Woodturning Tips from Curt Norman’s Shop
(Click here to return to Question No. 11 on the "FAQ" Page of Curt's Web Site)
1. Always rotate your turning stock a full 360 degrees before powering up the lathe.
Make sure the tool rest, tool rest banjo and the lathe bed are clear of the turning stock
when you hand rotate the spindle a full revolution.
2. Adjust the tool rest parallel to the lathe bed for making straight cuts on the turning stock.
To make the tool rest straight between the head stock and the tail stock, just eye ball over
the tool rest and adjust it parallel with the lathe bed.
3. Mark the number 1 chuck jaw with paint for easy identification.
Always mark and remount the turning stock in the chuck the same way you removed it
by putting a pencil mark next to the number 1 chuck jaw.
4. Hold the tool at the tool rest overhand.
Using the overhand technique to guide the tool at the tool rest allows your hand to
be closer to the cutting edge, which in turn gives you better control of the tool.
5. Hold the tool handle on your side or hip for support.
Use your body to get maximum tool control by holding the tool handle on your side.
Move your whole upper body with the tool moving down the tool rest.
6. Present the Gouge to the woodturning with the flute straight out “(“ to start a
precision cut and then roll it about 30 degrees.
To avoid getting a “run back” with the gouge on a precision or finish cut, start with the flute
straight out “(“ until there is enough of an edge for the bevel to ride on and then turn the flute
open for a normal cut.
7. Sand the woodturning from the under or lower side and move the tool rest away.
Try to sand the woodturnings from the lower or under side when possible so the turning
direction is away from your fingers and not into them. With a variable speed lathe,
sand at a lower speed. With the lathe in reverse sand over the top side.
8. Make a jig for maximum & minimum opening for each chuck size. (See picture below)
Use a measuring jig to make sure the size of the tenon you’re cutting will fit the
chuck opening. (Make the jig for both inside and outside chuck sizes)
9. Keep the tool rest smooth. Any impressions on the surface of the tool rest will
be transmitted or carried over to the cutting edge of the tool.
Remove any and all dings or pits on the tool rest with a mill file then sand,
buff and wax the surface. Use a straight edge on the top of the tool rest to make
sure it remains true or straight from one end to the other.
10. Do not over-reach with the tool over the tool rest.
Adjust the tool rest close to the turning stock.
Use this chart for the maximum distance your tool can safely reach beyond the tool rest.
Bowl Gouge Spindle/Detail Gouge Roughing Gouge
Size Max. Reach Size Max. Reach Size Max. Reach
3/8” 1 1/2” 1/4” 3/4” 3/4” 1 3/4”
1/2” 2 1/2” 3/8” 1” 1 1/4” + 1 3/4”
5/8” 3 1/2” 1/2” 1 3/4” (Chart from Craft Supply USA)
3/4” + 4” 9/16” 1 3/4” Curt Norman, January 2005
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Question # 8 Measuring jigs for chuck openings. Click on the picture to view a larger size! Hit the BACK button to return to this page! |
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Go to Sand Paper Tips from Curt Norman's Shop
(Click here to return to Question No. 11 on the "FAQ" Page of Curt's Web Site)
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