Sunday, December 11, 2011

Understanding Lathe Cutting Tools

!9#: Understanding Lathe Cutting Tools

You just purchased your very own wood turning lathe and you're excited to get started on your first project. If you're new to lathe work, take a deep breath. You'll want to improve your knowledge base before you flip the power switch on your lathe. Specifically, you'll need to learn about the various types of lathe cutting tools.

The tools are at the heart of any lathe work. They'll determine the way you'll shape and transform the wood you lock into your lathe. Thus, you really do need to understand them and their potential.

There is a wide range of different cutting tools. However, four varieties tend to be used with greater frequency than others are. Let us look at these lathe cutting tools individually. While there is no substitute for actually putting these tools into action, a little background information may help you to start moving in the right direction.

Facing Tools: If you spend much time at your lathe, you will find yourself using facing tools on a regular basis. These tools are ground in a way that provides clearance with an open center. Prepare to develop a very close relationship with your facing tools and the equipment you will use to keep them sharp.

Roughing Tools: Roughing tools live up to their name. They are a powerful part of creating an overall look, but they do not carry the project through to completion. The relief angle on the side of these lathe cutting tools are great for deeper cuts.

Finishing Tools: You will use these tools when it is time to round things out and to smother over your handiwork. Finishing tools have rounded tips and they are rake-free, making it impossible to cut with them.

Left-Handed Cutting Tools: You do not need to be a southpaw to use these tools. Their specifically created to produce great results when moved from left to right. Left-handed tools can be used to produce a number of different effects.

Understanding these various tools and their specific uses will give you a much better idea of how to get results from your wood turning lathe. Remember, all of that spinning will not mean a thing unless it is accompanied by the use of the right lathe cutting tools.

You will want to study the variations among these four tool types and you will want to develop a strong acquaintance with all of them. That is why we recommend practicing with the various lathe cutting tools on scrap 2" x 4" wood pieces. With a little time behind the lathe, you will begin to understand what each tool can really do and the best way to do it.

Then, when you have a strong sense of how the cutting tools perform, you can finally get started on your first project!


Understanding Lathe Cutting Tools

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