18
Figure 27
3. Drive the spur center about 1/4” into the
workpiece, using a wood mallet or dead blow
hammer as shown in Figure 28. Be careful that
you do not split the workpiece.
Never use a
steel face hammer and never drive the
workpiece onto the spur center while it is
mounted in the Lathe spindle.
4. Make sure the headstock is locked to the
Lathe bed.
5. Clean the tapered end of the spur center and
the inside of the headstock spindle.
6. Insert the tapered end of the spur center (with
the attached workpiece) into the headstock
spindle.
7. Support the workpiece while bringing the
tailstock into position about 1” away from the
end of the workpiece. Lock the tailstock to the
bed.
Figure 28
8. Advance the tailstock spindle with the
handwheel in order to seat the live center into
the workpiece. Use enough pressure to secure
the workpiece between the centers so that it
won’t fly off, but do not use excessive
pressure.
9. Tighten the spindle locking handle.
The tailstock ram is capable of
exerting excessive pressure against the
workpiece and the headstock. Apply only
sufficient force with the tailstock to hold the
workpiece securely in place. Excessive
pressure can overheat center bearings and
damage both workpiece and Lathe.
10. Move tool support into position. It should be
parallel to the workpiece, just below the
centerline and approximately 1/8" to 1/4" from
the corners of the workpiece to be turned, as
in Figure 29. Tighten support base to Lathe
bed.
11. Rotate workpiece by hand to check for proper
clearance.
12. Start lathe at lowest speed and bring it up to
the appropriate RPM for the size of workpiece
used. Consult digital readout on the
headstock.
Figure 29
11.3.2
Cutting techniques
Roughing out
1. Begin with a large roughing gouge. Place the
tool on the tool support with the heel of the tool
on the surface to be cut.
2. Slowly and gently raise tool handle until cutting
edge comes into contact with the workpiece.
3. Beginning about 2” from the tailstock end of
the workpiece, roll the flute (hollowed-out
portion) of the tool in the direction of the cut.
See Figure 30. Make long sweeping cuts in a
continuous motion to rough the piece down to
a cylinder.
