never, never, never except sometimes? ;->

2/1/05, 5:17 PM #1

Andy in Raleigh
Guest

never, never, never except sometimes? ;->

Andy in Raleigh

>It's funny how nearly every beginner book or article you read says "don't ever touch the spinning wood" or sometimes has the caveat that it is okay as long as the tool rest isn't there and no tool is against the wood. Yet at every single demo I have seen done by an expert turner, at some point they touch the wood. In this case, it is a post by a very respected expert turner making an excellent point. But I want to point out to my fellow novices that if the blank isn't round and smooth yet, this kinda hurts (DAMHIKT).

Re: never, never, never except sometimes? ;->

2/1/05, 7:32 PM #2

John Crissman
Guest

Re: never, never, never except sometimes? ;->

John Crissman

>You need to see a video of Rude Osolnik. He used to mount blanks while the lathe was spinning. I know some here do it. I have tried it a couple of times and been very surprised at the result, but it continuously amazes me.

*Disclaimer*

Neither Rude Osolnik nor John Crissman is responsible for the content of this message. Mr. Osolnik has gone to a better place and Mr. Crissman is out of his mind.

Re: never, never, never except sometimes? ;->

2/1/05, 8:16 PM #3

Andy in Raleigh
Guest

Re: never, never, never except sometimes? ;->

Andy in Raleigh

>That (mounting while spinning) seems unwarranted. What Russ is suggesting makes sense and serves a purpose though there is still some risk. In the first photo he posted, his (presumably, though it could be another turner) thumb is only about 1/4" away from a gap that it would get pulled into but not fit through. The reality is that he has that spindle surface cleaned up so well that there probably wouldn't be enough friction, plus Russ is not going to put his thumb in that gap. But my spindles (and those of others at my level of experience) are sometimes rougher and it is not second nature for me to hold a gouge like that yet.

I am not saying this should not be done, just that it it is something to be careful when attempting.

I saw one demo where a turner showed how little pressure and resistance there is when smoothing a cylinder with a skew. He moved the tool rest aside and didn't even grip the skew tightly. I couldn't help thinking that if he had a catch (of course he did not) the skew might take a toe off.

-Andy

never, never, never except sometimes? ;->

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