Spindle turning vibrations

[dwalker01]

I am learing how to turn my first spindles, and found that a 28" hickory vibrates a lot, even at 1 1/2" in diameter. Is this just the nature of spindles to do this, or am I doing something wrong?

With a light touch and varying the RPMs, I have gotten the spindle round. I am finding that even if I get it round at low speeds, it starts vibrating at higher speeds.

HELP!

Dennis

 

[Ruth Niles]

Dennis,
Try holding the spindle with your left hand, firmly but not so tight it burns. Use a gentle touch and don't (do not) rub the bevel. If there is a high spot or chatter mark, riding the bevel increases that mark or causes vibration and chatter even worse. I do a lot of thin spindles (18" long 3/8"-1/4" dia.) and this was advice I was given many years ago. It works. Also keep the rpms above 1500 (I like 2200 for the most part) as the tool cuts smoother at a faster speed.

Ruth Niles

 

[arbud]

Dennis, you can also either buy or build a spindle steady. You might search this site for plans for making one. I built mine from "plans" of either Jeff Jilg(your friendly moderator) or Chris Wright (your friendly, usedtowas, moderator.)

 

[Gynia]

If you can hold the drive end in a chuck and apply light presure with the tailstock you can get rid of a good deal of vibration. I like to work the center area first and move towards the the ends. Sharp tools help also because less force is needed to cut the wood (deflect the wood).

If all else fails then a steady rest can make a huge difference.

Good Luck

 

[Jeff Jilg]

If you want me to post pics of the steady rest I built, lemme know. The pics are no longer in my photo gallery here. Chris Wright has plans for one posted on the website he hosts http://www.turnwood.net/projectplans.html

I made one similar to that out of plywood, but mine is actually more heavy duty and is for long vases (15" or more). The concept for spindle work is similar but scaled down.

 

[Astrid]

hi
if it is getting to hot for holding you can try wearing a lather or working glove but make sure that it fits verry well and that no strings or so hang from it. stuff the end into a tight fitting sleve or fix it on your wrist with a rubber band to make sure nothing can get caught
-Astrid-

 

[dkulze]

Quick question. Vibration only when cutting or when spinning free too?

If it's vibrating when spinning free, somethin not right thar. Could be ofset between drive and steady centers. Could be too much pressure from steady(or too little). Could be not locked down live center.

Just a thought.

Dietrich