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"handedness" and workpiece orientation

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"handedness" and workpiece orientation

#1

"handedness" and workpiece orientation

Andy in Raleigh

>I was turning a mushroom last night and it occured to me that I was doing it backwards, maybe. I am right handed and I was forming the mushroom with its bottom on the left. On both the inside and outside of the cap, I almost felt like the chisel or gouge should have been in my left hand. I was also a little constrained by the motor/headstock assembly getting in my way working inside the cap. If I get a chuck, I think that I will be pretty much forced to do it that way, but between centers, it seemed like I should go the other way. Is there any logic to orientation of spindle pieces between centers or do you just go with what seems simplest?

-Andy

Re: "handedness" and workpiece orientation

#2

Re: "handedness" and workpiece orientation

TDaniel

>Andy, I turn both ways and even from the rear of the lathe when I am forced to turn on a bed lathe. I never use a "pull cut". I find it easier to step around to the back side of the lathe and push the gouge. This is usually done "left handed" with the gouge handle on my left side and the handle leading the cutting end. Works for me.

TD

Re: "handedness" and workpiece orientation

#3

Re: "handedness" and workpiece orientation

Robert Simmons, Atlanta

>I'm left handed myself and turning is just another one of those things where I've had to learn to use either hand to accomplish the job. Depending on the direction of the cut I'll switch hands, preferring to not 'pull' the cut if I can get away with it.

Robert

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