Woodturning Glossary

Carbide carving bits for use with a rotary tool. A wide variety of bits exist for carving and may be used to decorate/detail a turned project. Saburrtooth is a brand name, perhaps we should simplify this to simply reference to a "burr," bypassing the reference to a particular brand.

A live or dead center sculpted of wood to help hold, and minimize damaging or marring the work.

Sphalted wood is any wood that has begun to decay or rot with white rot fungus. When turned, the fungus can create quite an attractive pattern and accenting in the wood.

Sphalted wood is not generally dangerous, despite the presence of the fungus. However, you do need to take standard precautions to prevent the dust and spores from getting into your lungs (use a dust mask). Note: The fact the wood is not typically dangerous, this does not imply that people can not have a personal allergic reactions to the inactive fungus spores contained in spalted wood.

A Spur Drive, also known as a grip center, is used in the headstock. It is used in woodworking or where softer materials are machined.

It consists of a dead center surrounded by hardened teeth, which bite into a softer workpiece allowing the workpiece to be driven directly by the center.

Southwest Association of Woodturners (swaturners.org)

Also, known as the Ellsworth, or Irish grind. This labeling is descriptive of the characteristic swept back feature of the grind of the Ellsworth grind.

For a picture, see the Ellsworth Grind.