutes
Headstock
Index locking knob
Tailstock
Mark spindle at the beginning
and end for flute cuts
re-position stop collar
Change bit
Position guide to cut flutes
depth of cut
Repeat on right side of spindle
Flute reference line
