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  • Woodturning is a form of woodworking done on a wood lathe. It is a true art form and one of the most enjoyable to master. Learning to use a wood lathe allows the woodworking enthusiast to make unique and cherished handmade wooden gifts, like wooden bowls, custom writing pens and handmade baseball bats. Similar to woodcarving, there are a number of lathe tools to master in the art of woodturning.

    Rubbing the Bevel

    The first principle to learn in mastering lathe tools is to ensure the bevel of the blade is always rubbing against the wood stock. With the lathe turned off, place a lathe tool on the tool rest and tilt the tool until the bevel rests against the wood stock. Use one hand to hold the bevel against the stock and with the other rotate the wood blank in a clockwise fashion to get a good feel for the correct position against the wood.

    Starting the Cut

    Once the wood turner has mastered controlling the rubbing of the bevel, it is time to master starting the cut. With the bevel rubbing on the surface of the wood, the wood turner will slowly raise the handle of the lathe tool to start the cut. The bevel will start to slice into the surface of the wood. The height of the lathe tool handle determines the angle of the bevel and the depth of the cut into the wood blank.

    Making the Cut

    The wood turner will slowly angle the lathe tool in the direction of the cut and slide the bevel along the wood design. The wood turner should align his body behind the lathe tool throughout the cutting process. When mastered, there will be fine wood shavings falling from the wood blank, and the final result will be a smooth surface which requires very little sanding.

    Cutting Downhill

    Wood is composed of fibers all going in the same direction, which is called the grain direction. Cutting against the grain will cause rough cuts and can cause dangerous kickback. To avoid this type of situation, cut from the high points to the low points in the wood. There are three ways to cut the wood blanks on a lathe: cut with the grain, across the grain or angled in the direction of the grain. Never cut uphill to the grain, as this will cause splintering and shearing of the wood fibers, leaving a rough surface.

    Source:

    Wood Lathe

    Woodshop Safety

    Woodturning Links

    More Information:

    Lathe Safety Guidelines

    Buying Lathe Tools

    Woodturning History, Tools and Safety

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