>I am turning some 1" spindles with deep coves for a spindle bed. As soon as I get the first cove cut in the center, the spindle becomes very flexible. I know that experienced turners dampen vibration with one hand while deftly cutting with the other, but that is not an option at my stage of experience. I can make a good cove on something that is rigid, but not one handed.
I have been turning round the entire spindle and then starting the coves. Would it be better to leave the blank square and work from middle to ends one cove at a time, rounding the square and then cutting cove?
Alternatively, do steady rests work for such a problem and if so what is a good one to own?
>This situation is EXACTLY what steady rests are designed for. I only have experience with the Oneway steady rest (excellent unit). You could also build one easily enough. Several turners here have done so.
There are several things you can do to help with the vibration.
1. Sharp tools, resharpen a LOT as you go and you might even consider honeing your tools for the activity. The idea being that you don't want to deflect the spinning wood by pushing into the wood or by cutting resistance. This includes taking light cuts.
2. Drive the piece from the headstock without presure from the tailstock. If you have a chuck consider using the chuck to drive the spindle and use the tailstock to support the spindle with as little presure as posible.
3. Leave as much wood as you can at the ends for support as you work on the middle. Yes you did mention this and it is a good idea. It isn't an end all.
>I have been practicing #'s 1, 2 and 3, leaving 4 to try. Sounds like these steady rests do in fact work. Really my question was that. I didn't want to blow $80 and not improve the
situation. I already have enough surplus tools that didn't work as hoped for.
The coves are deep and wide so it leaves a very limber spindle. Who ever made the first one of these beds was clearly a very accomplished turner.
You didn't say how long the spindles are but the Oneway steady rest should help. Be aware that you either need a second banjo or you have to disassemble the rest to move your banjo and tool rest to the other side of the rest to turn the rest of the spindle.
If your coves are deep, do not start with the center as you are weakening the spindle right off. Start at the tailstock, round the whole spindle first if it's less than 18", if longer, just round from tailstock to center. You want to keep the mass of wood on the drive end for better vibration control.
Spindle reproduction work is how I make 3/4 of my living and it's not always fun nor easy!
