Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
help for novice turner
ken chase
>After three tries I've finally been able to
hollow most of the green mesquite piece I'm turning on my 12"Sears tabletop lathe. Two questions please.
Would the hollowing go faster if I increase the speed.(I'm a the slowest speed)And, since I live in Palm Desert CA in a very warm dry climate I note the
mesquite cracks quickly even though I wrap it in plastic every time I walk away from the work. Is there more I can do to prevent this?
Thanks
Ken Chase
Re: help for novice turner
Dennis Taylor
>My experience on Green wood has been to turn from start to finish, then allow to dry for several weeks and then return...Dennis
Re: help for novice turner
Ron is Drums pa
>From the little experience I have with mesquite, it cracks easy.
You should turn to final rough shape at one time and not walk way until you are finished. Then wax it or dip in in DNA as soon as you are done. Wait until it dries (approx 6 months with wax or 2-3 weeks with DNA). Then turn to final shape.
Work with the speed you feel comfortable with. I rough out at 500-1000 rpms.
Sharp tools help with quicker turning.
Re: help for novice turner
Wood Spinner
>If you do need to stop, as you said, spray it with water and then bag it with plastic on the lathe. I also live in the desert and have that problem with all material I work with. I rgh. out a lot of pieces and put them in large Wal-Mart tubs with tops. I do my cure in those by opening them daily for 1/2 hr and then reclose. Watch for checking and use CA as required. I check each piece every day.
Good turning and be safe
Bill in Casa Grande, AZ.
