"Gerald Ross" wrote in message
...
Vic Baron wrote:
Spent quite a bit of time making shavings and have a few observations.
I really need to build a custom stand for my little lathe. I put it on
one
of those commercial tool stands and after a day of turning, figured out
why
my back is killing me. Thing is way too high. The spindle height is about
6"
above my elbow.
Brand new tools need to be sharpened.
Bought a Barracuda chuck which seems to be a big help. Although I had
something happen that confused me. I chucked in a piece of maple 1 1/2 x
1
1/2 x6. Roughed it round. Played around with some shapes and had
something
that looked like an egg cup so I parted off the end and tried some end
grain
hollowing. Went ok for a bit but had the tool catch and then the wood
moved
just a tad in the jaws. I couldn't seem to rechuck it where it was on the
original axis.
Trying to decide if I chucked it wrong or just didn't tighten the jaws
enough. I'm guessing the latter.
Also, I had a problem trying to get rid of the little "pip" in the center
of
the hollowed out area. I'm guessing a drilled hole down the center would
make it easier. Also seems that it would be easier to use a Forstner bit
to
drill out most of the wood and use the chisels for clean up
Found that if the tool rest is too far from the work, I got a lot of
chatter.
I am right handed - found that I am most comfortable with left and on
tool
and right on handle. I found it uncomfortable when I switched that. How d
most of you turn - left handed, right handed or ambi?
God learning experiences - have ordered some of the books and DVD's
recommended.
Having fun and that's what it's al about!
Vic
What kind of jaws do you have on the chuck? One way to align a spindle is
a tailstock live center with a cone attachment. The cone can be reversed
to fit inside a hollowed turning to stabilize it. This is a picture of
one, but you may be able to find it cheaper than this.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...30,49238,43190
The chuck comes with 4 different sets of jaws - I had the set that fit my
blank. That center looks interesting.
Thanx!