Bill Rubenstein wrote:
Here's another idea if you promise not to tell...

My fingertips are sealed. :-) No one else will ever see these posts.


When turning very small beads (such as on the handle of a top) I use a
1/8" plain parting tool -- not a diamond shaped one. I use a corner,
roll the tool as if it were a skew and it works just fine.


Well it is (a skew) isn't it? Just very small. :-) I will try this ADRSN
(any day real soon now) -- Like next time I put a spindle on.

When making tops from one piece of wood, I reduce the thickness for the
handle with peeling cuts with the parting tool, it is already in my
hand, so...

I also have two round skews, a 1/4" and a 3/8" which were home-made from
drill rod. These are used more to make small v cuts than for beads.

I am going to try making some tools as per Darrell Feltmates site. So I
will be able to try your additional tips.


Bill

Will wrote:

Nice web site Derek. Like the turnings you have posted. Interesting
bowls.


I think there must be something about the east cost that causes wood
turning. Is it a virus or a congenital condition out there? (Probably
can't be cured -- eh?)

Yeah -- I had that feeling when I was turning the spindle on my web
page. Even the small skew just didn't work for the fine stuff - so I
will take your advice to heart. It was definitely easier on the left
side (of the spindle) with the skew.


Derek Andrews wrote:

Will wrote:

I found the Two Books in one By Phil Irons has a reference to using
a Spindle Gouge (3/8 inch?)....




I use a skew for larger beads, and a spindle gouge for smaller ones.

I recommend beginners start their skew work with larger beads of at
least one inch diameter. The reason is that when you roll a bead with
the skew, the bevel has to swing through close to 90 degrees and the
handle has to make a correspondingly large movement. The difficulty
comes when this large swing has to be coordinated with a small
forward movement in a small bead. It is much easier to get the swing
right if it can be done over a longer curve.



--
Will
Occasional Techno-geek