"I need to turn several tapered spindles to create karate staffs.

They are 1/4" wide at one end and 1" at the other end. Each staff is 36" long. I will connect them with pool cue connectors in the middle. They need to be consistent in weight and taper. Any ideas?"

Submitted by: Bflodder

 

WWGOA Editor Response
The first question is material selection. Research into what is used for commercially made karate staffs will help you. I'd think hard maple would be a good choice.

In order to turn a spindle this long and thin, you'll need a steady rest on your lathe. This is a device that provides support for the turning so it doesn't flex away from your cutting pressure. Here's a plan for a shop-made version: http://www.detroitareawoodturners.org/steadyrest.pdf  You can find a commercially made one at Woodcraft Supplies, but it may or may not fit your machine.

 

Since the finished spindle will be so thin, you'll need to make sure the grain is running straight through the blank and do a finicky job of setting up your headstock and tailstock centers. If you don't, the staff will easily break.

 

To keep each spindle consistent, set up your taper using a parting tool and calipers. If you own a completed staff, you can take your dimensions from it. Measure every two inches or so, along the length of the staff, and check the diameter at that position. Use a ruler and calipers to transfer that to your turning.

 

Make the tailstock end the thin end of your staff and start your shaping there, working your way up to the headstock.

 

Have fun and sends us pics of your completed staffs. 

 

George Vondriska

Managing Editor

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