“I am new to woodturning. I have purchased a used Woodfast, 20 x 16 lathe. It needs a base or stand. My question is, how do I determine the correct spindle height as it relates to me?” Submitted by: tb4x4 WWGOA Editor Response: As a general rule you’ll have the spindle at a comfortable height
Compact lathes were an instant success when they first hit the market. Their low cost and portability opened the doors to prospective turners who lacked the funds or space required for full size lathes. Unlike most of us as we mature over the years, compact lathes have grown in power, capacity and refinement without putting
If you’re concerned that your turning skills may not be adequate to make perfect duplicate spindles, General International has your problem solved. Their new Mini-Lathe Duplicator, $200, is specifically designed to easily fasten to most mini-lathes with cast bedways, and allow you to make duplicate spindles from either an existing turning, or from a pattern.Like
The newest Delta midi lathe pack big features. Have a look, first, at the Midi Lathe 46-460, $599. Electronic variable speed on this machine allows you to dial in the rpms, from 250-4000. There’s no easier way to change speed on a lathe than electronic variable speed. It’s uncommon to see such a low rpm
Lathe turning can be lots of fun, but I know that some woodworkers are intimidated by the prospect of a piece of wood spinning against a tool at a high rpm. This article will help you overcome some of those concerns and, hopefully, help turn you on to turning. It’ll take you through safely mounting
I’m asked all the time, “What’s the first tool I should get?” My tongue-in-cheek answer is, “A credit card with a high limit.” But since people really do want advice on stationary tool purchases, I’ve developed “George’s Top 5 List.” It’s important to understand that this is my list of preferred tools and there will
Every once in a while, an unusual woodworking commission comes along.This recently happened to me when I was asked to turn a cremation urn in the shape of a Shriner fez. Here’s the project. Hope you can get some ideas and tips for your own projects. Material Selection. Since a fez is red and I’m
