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Problems with tools

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flyturnskater

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Mar 1, 2006
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Every time I am turning my tools are always jumping around and that puts nicks and dings into the wood. And that is dissapointing. So what am I doing wrong. Should I turn up the speed of my lathe?
 
I suppose that you mean the tool that you are holding in your hand as opposed to the ones lying on the bed of your lathe. The ones that I have lying across the bed of my lathe are always vibrating, but I don't pay much attention to it until one falls business-end-first to the floor. Makes me say naughty words.

You are probably talking about getting "catches" and that is normal for a beginner until you get more proficient through practice. Learning to keep your eye on the bevel at all times is very important. There is more to learning the proper use of tools than can be converyed in a simple posting. The best way to learn is by personal instruction. Videos are good, but they can't give the all-important feedback that you get from an instructor. Reading about it is the most difficult way to learn and may never be completely satisfactory.

Bill
 
flyturnskater said:
Every time I am turning my tools are always jumping around and that puts nicks and dings into the wood. And that is dissapointing. So what am I doing wrong. Should I turn up the speed of my lathe?
Click to expand...

One thing for sure happens if you turn up the speed. The amount of energy available to try and feed you the tool increases geometrically. Problems with tool control come mostly from edge and presentation. Peel, don't poke, sharpen, don't speed up, and try to remember A-B-C.

Anchor the tool to the rest. Overhand grip recommended.
Bevel parallel to the surface. On it, if smooth and circular.
Cut.

I strongly recommend doing the torso swing to steepen the angle for entry and start the peel. Small muscles will give, shifting your weight with muscles locked won't. If the tool starts to bounce or the piece to vibrate, start A-B-C again, don't chase a bad cut.

Unlike some, I don't favor the phrase "shavings flying." If you're cutting the wood as it wishes to be cut, they won't. They'll stay in your way on the gouge or fall. It's a Newton thing. Don't like "ride the bevel" either, it seems to indicate more force that just referencing, or guiding and stabilizing.
 
You have started at the right site. Now go to the section that lists local AAW clubs and get some hands on help. Videos may also help but a local club with members willing to share will get you up to speed. Have fun.
 
1. Take Penmakers advice.

2. I was self taught and I got a lot of catche while learning. At the time I was( teaching?) myself I wasn't a good turner so I didn't have a lot to teach myself.

boehme said:
You are probably talking about getting "catches" and that is normal for a beginner until you get more proficient through practice.
Bill
Click to expand...

3. It is surprizing how few woodturning students more than one or two minor catches in a 27 hour course.

Catches are not part of the turning process. Lyle Jamieson had a wonderful article in the AAW journal a few years back. You don't ever need to get a catch to learn. once you learn you won't ever get an unexpected catch. Find someone who knows what they are doing to help you and you'll be amazed at how fast you can progress.

Happy turning,
Al
 
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