PART VII

WOOD TURNING

The process of shaping wood by means of a machine called a lathe, Fig. 208, is called wood turning. The

FIG. 208.-Wood-turning lathe (giving the name of each part).

block of wood to be shaped by the process of wood turning is put between two centers, called the spur or live center and the cup or dead center. The spur is set in motion and this in turn gives the block of wood a motion of revolution on the dead center. A turning tool resting

on the tee rest and held by the workman cuts away the waste wood, giving the required shape to the block of wood. Wood to be turned may also be fastened in the lathe by the screw face plate, the dog face plate, and the bell chuck, depending of course upon the kind of work to be done. In turning a small rosette or other similar work the screw face plate is used, while the dog face plate is used for the same kind of work only when larger blocks are to be used. The grain of the wood when a face plate is used is at right angles to the line of center. In turning an overhanging piece of wood which is parallel with the line of center, such as in turning a napkin ring, the bell chuck is used.

The lathe is an ancient machine, being invented, it is claimed, by Diodorus Siculus, the grandson of Dædalus. Pliny, however, ascribes it to Theodor of Samos (740 B.C.). Phidias and Pericles were experienced in its use. The lathe is also mentioned in the Bible as being used by the ancient Hebrews. The lathe has been adapted to many forms of work, and has passed through many stages in order to reach its present efficiency.

Fig. 208 is a drawing of a wood-turning lathe, showing the countershaft attached to the ceiling. The drawing also gives the name of each part. The student during his course should learn the names of all of the parts and should be able to apply these names intelligently.

Directions to Students for Lathe Work

1. Learn all of the adjustments of your lathe and the use of each tool as soon as possible. Learn the name of

each tool and the name of each part of the lathe as soon as possible, and learn to use those names intelligently.

2. There is danger in operating running machinery. Be careful. Be thoughtful. Keep your sleeves away from the live center. In using sandpaper, put the right hand over the block. This will bring the left hand away from the live center.

3. Keep your tools sharp. Learn from your instructor how to grind your tools on the grindstone and how to whet them on the oilstone and slip. In sharpening a tool always preserve the correct shape of the tool.

4. Keep your lathe oiled. Do not use too much oil. Just a few drops on the bearings before beginning each exercise is quite enough.

5. At the close of each exercise take your work out of the lathe, even though it is unfinished, dust off your tools and put them away in their proper places, then dust off your lathe very carefully.

Exercise No. 1

Stock: 1 (2" x 2" x 9") whitewood or pine.

Directions:

1. Lay out your tools.

2. Oil your lathe.

3. Center the block of wood to be turned. If the block is approximately true, draw the diagonals on the square ends. This will locate the center on each end.

4. Adjust the tail stock to accommodate the length of the wood and clamp it in place. Drive one end of the block into the spurs of the live center, using a mallet.