Many people, especially newbies in woodworking, take woodturning as a mystery. Woodturning is simply a process of shaping wood in a desired form, as basic and simple as that. However, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, there are some insights to consider. It includes different tools used for wood turning and their respective uses.
Woodturning opens up a room for unlimited creativity. The ability to shape wood into different shapes and sizes allows a wood turner to play with their imagination. Examples of items made in woodturning are bowls, knobs, spindles, sculptures, candle sticks, chair legs, pepper mills, pens, handles, and baseball bats among others.
An Introduction to Woodturning Tools
It can be a hassle knowing the woodturning tools required when starting. You need several woodturning tools for quality and best results. These tools range from precise cutting and safety tools to stock removal tools. Findbuytool is the best place to look for tips and quality woodturning sets. A sharpened and well-grounded set of tools allows a woodworker to do the work effectively.
About Safety
Safety measures are required when handling any tool and the same applies to woodturning tools. There are dangers involved while the wood is turning in speed thus the need for personal protective equipment.
- Secure the wood pieces well- Always ensure the wood pieces are well attached before spinning. It helps to prevent loose wood from detaching from the machine and injuring the operator or those around the working area.
- Speed- Always start with a low speed to avoid excess vibration and increase the speed as you go.
- Loose clothing- Avoid wearing loose and hanging clothing or accessories. They can easily be caught as the wood-turning tools spin causing injuries.
- Eye protection- Safety glasses are vital for eye protection. The operator should make sure they can see out of them well. Another option is a visor or a visor with a respirator.
- Footwear- Sturdy footwear like safety boots should be worn in the workshops. Sharp tools do accidentally fall and good footwear will protect the foot from injuries.
- Respirator- protection from dust that can cause health issues is important. Investing in dust extraction systems is important in effectively removing dust extractions from machines.
What is Woodturning Lathe Machine?
A lathe machine is a vital piece of equipment for every woodturner. The gist is to get one that is specifically used for woodturning. The purpose of the woodturning lathe is to turn and shape the wood appropriately. The lathe rotates the pieces of wood at an upward speed. A woodturner needs insights on how to mount the wood and maintain an appropriate speed.
For safety purposes, make sure to get a woodturning lathe machine that has adjustable speeds. Other features like the guard rails are also vital for protection.
Different Types of Woodturning Tools
Woodturning has two categories- Spindle and Faceplate turning. The woodturning tools used for both categories are not the same.
Spindle Woodturning Tools
- Spindle Turning – The wood piece is held between two points; the head and tailstock. Some pieces made from spindle woodturning include mallets, pens, rolling pins, pepper mills, and others.
- Spindle Roughing Gouge – It is used in a long grain orientation. It turns a square or any other non-cylindrical shape into a cylinder shape. The woodturning tool specializes in waste /stock removal and should never be used on the end grain. It is important to note that the spindle roughing gouge does not always leave a detailed or best finish.
- Spindle Gouge – The spindle gouge is a small, shallow flute tool. It is available in different sizes. It comes in after the roughing spindle gauge in most projects. It is responsible for detail work and precise carving that cannot facilitated by large flutes. Spindle gouges are used to shape pieces and create beads and coves. They are however not strong enough for heavy operations such as stock removal.
- Skew Chisel- The turning tool is considered a difficult tool, especially by beginners. You will however learn its versatility once you master the art of using it. Skew Chisel is used for planning wood. It tends to leave a smooth surface and the best finishes without sanding.
- Parting Tool- A parting tool is used to alienate unwanted materials or scraps from a piece. They are available in different sizes, some ideal for making precision cuts while others do the parting work. The parting tools are ideal for projects that need a good amount of detail such as bed posts, chairs, and tables.
Faceplate Turning Tools
Faceplate Turning- The wood piece is held on one end. It allows a wood turner to work on the other end. Common items made using faceplate turning include platters and wooden bowls.
- Bowl Gouge- The deep flute-shaped woodturning wood finish gives a smooth surface to the inside and outside of a bowl. Bowl gouge has two standard shapes. The U shape also known as parabolic reaches to the bottom of the bowl. The V shape is a versatile tool for roughing, finishing, and detailed work.
- Scrapper- Scrappers do not cut but remove marks left by the bowl gouge. This woodturning tool scraps using burr that need to be sharp for effective work. Scrappers come in different dynamics. The round-nose scrapper works on the inside while the square-nose scrapper works on the outside of a bowl.
Depending on the project you are handling, addtional woodturning tools might be needed. These include:
- Files
- Drill bits
- Finishing supplies
- Callipers
- Bench chisel
- Sandpaper
Sum Up
Woodturning allows a woodturner to play with imaginations and deliver quality wood pieces. Getting the right woodturning tools for your projects is a critical step in ensuring effectiveness. Having clear insights on how they operate and their uses enables a woodturner to have a great experience and fine-tune their skills. Safety is also important when handling woodturning tools. Having proper safety gear while working and regular tool maintenance should always be a priority.
Read more:
Carbide vs. Traditional Woodturning Tools: A Comprehensive Guide