Whatever works

Re: Whatever works

Richard Allen

>Hi Carole

That faceplate that was stuck is a terrific way to mount a hunk of wood to make a bowl. Just start with a hunk of wood thick enough that the screws in the faceplate don't get in the way.

A bowl gouge helps, but you have the DVD that explains it all.

I am looking forward to seeing your first bowl.

Richard

Re: Whatever works

Wally Dickerman at Green Valley, Az.

>Carole,I suggest that you click on Tool Grinds Library in the upper left hand corner to see how others are grinding their turning tools. Lots of turners use a 1-inch belt sander to grind tools.

Many newer turners get the idea that they need a 4-jaw scroll chuck to turn bowls. While the chuck is a good way to secure the blank to the lathe, you definitely don't need one. I suggest that you try a glue block and a faceplate. For information on how to use a glue block, do a search. I started a thread on Nov. 18th that'll give you lots of info.

Wally

Re: Whatever works

Earl

>I didn't get a chuck for about 8 months after I started turning. Just use ca glue to glue a scrap block to what will be the bottom of the bowl, and use the faceplate. Turn the whole thing--outside and inside while it's on the faceplate. Take a chisel and knock off most the block when your done and smooth the base. Easy, foolproof, and probably less prone to coming off than a chuck. I tried paper between the block and bowl but invariably would get a catch and watched the bowl fly across the room as it seperated at the paper. So I don't recommend that until you don't get big catches anymore.

Chucks make turning...

BubbaBob

>...simpler and faster, but not necessary. I use Vicmarc VM 100's, but was impatient when I first got my lathe, and used glue blocks while waiting on my first chuck to be shipped from Austrailia. I didn't know TD at the time, who is only 20 min from here, so I ordered it from an Aussie turning shop. I didn't have the patience to wait the two weeks...

Now I chuck everything, start to finish, but that is just for convenience and speed.

BubbaBob

Re: Whatever works

Rick in Colgate, Wi

>Carole,

Check out Herman Devries web site at www.hdv.net

He uses a belt sander to sharpen gouges. While there check out his gallery!!

Use a Parting Tool...

Wally Dickerman at Green Valley, Az.

>After the piece is finished, I part it off along the glue line using a parting tool. On a small bowl, under 8 inches, you'll part it down to a joint about the size of a dime. Then just hold the bowl and pop it off with the heel of your hand. Done it many, many times and don't recall ever losing one. Using paper only weakens the joint, and serves no purpose.

Wally

Longworth chuck *LINK*

Phil Joines Krum, Texas

>This won't help with mounting the bowl for tha major turning, as everyone has said a glue block works fine for that.

This home made chuck is used to reverse mount the bowl for turning the bottom. Same idea as the Cole jaws on a comercial chuck, grips the outside of the bowl's top.


Infromation from More Woodturning site.

Re: Whatever works *LINK*

Darrell Feltmate

>Carole

No chuck is necessary for turning a bowl. I have an excellent chuck but consider it more hassle than help for bowls. Check out my site for more info.


http://www.aroundthewoods.com

Re: Whatever works

Don Henthorn

>More suggestions, Carole. I use glue blocks instead of a chuck, but only have one face plate. Rather than spend thirty bucks a piece for more face plates I have ordered a discontinued 1" X 8 tap from Grizzly and I will make some wooden "nuts" which will screw on my spindle and then will glue those to rounds of hard wood to make more face plates. Then I will be able to either screw or glue blocks to the wooden face plates to act as glue blocks to which I will glue the turning block. One of the advantages of glue blocks is that you aren't limited in making the base of a piece. A chuck will limit the size you can make the base, and can also make it more difficult to get the part near the bottom shaped like you want. Before spending money on a chuck, try the glue block method. I personnally see no need for a chuck. Convenience isn't always the best course. Just my opinion.

Re: Whatever works

Dick Hines

>You have the turning thing bad don't you. I have been turning since 1998 and just today bought a Wolverine system. Sold 6 pieces at the gallery this week so I thought I would put the money to good use.

Re: Whatever works

Carole in VA

>Well, I know how I am about dull tools...they take all the fun out of woodworking, not to metion the fact that they are downright dangerous sometimes!

Re: Whatever works

John Lucas

>Carol

When I started turning I used a disc sander on the end of the lathe. It has the unique option of variable speed. The closer you move the tool to the middle the slower the speed. The disc doesn't change speed of course but the surface speed changes. I still use that method when I demonstrate at schools because it's one less thing to drag down the halls to the class room.

I turned everything I do with glue blocks, jam chucks and between centers. I didn't know chucks existed and when I did find out they were more expensive than my lathe so I didn't buy one for a long time.

I now have 3 chucks but some things still work better with a glue block.

Re: Whatever works

Spence

>Hi Carol,

Been turning for about 15 years and still don't own a scroll chuck. Bought a 1x12 tap at a flea market for $2 to match the spindal on my Grizzly and tap the face grain of hardwood blocks. Round them off and true the faces and I use them for glue blocks, jam chucks, compression chuck , pin chucks, etc. The thicker the block the longer it lasts. Have fun!

Spence, A cheap Rhode Island Swamp Yankee :)