I recently saw a little ad from Oneway Manufacturing on a metal spinning attachment for your lathe. Has anyone ever tried metal spinning on a wood lathe, if so how did it go?
Wyatt
Wyatt
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Metal Spinning
- Thread starter Wyatt Holm
- Start date
Yes, I have a full setup!
I have been spinning for about 2 yrs on and off, not many pieces though.
I made my own tools and have adapted my Jet for this use.
My website has information at
http://www.turnedoutright.com/category/spinning/
My Trest plan at:
Trest
I highly recommend going to this site Metal Spinning Workshop where you can buy videos, tools and materials and get started.
I built my own tools, lubrication, mandrels and adapted my lathe. I bought disks and DVD from Terry at this site and recommend both.
A starting hint. Use Terry's disks, the composition of the Al is the key to a beginners success. I made my own and created a lot of scrap before I found out that the type and thickness of the disk is more important than one might think.
I am happy to answer any questions and share my hard fought experience. Since I started, a lot of information is available from Terry and followers. Metal spinning is nearly a lost craft.
You can contact me directly by email at:
donny@turnedoutright.com.
NOTE: Spinning is VERY dangerous. More so than woodturning. Spinning disks should be taken seriously and are not friendly to tendons. Do not skimp on safety equipment
I have been spinning for about 2 yrs on and off, not many pieces though.
I made my own tools and have adapted my Jet for this use.
My website has information at
http://www.turnedoutright.com/category/spinning/
My Trest plan at:
Trest
I highly recommend going to this site Metal Spinning Workshop where you can buy videos, tools and materials and get started.
I built my own tools, lubrication, mandrels and adapted my lathe. I bought disks and DVD from Terry at this site and recommend both.
A starting hint. Use Terry's disks, the composition of the Al is the key to a beginners success. I made my own and created a lot of scrap before I found out that the type and thickness of the disk is more important than one might think.
I am happy to answer any questions and share my hard fought experience. Since I started, a lot of information is available from Terry and followers. Metal spinning is nearly a lost craft.
You can contact me directly by email at:
donny@turnedoutright.com.
NOTE: Spinning is VERY dangerous. More so than woodturning. Spinning disks should be taken seriously and are not friendly to tendons. Do not skimp on safety equipment
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2008
- Messages
- 31
- Likes
- 1
- Location
- Southwest Wisconsin
- Website
- www.greghaugenwoodturning.com
Wyatt,
I've tried it on a friend's lathe, it's fun and something different to do on a lathe. Tools can be a bit on the pricey side of things but we know how that goes already. I like wood and wood's character too much to do it non-stop. It would be fun to add "metal spun" parts or elements to turnings. The artist that Oneway is working with is an excellent source for the information, classes, tools, and DVD. Another person that's doing a fair amount of it is Ted Sokolowski, www.sokolowskistudios.com. I believe he spins most, if not all, of his metal parts for the candlesticks and other products. I've corresponded with him about other turning techniques in the past.
Hope that helps...
I've tried it on a friend's lathe, it's fun and something different to do on a lathe. Tools can be a bit on the pricey side of things but we know how that goes already. I like wood and wood's character too much to do it non-stop. It would be fun to add "metal spun" parts or elements to turnings. The artist that Oneway is working with is an excellent source for the information, classes, tools, and DVD. Another person that's doing a fair amount of it is Ted Sokolowski, www.sokolowskistudios.com. I believe he spins most, if not all, of his metal parts for the candlesticks and other products. I've corresponded with him about other turning techniques in the past.
Hope that helps...
john lucas
AAW Forum Expert
I've been watching and lusting after metal spinning for 20 years. Sorby sells some metal spinning tools and metal spinning tool rest. Powermatic sells a tool rest but I'm not sure about tools. Oneway of course is selling tools now also.
do a search on metal spinning and you will find some good video's , books and websites. I have several books and there are some good DVD's.
To use a wood lathe for metal spinning the bearings need to be trapped in place or inserted from the headstock end. You put quite a bit of pressure on the metal.
The tools are easy to make if you have any metal skills and a way to polish the metal. The best metal spinner I have seen was a professional from Holland. He used a wooden stick for most of the spinning and then a homemade cutoff tool that was just a HSS metal cutting bit brazed onto a piece of steel and sharpened. He did have a commercially made tool for rolling the edge but it looked very easy to make if you have access to a metal lathe and mill.
Our own woodturning guru Dave Hout teaches metal spinning at John C. Campbell folk school.
http://www.folkschool.org/index.php?section=class_detail&class_id=3136
do a search on metal spinning and you will find some good video's , books and websites. I have several books and there are some good DVD's.
To use a wood lathe for metal spinning the bearings need to be trapped in place or inserted from the headstock end. You put quite a bit of pressure on the metal.
The tools are easy to make if you have any metal skills and a way to polish the metal. The best metal spinner I have seen was a professional from Holland. He used a wooden stick for most of the spinning and then a homemade cutoff tool that was just a HSS metal cutting bit brazed onto a piece of steel and sharpened. He did have a commercially made tool for rolling the edge but it looked very easy to make if you have access to a metal lathe and mill.
Our own woodturning guru Dave Hout teaches metal spinning at John C. Campbell folk school.
http://www.folkschool.org/index.php?section=class_detail&class_id=3136
- Joined
- May 13, 2007
- Messages
- 201
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- 3
I've done some spinning, perhaps a couple hundred parts.
If you are going to give it a try, do get the first set of dvd's from Terry Tynan.
The best grade of Aluminum for learning is 1100-0, at .040 inch thickness. A second best choice that will probably be more available, is 3003-0, at the same thickness. I could not source 1100-0 locally in less than a full coil quantity. Terry Tynan sells 1100-0 in precut blanks at reasonable prices. The -0 at the end of the alloy number is the hardness, or temper in the material. Spinning the -H14 grades of the above alloys can be done, but I would not recommend it for learning. When starting out, if the material thickness is much thinner than the .040 thickness, you will have trouble with cracking or tearing when the part is about 2/3 spun, and with the edge of the blank getting buckles. If the material is a bit thicker, it will require more force, but not be as prone to cracking and buckling.
Stay away from 6061 in any temper condition, as it work hardens rapidly, and requires annealing during the course of spinning.
Copper is somewhat expensive to learn on, work hardens, and requires annealing. Roofing copper is commonly available in 16 oz (.021in) and 20 oz (.027in). The 20 oz is on the thin side to learn on, especially with blank sizes much larger than about 6 inches.
Brass is more difficult than copper, as it work hardens faster, and is a stronger material.
----------------
Donny,
Checked out your website, and notice that you mention the cup is still thinning out and not quite thick enough to bead. You have probably gone past that problem, but if not, try using more effort on the back stroke. This will lay the metal down on the form, and help maintain blank thickness. Do you use a backstick?
--------------
A part made for the wife's xmas present a few years ago. 11" dia x 5" deep, x .027"copper. Great for egg whites.
Later,
Dale M
If you are going to give it a try, do get the first set of dvd's from Terry Tynan.
The best grade of Aluminum for learning is 1100-0, at .040 inch thickness. A second best choice that will probably be more available, is 3003-0, at the same thickness. I could not source 1100-0 locally in less than a full coil quantity. Terry Tynan sells 1100-0 in precut blanks at reasonable prices. The -0 at the end of the alloy number is the hardness, or temper in the material. Spinning the -H14 grades of the above alloys can be done, but I would not recommend it for learning. When starting out, if the material thickness is much thinner than the .040 thickness, you will have trouble with cracking or tearing when the part is about 2/3 spun, and with the edge of the blank getting buckles. If the material is a bit thicker, it will require more force, but not be as prone to cracking and buckling.
Stay away from 6061 in any temper condition, as it work hardens rapidly, and requires annealing during the course of spinning.
Copper is somewhat expensive to learn on, work hardens, and requires annealing. Roofing copper is commonly available in 16 oz (.021in) and 20 oz (.027in). The 20 oz is on the thin side to learn on, especially with blank sizes much larger than about 6 inches.
Brass is more difficult than copper, as it work hardens faster, and is a stronger material.
----------------
Donny,
Checked out your website, and notice that you mention the cup is still thinning out and not quite thick enough to bead. You have probably gone past that problem, but if not, try using more effort on the back stroke. This will lay the metal down on the form, and help maintain blank thickness. Do you use a backstick?
--------------
A part made for the wife's xmas present a few years ago. 11" dia x 5" deep, x .027"copper. Great for egg whites.
Later,
Dale M
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Angelo
President Emeritus
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2004
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- www.majicbrand.com
Spinner
Yep done spinnng on WOOD LATHE works fine but not all is intuitive you'll need direction and tools.
The fellow that taught me what little I know is Terry Tynan. Excelent teacher and has supplies for sale on his web site www.metalspinningworkshop.com
Give him a look'e'see
Angelo
Yep done spinnng on WOOD LATHE works fine but not all is intuitive you'll need direction and tools.
The fellow that taught me what little I know is Terry Tynan. Excelent teacher and has supplies for sale on his web site www.metalspinningworkshop.com
Give him a look'e'see
Angelo
Solved the thining problem
Dale,
I was using 6060 switched to 1100-0 at .40 and spinning was night and day better. I also lowered the lathe.
Experienced everything just as you say 🙂
Yes I am using a back stick now and the biggest problem WAS the backstroke. I was pushing hard on the forward stroke and then letting up, thereby not laying down on the backstroke.
All,
I've gone through the getting and cutting circles route, it just ain't worth it especially if you are an occasional spinner, just buy them from Terry!
Also I found the Sorby tools way to light weight especially the Trest.
I use W1 steel from McMasterCarr, grind, harden and polish it in the shop.
Tool making is on Terrys DVD's, but its pretty easy and inexpensive if you know how to heat treat in the shop. If not there is some posts on tool making on my site.
This is interesting when I started this you couldnt find any spinners 🙂
Dale,
I was using 6060 switched to 1100-0 at .40 and spinning was night and day better. I also lowered the lathe.
Experienced everything just as you say 🙂
Yes I am using a back stick now and the biggest problem WAS the backstroke. I was pushing hard on the forward stroke and then letting up, thereby not laying down on the backstroke.
All,
I've gone through the getting and cutting circles route, it just ain't worth it especially if you are an occasional spinner, just buy them from Terry!
Also I found the Sorby tools way to light weight especially the Trest.
I use W1 steel from McMasterCarr, grind, harden and polish it in the shop.
Tool making is on Terrys DVD's, but its pretty easy and inexpensive if you know how to heat treat in the shop. If not there is some posts on tool making on my site.
This is interesting when I started this you couldnt find any spinners 🙂
You just didn't look in the right place. I've been spinning for about 20 years now. I got intrested due to being a machinist. I've never used my woodlathe for spinning but no reason it wouldn't work.
Greg
I want to spin stainless steel, I think I need a scissor tool. Does anyone know where to buy one, or have instructions how to make one?
john lucas
AAW Forum Expert
I have an excellent book on metal spinning. It is
A step-by-step guide to hand-spinning by Paul G. Wiley
It covers the topic very well from making the tools to spinning. I have 2 other pamphlets that I picked up but can't lay my hands on them right now. They aren't as good as the one mentioned but they have a lot of different tools and techniques listed.
A step-by-step guide to hand-spinning by Paul G. Wiley
It covers the topic very well from making the tools to spinning. I have 2 other pamphlets that I picked up but can't lay my hands on them right now. They aren't as good as the one mentioned but they have a lot of different tools and techniques listed.
Lindsay Books is a great source for older techniques and technology. And the catalog entries are fun to read. Find it here: http://www.lindsaybks.com/
Two books on spinning currently in stock.
Joe
Two books on spinning currently in stock.
Joe
A Step-by-step guide to hand-spinning by Paul G. Wiley
The $50 book is here
//www.langtoninfo.com/showitem.asp?isbn=0975290002
I think that Terry's site or the spinning forum has info on scissor tools.
The $50 book is here
//www.langtoninfo.com/showitem.asp?isbn=0975290002
I think that Terry's site or the spinning forum has info on scissor tools.
Lindsay books
Wow I like the books at Lindsay....
Wow I like the books at Lindsay....
john lucas
AAW Forum Expert
Wow That book has gone up in price. I'm sure I didn't spend that much. Still it is excellent, especially if you've never seen it done. He covers the steps very clearly.