Multi-Axis Turning

by Charlie Belden

This multi-axis turning thing is very different from single axis turning.

Below are some examples of just some of the options of multi-axis turning:

And these will give you an idea of how each was done:

You're always turning in or immediately next to shadow areas which means:

1. you can't see all the effects of what you're doing at any given moment
2. because areas adjacent to where you're working are shadows, your normal method for cutting beads, coves, etc., may cause the tool to catch or take out something you wanted to keep
3. blending a shape turned on one axis to another shape turned on a different axis can be an exercise in futility…or a pleasant surprise

And if you go with intersecting arcs rather than turning to a circular cross section

1. you have to deal with edges where arcs intersect which means:
   1. the edge location is a function of two cuts made on two axes, so to move an edge 1/8th inch, you have to remove 1/16th inch on each of the two arcs
   2. it's tricky to create a straight edge where the two arcs intersect because even a minor mis-cut (too deep or too shallow) on either arc is obvious

Should you introduce a quarter twist by placing the centers on one end 90° relative to the other end

1. you have all the fun and games of (1) above compounded because the edge created by the intersecting arcs is twisted. This requires some interesting mental gymnastics.

Now if you want to have a go at turning some of what you see in the photo the following should help. Figure on making a dozen or so ¾ x ¾ x 5" blanks and if you're methodical, you'll have one or two of three of the three of the shapes shown below.

Single twist. Examples 1, 5, 7, 8, 12 in the pictures above.

Reversing twists. Examples 4, 6, 14 above.

Three arcs. Examples 3 & 13 above.

Three arcs with twist.

Note the offset of the centers in each turning. Offset centers are the secret to these turnings.