odie
TOTW Team
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David......
I don't know if this would be a concern for you, but when I converted my Woodfast lathe to variable speed, I specifically intended to move the controls away from their location below the headstock. My reason for this was that I kept turning off the lathe accidentally with my body. Since I do all my final turning (except the foot) with the bowl mounted to a waste block and faceplate, it is necessary to do the outside of the bowl from the headstock side. In order to get a stable, and finely executed cut on that side, I steady the motion of the tool by leaning on the lathe with my arms and body.
Since faceplates and wasteblocks are not the current trend in turning, this may not make much difference to very many turners these days......
ooc
Yes we are in the minority. I've been using a wasteblock and screwchuck (Glaser) for a lot of years. Since long before the 4-jaw chuck now used by most turners was available. I completely finish the vessel including applying a finish before parting it off and finishing the base.
I do use a 4-jaw chuck at times but usually with a wasteblock. It's nice to not have that knuckle busting thing in the way.
For large or deep pieces a faceplate is the most secure fastening.
There are advantages to using faceplates, instead of a chuck.
I also use mostly screw center faceplates. I have ten screw center faceplates, and once mounted, are kept attached until the bowl is finished. Since there is no re-mount, there is no variance with centering, like when remounting with a chuck.
You cannot use a waste block on an unseasoned bowl blank.....no way to make the glue stick. When mounting to the top of the bowl interior, there is no problem with using a faceplate. For mounting to the base of the bowl, you could use screws directly into the object wood, where the bowl foot would be, but unless you want to deal with screw holes, or waste some overall height, there isn't much alternative to a chuck. I always use chucks mounted on a tenon to rough a bowl interior to general shape, prior to seasoning. Once the seasoning is completed, it's nothing but faceplates mounted to a wasteblock for me!
Wally, you did mention chucks are dangerous, because of the jaw edges.......that's a very important point to consider. Safety is a good reason to consider, here.
Another distinct advantage to waste blocks and faceplates, it the waste block can be trimmed to the exact size of the foot. The advantages of this for sanding purposes can only be fully realized until it's tried.
A disadvantage to using waste blocks/faceplates, is you have to learn a whole new technique for dealing with cutting, shaping, and sanding the bowl when you have to work between the headstock and work piece. From my experience, there is NOTHING that can't be done with a high level of quality end results, but it does take some determination.
For me, I wouldn't think of using a chuck for final turning. There are advantages and disadvantages for both faceplates and chucks......but, when the pros and cons are contemplated with a little experience......faceplates are the best option.
As I see it, new turners are turned away from faceplates because chucks have the "momentum"......and the herd always follows! Because of this, so many of the newer turners will never know the why faceplates/wasteblocks are such an appealing option.
For me, all of this is true......but, I recognize that others have their point of view, as well......
More later........
ooc
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