OPERATION
SPINDLE TURNING
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. A cup center rather than a cone center in the tailstock
will often reduce the risk of splitting the stock.
Stock for spindles should be straight grained and free of
cracks, knots, nails and other defects. With a combination
square, locate and mark the center on each end of the work-
piece. Accuracy is not critical on full rounds but is 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).
Extremely hard woods may require kerfs cut into the ends of
the stock using a band saw, so the wood will accept the spur
center and the live center (Fig. 19).
Drive the spur center about .1 inches (3 mm) into the work-
piece. Use a wood mallet or dead blow hammer. 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 on the spindle of the lathe (Fig. 20).
Clean the tapered end of the spur center and the inside of the
headstock spindle. Insert the tapered end of the spur center
(with the attached workpiece) into the headstock spindle. Sup-
port the workpiece while bringing the tailstock into position.
Lock the tailstock to the bed.
Advance the tailstock quill with the hand wheel in order to seat
the live center into the workpiece. Use enough pressure to se-
cure the workpiece between the centers so that it won’t fly off,
but do not use excessive pressure. Excessive pressure runs the
risk of overheating the center bearings and damaging both the
workpiece and the lathe.
Tighten the quill locking handle. Move the tool rest into posi-
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
tion. It should be parallel to the workpiece, just below the centerline and approximately .1 to .2 inch-
es (3 mm to 6 mm) from the corners of the workpiece to be turned. Tighten the tool rest base to the
bed of the lathe (Fig. 21).
Before turning on the lathe, rotate the workpiece by hand to check for proper clearance. If clearance
is okay and the workpiece is properly centered, start the lathe at the lowest speed. Slowly bring it up
to the appropriate speed given the size of the workpiece.
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Summary of Contents for 34027
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