Connecting Turners Across the Globe
Articles on how to do something
To determine a safe starting speed, woodturners use a standard rule of thumb based on the workpiece diameter (in inches): Minimum/Roughing Speed: 6,000/Diameter = RPM Maximum/Finishing Speed: 9,000/Diameter = RPM Quick Reference Speed Chart Workpiece Diameter Roughing / Out-of-BalanceSpeed Fine Cutting / SandingSpeed 1″ – 2″ (Pens, Spindles) 1,500 – 2,000 RPM 2,500 – 3,000 Read More …
I found my banjo getting sticky, quill tightening up on my tailstock, and, of late, my Jacob’s chuck had spun in the tailstock when using a Forstner bit. Time to give my lathe some TLC. After researching, I came up with this maintenance list. Check all mounting bolts- they vibrate loose. Blow out belts, pulleys, Read More …
Our fellow woodturning member, Dr. John Sowell, found a very crooked stick that he visualized could possibly be a “walking stick”. It was about two inches in diameter and long enough to fit perfectly to his six foot six inch frame (five foot eighteen inches he would always announce when asked his height). He asked Read More …
Original Concept Credit: This design is based on an idea originally developed by Jim Duxbury. Thank you, Jim, for the creative inspiration! STL files that allow you to 3D print an impeller that attaches to your lathe’s tailstock handwheel can be found on our website here. This device lets you rapidly advance or retract the Read More …
Here is an easy and fun offset turning project, “Fan” Weed Pots using Jim Duxbury’s Dux Chuck. There are plans on our web site showing how to make this chuck: https://www.worldwidewoodturners.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/duxchuck.jpg Start out with a ¾” x 3-¼” x 4″ board. Draw a 3″ circle, centered on the 3-¼” direction and offset in the 4″ Read More …
In my opinion, one of the most sacred duties that a woodturner is tasked with is creating a funerary urn. To be entrusted with the final resting place of the remains of a loved one can feel a little daunting. Very simply, an urn is a lidded box or vessel. From there, the sky is Read More …
Editor’s note: This design is a “double segmented” piece. The insert design is, itself, a segmented ring that is sliced and inserted into the segmented bowl. To find the exact size of everything, I start out drawing out the outside shape of the segmented insert. For this example, the dimensions are 2 ½” by 1 Read More …
If you would like your own hardcopy of this description, click here Thin Wall Tips: Shape exterior contours first. Shape interior contours to consistently match exterior contours. Wet wood can be more easily thinned, it is more flexible. Work from the rim to the center of the piece. Try to not go back to thin Read More …
When drilling on the lathe, sometimes it is hard to turn the tailstock wheel. This will make it a lot easier by moving the handle out to the maximum width for your lathe. This can decrease the force needed to drill with large Forstner bits. To use, insert the 3/8″ bolt into your knockout tube Read More …
Go to the hardware store and get a 4- in. PVC coupling. It is double ended and has two rubber inserts, so it’s like getting 2 for one. Take the cap off one end and it fit on your chuck. Cut in ½ – in. with a parting or detailing tool. This gets squares up Read More …