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The basics of Spindle Turning



learning a tape measure

Spindle turning is not difficult at first. However, it requires several basic concepts. Nick Cook, a Professional, shares some key principles to get the best spindle turning results. Never go too high on the spindle. This will lead to many problems and even fatalities. Also, ensure that your tool rest is the same height as your tools. Thinner tools require a larger tool rest than thicker tools. Cut above the center and you should avoid any catches.

Tools

There are many tools available to help you with spindle turning. A spindle drill is necessary for this job. For beading, a skew chisel will also be useful. These tools can both be used for turning spindles. Each tool has a unique design for different types of profiles, so you should buy a spindle gouge that suits your needs. To turn a beaded pommel, you can use a skew-chisel for a precise turn.


Materials

A spinning tool requires a combination of several tools in order to produce the finished product. A spindle-turning machine can turn virtually any kind of workpiece. The diameter of the spindle, also known as its hole diameter, is an indication of how small a workpiece can be passed through it. For example, a minilathe's spindle hole diameter is 3/4", but it can be safely reamed to 13/16". For tooling purposes, the front of the hole is tapered.

Rosewood

If you're into woodturning, consider using rosewood spindles for your projects. The exotic hardwood is available in a wide range of colors and has a natural luster. The wood turns easily with a lathe. Three-inch square blanks made of the wood are great for short spindle projects. For those who are looking for an adventure, you might consider working with Patagonian Rosewood.


Hickory

Hickory is a great wood for turning spindles. You'll be able to create beautiful, rustic pieces of wood with ease once you learn how to handle it. In addition to being tough and resilient, hickory is also a favorite of many woodworkers for its open grain and colory variation.

Hardwoods


toe kick installation

Think about the type and purpose of your spindle turning when selecting woods. There are many hardwoods available. You can purchase spindle blanks already turned but you need to select the best ones. It is best to choose hardwoods that are easily regenerated, such as cherry, maple, ash, or ash. This will ensure that you can continue to turn them as you need to. While hardwoods for spindle turn can be challenging, they will provide a sturdy base for the finished product.

Woodturning machinery

The size of the spindle turning machine should be your first consideration when looking for one. Woodturning tools are generally heavy, so the larger the machine, the heavier the tool will be. It is important to consider the tool’s edge. The less likely it is to grab the wood, the smaller the edge of the tool. Because cutting downhill can be more difficult to control, it could result in your tool grasping the wood and pulling it out of the hilt.




FAQ

How can I organize my shop?

To keep your workshop tidy and organized, you should first create a place for tools storage. Make sure your tools are clean and free of debris and dust so they can be used properly. Use pegboard hooks to hang tools and accessories.


Where can you buy hardwood lumber?

Home Depot has hardwood lumber for sale. They sell all kinds of wood products, including flooring, cabinets, furniture, etc.

A wide range of engineered hardwoods are also available, such as Ipe and Brazilian Cherry (Pau d'Arco), Mahogany and Swietenia Macrophylla.

You can search Google for hardwood lumber to find them online.


What type of wood should I choose?

Woodworking is a popular job that involves oak, pine and maple. Every type of wood is different and can have a unique look and feel that will affect the final product. Oak, for example, tends be darker and more hard than other woods. Birch is light and soft, while mahogany can be heavier and more dense. You can also choose between solid wood and veneers. Veneers consist of thin sheets made from wood and glued together to form a single layer.


How do I know what tools are best suited for me?

It is important to consider your needs and preferences when shopping for tools. Do you prefer metal or plastic handles What size of nails and screws do your hands use most? Are you more comfortable using power tools than hand tools?



Statistics

  • If your lumber isn't as dry as you would like when you purchase it (over 22% in Glen Huey's opinion…probably over 10-15% in my opinion), then it's a good idea to let it acclimate to your workshop for a couple of weeks. (woodandshop.com)
  • Woodworkers on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $24,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $108,000. (zippia.com)
  • Most woodworkers agree that lumber moisture needs to be under 10% for building furniture. (woodandshop.com)
  • In 2014, there were just over 237,000 jobs for all woodworkers, with other wood product manufacturing employing 23 percent; wood kitchen cabinets and countertop manufacturing employing 21 percent. (theartcareerproject.com)



External Links

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How To

How to join wood with no nails

Many people love woodworking. You can make useful items from wood with your hands, which is both relaxing and fun. You may need to join two pieces without the use of nails. This article will show you how to do it to make your woodwork projects look great.

You will first need to trim the edges of your wood pieces before joining them. Sharp corners can cause problems down the line. Now you can start gluing the boards together.

If you're working with hardwood, you should only apply glue to one side. For softwoods like cedar and pine, glue should be applied to both sides. Once the glue has dried, press the boards together until they are fully adhered. After applying the glue, let dry the boards before proceeding to the next stage.

Once you've glued your boards together you will need to drill holes in the joints to accommodate screws. These holes will differ depending on the type and size of screw you are using. If you plan to use a 1/2 inch wood screw, drill a hole at least 3/4 inches in depth.

Once you have drilled the holes, the next step is to drive your screws through the joint into the board's backside. Avoid hitting the board's top surface. Otherwise, you could ruin the finish. Avoid hitting the screws' ends too often when driving screws. This will prevent the wood from splitting.

After your project is completed, you will need to protect it from the weather. You can either cover the entire furniture or just the top. It doesn't matter what method you use, you want something that will last many years. Oil-based varnishes are, among others, polyurethanes shellac, laquer, and other oil-based products.

These products can usually be found at any home improvement store. Make sure you get the right product for your job. Some finishes are toxic and should not ever be used indoors. Wear protective gear whenever you are handling them.




 



The basics of Spindle Turning