25
Positioning the Tool Rest
It is extremely important to ensure the tool rest is correctly positioned
before turning on the lathe. Place the tool rest close to the timber, allowing
enough room to manoeuvre the chisel with ease. Spin the timber by hand to
ensure it does not come into contact with the tool rest. If the lathe is started
without checking this and the timber hits the tool rest, there is a risk the
timber could be thrown from the lathe and cause injury. Never attempt to
reposition the tool rest while the lathe is in motion.
Tool rest height is also important and varies depending on the chisel being
used. When using a roughing gouge, the cutting edge should come into
contact with the centre of the workpiece, see
Fig 12.6
. If using a skew
chisel, the cutting edge should be applied approximately 3/8" (10 mm)
above the centre height, see
Fig 12.7
. A spindle gouge's cutting edge
should come into contact with the workpiece approximately 3/8" (10 mm)
below its centre, see
Fig 12.8
.
Using the Roughing Gouge
The first step when turning between centres is invariably to 'rough out' the
blank. This involves taking a square section blank and paring it down with
a roughing gouge to a cylindrical profile, ready to shape into the final piece.
Roughing gouges are usually sharpened to have the bevel at a 45º angle.
Using the tool rest to support the blade, offer the blade to the workpiece at
an angle, see
Fig 12.9
. When offering the roughing gouge to the workpiece,
the bevel should be rubbing it, without cutting. To make a cut, gently raise
the handle of the tool in order to bring the cutting edge into contact with
the timber. Using light passes, move the blade outwards towards the same
edge of the timber which the blade is facing,
Fig 12.9
. Never move the tool
backwards, as this introduces the risk of splintering the wood and causing
injury.
Using the Spindle Gouge
A spindle gouge is used to shape the final profile of a spindle and is capable
of finer work than a roughing gouge. It is designed specifically for cutting
coves or valleys. The blade should come into contact with the wood at just
below the centre line. Resting it on the tool rest, apply the blade to the
workpiece at an angle, see
Fig 12.10
, rubbing the bevel onto it. Raise the
handle to apply the cutting edge and make cuts. As with the roughing gouge,
use controlled and light passes, trying to not remove too much wood at
once. Never attempt to use a spindle gouge for working on bowls or hollow
form work as the angle of the cutting bevel of the gouge is too shallow and
will cause it dig in to the work piece or snatch the tools from your hands.
Fig 12.8
Fig 12.10
Fig 12.6
Fig 12.7
Fig 12.9
12. Intended Use of the Lathe
and Basic Woodturning Instructions
