Yeah, funny subject; you write a better one.

Anyhow, I have turned many bowls, but decided to try my first spindle today.
I found if I really tightened the tail piece there was too much friction;
and if I loosened it, it wobbled.

I "solved" the problem by waxing it. That way I could tighten it up, yet
not get friction.

Is this a reasonable approach, or is there a better way? Thanks.

Yes, wax was a standard until recent years. Now the standard is to use a
live center. A live center has a ball bearing mounted point that rotates
with the work so friction is not a problem. most lathes sold today come
standard with a live center. Odd yours didn't.

"Toller" wrote in message
...
Yeah, funny subject; you write a better one.

Anyhow, I have turned many bowls, but decided to try my first spindle
today.
I found if I really tightened the tail piece there was too much friction;
and if I loosened it, it wobbled.

I "solved" the problem by waxing it. That way I could tighten it up, yet
not get friction.

Is this a reasonable approach, or is there a better way? Thanks.

"CW" wrote in
.net:

Yes, wax was a standard until recent years. Now the standard is to use
a live center. A live center has a ball bearing mounted point that
rotates with the work so friction is not a problem. most lathes sold
today come standard with a live center. Odd yours didn't.


My cheapie from the toy store suggested using oil on the tailstock. I'll
have to try wax sometime, though, as I don't need the oil staining the
wood before I do it myself.

Puckdropper
--
Wise is the man who attempts to answer his question before asking it.

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

In article , says...

I "solved" the problem by waxing it. That way I could tighten it up, yet
not get friction.

Is this a reasonable approach, or is there a better way? Thanks.


The guy who sold his lathe to me gave me a bottle of Johnson's baby oil with
it. Couple of drops on the tailstock; works a treat. Had no problems with
staining so far.

-P.

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