Hiya Folks,
I'm about to start a new project that requires a number of spindles. These
spindles should be 7/8" diameter at the largest points when completed. Now
I'm not much of a turner so haven't had enough experience to know just what
sort of size I should be cutting my blanks. I'm guessing they should
probably be around 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" but not sure. Any inputs? For that
matter, what do you all recommend in general for cutting lumber to rough
size? I've typically added 1/2" or so to the width of pieces and an inch or
so to the length but just curious what others do.
Cheers,
cc

"James "Cubby" Culbertson" wrote in message
...
Hiya Folks,
I'm about to start a new project that requires a number of spindles.
These spindles should be 7/8" diameter at the largest points when
completed. Now I'm not much of a turner so haven't had enough experience
to know just what sort of size I should be cutting my blanks. I'm
guessing they should probably be around 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" but not sure.
Any inputs? For that matter, what do you all recommend in general for
cutting lumber to rough size? I've typically added 1/2" or so to the
width of pieces and an inch or so to the length but just curious what
others do.

Size depends on how you're holding them. If you're using a chuck to grip
and drive and a cone center at the tail to center automatically, inch square
is certainly enough. If you have to mark, punch and drive your centers, you
can add an extra eighth for off-wedging.

If the pieces are of any length, make a steady or two to control center whip
and squirm.

In article , "George" wrote:

"James "Cubby" Culbertson" wrote in message
...
Hiya Folks,
I'm about to start a new project that requires a number of spindles.
These spindles should be 7/8" diameter at the largest points when
completed. Now I'm not much of a turner so haven't had enough experience
to know just what sort of size I should be cutting my blanks. I'm
guessing they should probably be around 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" but not sure.
Any inputs? For that matter, what do you all recommend in general for
cutting lumber to rough size? I've typically added 1/2" or so to the
width of pieces and an inch or so to the length but just curious what
others do.

Size depends on how you're holding them. If you're using a chuck to grip
and drive and a cone center at the tail to center automatically, inch square
is certainly enough. If you have to mark, punch and drive your centers, you
can add an extra eighth for off-wedging.

If the pieces are of any length, make a steady or two to control center whip
and squirm.

What he said. And one more thing, too -- post over at rec.crafts.woodturning
and I'm sure you'll get additional advice and tips, too.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.