You’ve got yourself a new wood lathe and probably even the best of its kind. But, you are having difficulties with your project since this is your first time to use a wood lathe. What would you do then?
As it happens, many newbies and beginners face this kind of problem upon buying their first wood lathe machines and tools. Although woodturning and wood lathe projects may appear to be very simple, using the lathe itself can be challenging.
And even if you are full of ideas about various wood lathe projects but you are not that kind of familiar with the process, well, it might take time and effort.
So, if you are having this kind of challenge recently, these are some tips that you may want to check before working on some wood lathe projects for beginners. These points might help you land the most suitable project on your first try in a very safe, effective, and efficient way.
A Word On Woodturning
Apparently, woodturning is the process of shaping the wood by using a wood lathe. And through this process, you can then produce the most stunning pieces and projects of your own.
So, in some way and somehow, wood lathe projects largely revolve on woodturning. And understanding the things that fall under woodturning can essentially help you on your wood lathe projects.
Today, there are tons of guides and tutorials on various wood lathe projects for beginners. You can look it up online or even ask a few people around. But doing these projects in your own ways and techniques, it is not something that you can simply learn by reading.
Apparently, woodturning is the process of shaping the wood by using a wood lathe. And through this process, you can then produce the most stunning pieces and projects of your own.
It entails practice, effective application, and clear comprehension of your machine and tools. And in order for you to establish these things, you may need to learn them all first.
Types of Woodturning
Generally, there are two types of woodturning. From the process of the turning positions all the way to the output designs, there is a huge difference between the two.
When you get to learn these types, you will easily know which one to use when you already have a specific workpiece output or design in mind. And the only way you can execute these designs is by following or using the right type of woodturning.
Spindle Turning
The first type or category of woodturning is ideal for making wood objects like table and chair legs and candlesticks. And this is called Spindle Turning.
In Spindle Turning, the subjected workpiece or also known as the blank is placed and mounted in between the headstock and tailstock. These are both of the sides of the wood lathe.
In this position, the grain of the wood is in parallel with the bed of the lathe. And as the subjected workpiece is rotated, the woodworker is then allowed to shape and trim the wood by using the right tools.
Faceplate Turning
On the other hand, Faceplate Turning works only when the subjected workpiece is perpendicular to the bed of the lathe. Also, this process requires the use of several tools including mainly the faceplate, chuck, and glue block.
Normally, woodworkers use this process of woodturning when making objects similar to bowls, ornaments, and goblets.
Woodturning and Its Appropriate Tools
In the types given above, there are specific tools that can work with each type. And in using the right tools, it can help you to achieve the specific design that you plan to do in your wood lathe project.
Keep in mind that before working on your chosen wood lathe project, it is essential that you have the right set of tools. Not only that they can help you achieve the designs and shapes that you want, but they can certainly have an impact on the quality of the output.
In short, having or using the wrong sets of tools can either deteriorate the workpiece or damage the design. And even, damage the overall process.
Although it is somewhat practical to have the cheapest tools and equipment, especially if you are doing wood lathe projects for beginners, it is still best that you invest in these things.
Tools in Spindle Turning
As a beginner, there are only a few tools that you would need in order to start a Spindle Turning type of project. These normally include the Spindle Roughing Gouge, Spindle Gouge, Diamond-Shaped Parting Tool, Narrow Parting Tool, and Skew.
Spindle Roughing Gouge:
This tool is essentially used in roughing out the wood piece. In the instance of having a square wood piece and you want to transform it into a cylinder shape, then a spindle roughing gouge must be the tool to use.
Spindle Gouge:
The spindle gouge is the tool that may appear like a woman’s fingernail. Apparently, this tool is utilized in creating detailed cuts. If you want details like concave and convex curves, then this is the tool that you must use.
Diamond-Shaped Parting Tool:
In removing waste woods, the diamond-shaped parting tool must be used. Also, this is used by woodworkers in creating small flat areas on the workpiece.
Tools in Faceplate Turning
Similar to the other category, the Faceplate Turning requires a distinct set of tools as well. And this includes the Bowl Gouge, Square-End Scraper, Round Nose Scraper, and Side Radius Scraper.
Bowl Gouge:
As mentioned, faceplate turning is often used in creating objects like goblets and bowls. And in order for a woodworker to do this, the need for a great bowl gouge is largely emphasized. This is because this gouge is mainly for shaping the inner and outer surface of a bowl.
Square-End Scraper:
In order for a workpiece to have a very smooth surface, a square-end scraper is needed. And this is all because this tool removes all the tool marks on the outer surface of the wood.
Round Nose Scraper:
Similar with how the square-end scraper functions, the round nose scraper is used to smoothen surfaces. The only difference is that this one is designed for the inner surface of the wood.
All in all, these are the basics that you may need to regard when you want to start on some wood lathe projects for beginners.
