Woodturning 101: What You Need!
Introduction
Over the years, woodturning has become one of the most sorts after pastime hobbies many people enjoy doing. It is because, with woodturning, you can create even the best-looking distinct woodwork ever seen in the history of man. But to achieve these feet, you need to understand the fundamentals need in this art, especially if you are a beginner. For expert woodturners, this post might not seem useful, but it may give you some insights you probably do not know about woodturning or remind you of what you might have forgotten. For beginners, this post notes detailed information on the accessories you will need for your woodturning art.
In woodturning, there are four things you will need to create a masterpiece. These necessities include your lathe, tools and technique. Let’s find out more.
1. Basic Lathe for Woodturning
To get started with woodturning, you would want something that can span your wood, whether big or small. Many beginners make the mistake of going for a heavy-duty or large lathe tool because they may have heard or thought that these kinds of lathes work better. Technical, this is true. Heavy-duty lathes help make the work easier for professional woodturners. But this type of lathes is mostly used for industrial purpose, and as a beginner, it will not be easy to operate. A heavy-duty lathe can bowl up to 24 inches. But this may not matter for a beginner, especially one who engages in woodturning as a pastime. If you are looking for a lathe then our best wood turning lathe article may be able to point you in the right direction regarding a new lathe purchase.
If you are engaging in woodturning as a hobby, you would want to go for a small beginner’s lathe. You may think a small lathe will not conveniently perform the task you need it to do. However, using a small lathe makes work easier for you as it allows you to operate it. The small lathe can turn wood with 10 inches diameter, which is considered a superb feat for when getting started. After knowing the type of lathe, to begin with, the next step is to look for your lathe fittings.
2. Lathe Accessories
When you get a wood lathe, they mostly come with either a face plate, drive centre or live centre.
- Face Plate: A faceplate is a circular metal bowl that holds the workpiece in the lathes.
- Live Centre: A live centre accessory is visible on the left side of your lathe. The job of this centre is to spin as the wood turns on your lathe.
- Drive Centre: the drive centre lies on the right side of the lathe. It has drive spurs that bite into the wood and makes it turn. These accessories are some of the most important things you need to get started with your lathe.
Apart from these accessories, you can also get a chuck. A chuck helps you grip one side of your wood. This way, you can turn or hollow the other end. With a chuck, you do not need a screw or tailstock. So, chucks are most definitely important when getting started in woodturning. With a chuck, some things become easier to turn. For instance, you can use the chuck to hollow out bowls and boxes. We also have an article that features woodturning dust extractors that you may want to check out if you struggle with the dust and debris build up inside your workshop.
So, when choosing your lathe accessories, make sure to check that your lathe has either a faceplate, drive centre, sour centre or chuck. If it doesn’t, get one.
Now that we have gotten the basics of lathe accessories, you need to know the primary tools you will need for your woodturning. Let’s find out.
Basic Woodturning Tools
There are various kinds of tools you will need to create that unique and distinct workpiece you desire. Consider the following:
· Gouges
Gouges help you carve out grooves on your wood without its edges biting into the wood. There are three different types of gouges you will need; the spindle roughing gouge, which helps you turn wood blanks to a round shape; spindle gouge, which is a smaller version of the spindle roughing gouge and the bowl gouge used for smooth cuts when the wood grain spins in right angles.
· Skew chisels
This tool can be used in almost all kind of woodwork and serve various purposes. However, its primary roles in woodturning are to create smooth finishes and coves. Skew chisels are usually flat and have a cutting edge with an acute angle.
· Parting tools
Parting tools has a long and curved surface that can cut deep into your wood. They help you cut a narrow hole inside your workpiece to separate it from wood debris. Some parting tools include; began parting tools, fluted parting tools, slim parting tools and standard parting tools.
· Scrapers
These tools are probably one of the safest tools every beginner should have. They cut slowly, making them safe equipment to use.
Every one of these tools serves different purposes and shape your workpiece. But to use them, make sure to maintain them properly and ensure that they are sharp. Sharp tools make a cleaner cut in your wood without destroying the desired pattern. If you notice that your equipment is dull, you can either use a wet sharper or bench grinder to sharpen the blunt edges.
Woodturning Technique
There are so many ways to use these tools to turn your wood. But one thing to always put in mind is that hand positioning matters a lot. Once you have all the tools you need for tuning, make sure that you rightly position your hands on the tool surface. This way, when you work on your workpiece, you get the result you hope for. Do not forget to place your thumb on the tool rest, which lies under the equipment to keep it sturdy.
Final Thoughts
Woodturning is an amazing art for anyone and one of the best ways to get creative. But, to turn your woods, you will need to get the right lathe and its accessories. You will also need to know the type of tools to use and how to position the hand when using them. When these necessities are available to you, it becomes easier to make your unique workpiece. So, start turning! Please check out World of Woodturning for all your woodturning needs with the latest product updates and best buys!