The main function of a Lathe is to remove waste from a piece in order to make it into round shape. Most often we will begin with a square piece and quickly bring it down to the round using the roughing gouge. However depending on the size of piece and the type of wood used, then somethings it may be necessary to removed some waste from the piece before mounting it on the lathe. By removing this excess waste the amount of vibration created when turning is greatly reduced. The first step to preparing a piece for the lathe is to find the centers and then mark on the largest possible diameter. After this the four corners can be planed off using a hand plane.
Main Steps in Preparing a Piece:
To view the different steps followed when preparing a piece for the lathe please click on the videos below or hover over the photos to read the descriptions given
Main Steps in Preparing a Piece:
- Find Centres
- Mark Largest Diameter
- Track the Diagonals for extra grip
- Plane off corners
To view the different steps followed when preparing a piece for the lathe please click on the videos below or hover over the photos to read the descriptions given
Below is a video showing the correct method of finding the centres and marking the largest diameter:
Below is a video showing the correct method of Planing off the corners of the piece:
Below are a selection of photos and descriptions of the different steps to preparing a piece: