OPERATION
12
SPINDLE TURNING
Spindle turning takes place between the centers of the lathe. It requires a spur center in the headstock and a live
center in the tailstock. A cup center rather than a cone center in the tailstock will often reduce the risk of splitting
the stock.
Stock for spindles should be straight grained and free of cracks, knots, nails and other defects. With a combina-
tion square, locate and mark the center on each end of the workpiece. Accuracy is not critical on full rounds but
is extremely important on stock where square sections are to remain. Put a dimple in the stock with an awl or nail
(or use a spring-loaded automatic center punch).
Extremely hard woods may require kerfs cut into the ends of the stock using a band saw, so the wood will accept
the spur center and the live center (Fig. Q).
Drive the spur center about .1 inches (3 mm) into the workpiece. Use a wood mallet or dead blow hammer. 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 on the spindle of the lathe (Fig. R).
Clean the tapered end of the spur center and the inside of the headstock spindle. Insert the tapered end of the
spur center (with the attached workpiece) into the headstock spindle. Support the workpiece while bringing the
tailstock into position. Lock the tailstock to the bed.
Advance the tailstock quill with the hand wheel 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. Ex-
cessive pressure runs the risk of overheating the center bearings and damaging both the workpiece and the lathe.
Tighten the quill locking handle. Move the tool rest into position. It should be parallel to the workpiece, just
below the centerline and approximately .1 to .2 inches (3 mm to 6 mm) from the corners of the workpiece to be
turned. Tighten the tool rest base to the bed of the lathe (Fig. S).
Before turning on the lathe, rotate the workpiece by hand to check for proper clearance. If clearance is okay and
the workpiece is properly centered, start the lathe at the lowest speed. Slowly bring it up to the appropriate speed
given the size of the workpiece.
Fig. Q Fig. R
Fig. S
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