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Stop, Listen, and then Look

John Torchick

John Torchick

Joined
Jan 24, 2010
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Location
Cleveland, Tennessee
I had a couple of things that brought about this thread. It is surprising, to me, of the little subtle signals that one can receive while turning. The first came from putting a piece of cherry on the lathe; made sure the wood was solid in the tailstock and the drive spur. I set the banjo and tool rest and then started turning. When I started turning, I noticed a growling noise, even with ear plugs! My wife was upstairs and so it wasn't her. I stopped the lathe and tried to determine the problem. I loosened the live center a hair and that cured the problem. Probably, saved some bearings, too.
The second thing that popped up was on the low speed grinder. I put the roughing gouge on the Wolverine jig, and put the edge on the fine wheel. As long as I had the tip on the wheel, it was OK. When I turned the gouge to touch up the wings, it would start bouncing! I knew something wasn't right. So, I looked at the wheel and found it had a groove down the middle. I got the diamond tool and started to true/square the wheel. Problem solved!
 
Yes, it is strange how things can catch you attention even though you have gone through your safety checks prior to operating machinery. Good topic John.
 
John as a long time about 50 plus years woodworker I learned early to listen to the tools. This has saved me numerous times. This is one reason I do not support people who listen to music on earphones/buds while using any tool. Most hearing protectors will allow one to hear a difference in usual sounds.
 
Great advice
From our early evolution our senses were developed to keep us safe and to find food and shelter.
Use these senses to keep us safer in woodturning.

If it doesn’t sound right, feel right, look right or even smell right - investigate

Most all woodturning classes I have been associated with as a teacher, student, or assistant have mentioned listening, feeling, watching.
 
I have seen videos and demonstrations on turning that state the wood is put on the lathe- make sure it clears the tool rest and start turning at low speed until it is turned so it is balanced. My latest bee hive was cut "square" but not perfect. After I turned to round, it settled down and I was able to turn at a higher speed.
Glad I could contribute something to the forum and thanks for the replies.
 
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