Rose Engine Lathe

[KzooRichie]

I'm interested in learning more about and possibly making the MDF Rose Engine Lathe, I have a few questions to start with, forgive my ignorance if the questions are obvious or have been asked before.

1. Why MDF and not Baltic Birch? Would BB work as well. I've always viewed it as stronger is this correct?

2. Are plans available for making a cutting frame? If so where? Is making the cutting frame within reach for someone w/ the skills and tools to make the other machined parts for the lathe?

3. Any problems, pitfalls or advice from someone who has made one?

Cheers,
Rich

 

[Ed Davidson]

Rich,

You might get a more comprehensive set of answers here: http://www.ornamentalturners.org/index.php and through the Ornamental Turners forum, located here: http://ornamentalturners.org/forum/index.php.

Also, there will be an ornamental turners special interest group get together at the Richmond symposium in June: http://www.woodturner.org/sym/sym2008/sin2008.pdf

 

[hockenbery]

Ornamental Turning in Richmond

Back by popular demand

Jon Magill will be conducting 2 sessions on Building the Rose Engine Lathe at our AAW symposium in Richmond Virginia June 20-22.

There will also be two session on projects for the rose engine lathe by Jon and Bonnie Klein.

as Ed mentioned Friday night there will be a special interest group meeting of the Ornamantal turners.

MDF is the product of choice for all sorts of lathe chucks.
MDF is a bit more dense than most plywoods. It has no voids and won't delaminate.
MDF is 1/5 the cost of top quality plywood.

Happy turning,
Al