KNOWING WHEN TO CUT AND
WHEN TO SCRAPE:
There are two different approaches to the work when
turning. The first is toward a circumference of the
workpiece (eg. when turning down the outer surface
of a cylinder or the inner wall of a hollow round box).
Using this method, the surface being turned travels
under the edge of the chisel like an endless belt. The
second approach is toward the diameter of the
workpiece (as when turning the face when faceplate
turning, or the side of a large shoulder when spindle
turning) using this method, the surface being turned
rotates like a disc under the chisel edge. Some jobs
will require both methods being used. See Fig.33.
Either a cutting or scraping action may be used when the method used is towards the circumference – the
shaving will come off like the peel from a potato.
Only scraping can be used when the method used is towards the diameter. The reason for this is obvious
when you consider that faceplate turning nearly always requires the removal of wood across the grain.
Wood does not peel easily when turning across the grain and any attempt made to use cutting methods will
probably result in damage to the workpiece and the chisel being thrown by the workpiece.
It therefore follows that a cutting action is used for general spindle turning operations, while the majority
of faceplate turning is carried out by the scraping method. When both methods are to be used, you will
have to judge by the feel of the workpiece when to stop cutting and start scraping. NEVER try to cut when it
becomes difficult to hold the chisel against the wood grain.
WOODTURNING OPERATIONS cont’d
- 16-
Fig.33.
DIAMETER
APPROACH
CIRCUMFERENCE
APPROACH
