OPERATION - BOWL TURNING
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TO SHAPE THE INSIDE OF THE BOWL
Stop the lathe and move the tailstock away. Adjust the tool rest in front of the bowl just below the centerline at a
right angle to the lathe’s turning axis. Rotate the workpiece by hand to check for clearance.
Start by lightly shearing across the top of the workpiece from rim to center. Place a bowl gouge on the tool rest at
the center of the workpiece with the flute facing the top of the bowl. The tool handle should be level and pointed
toward the four o’clock position.
Use the left hand to control the cutting edge of the gouge, while the right hand swings the tool handle around to-
wards your body. The flute should start out facing the top of the workpiece, rotating it upwards as it moves deeper
into the bowl to maintain a clean and even curve. As the tool goes deeper into the bowl, progressively work out-
wards towards the rim of the bowl. It may be necessary to turn the tool rest into the piece as you get deeper into
the bowl. NOTE: Try to make one light continuous movement from the rim to the bottom of the bowl to ensure
a clean, sweeping curve through the piece. Should there be a few small ridges left, a light cut with a large domed
scraper can even out the surface.
Develop the preferred wall thickness at the rim and maintain it as you work deeper into the bowl (once the piece
is thin toward the bottom, you cannot make it thinner at the rim). When the interior is finished, move the tool rest
back to the exterior to re-define the bottom of the bowl. Work the tight area around the face plate or the chuck
with a bowl gouge. Begin the separation with a parting tool, but do not cut all the way through.
MAINTENANCE
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Keep your machine clean. At the end of each day, clean the machine. Wood contains moisture, meaning that
sawdust and wood chips can cause rust if not removed. Regular oil attracts dust and dirt. Teflon lubricant tends to
dry and has less of a tendency to accumulate dirt and saw dust. Periodically check that all nuts and bolts are tight.
DRIVE BELT
The drive belt should last for many years depending on usage, but it needs to be inspected regularly for cracks,
cuts and general wear. If damage is found, replace the belt before operation.
BEARINGS
All bearings are sealed for life and do not require any maintenance. If a bearing becomes faulty, replace it.
RUST
The lathe is made from steel and cast iron. All non-painted surfaces will rust if not protected. It is recommended
that they are protected by applying a light coat of good-quality paste wax to the surfaces to guard against rust and
corrosion.
WARNING: Disconnect the machine from the power source before making any maintenance or adjust-
ments. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
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