Faceplate turning question...

Re: Faceplate turning question...

Joel Hunnicutt

>Tony, there are more experienced turners who can explain this better, but I'm going to take a stab at it. I usually use a parting tool for spindle work rater than faceplate work the the very reason you mentioned, It is not a tool well adapted for handeling end grain. The bevel shape of a bowl type allows it to slide along and cut across the grain, where the parting tool wants to grab and tear the wood fibers. For the detail you were doing, I would use a gouge and the tip of a skew to make the shoulder.

As to the endgrain darkening, Yes. Sometimes it can soak up a ton of finish. Sealing the endgrain can sometimes help to even it out.

I love the piece. I think it is a real success.

Thanks!

Tony - Memphis

>I mistyped, but you understood what I meant! Yeah, I was a bit surprised when it took off on its own! Had that happen with a spindle gouge many times, but not with a parting tool. Thanks for the tips.

I put another coat on last night. Probably a couple more will do it. Its really getting some depth and the curl is looking nice. I finsihed a piece of scrap and brought it to work just for inspiration!

Yeah, I've encountered the end grain thing with stain - I just finished an 18th century side chair (Lonnie Bird Class) and most of the chair is end grain. I knew that and did some testing, but it still got much darker than I wanted. Oh well. My wife actually liked the color variation on her brush holder. She said she had started to suggest some contrasting wood for some of the parts. But I really wanted it all curly maple. The base doesn't show as much curl as I hoped, but there is some there.

Tony