Hi,
I need to turn two identical knobs for a small cabinet out of a piece of well-aged cocobolo. I have access to a wood lathe and the tools to go with it through a local hobby shop. The problem is, that there is no one in this shop who can offer me any advice on how to use a lathe.
I am guessing that making two identical knobs will be a whole lot harder than making one knob. Many years ago, I used to use a metal lathe a fair bit, but it seems that turning wood is a much different process.
Can I do this in a reasonable length of time? I just don’t have the time now to spend months of weekends learning how to use a lathe in order to make two knobs.
Is there a source of information around that will show me generally the process and what to do?
Thanks
Replies
gerrha, I see from your profile that you may be in Oregon. Please consider contacting one of the local chapters of the AAW. You can get some hands on instruction if you do not have the time to learn on your own.
http://www.woodturner.org/community/chapters/LocalChapters.asp
Steve Pippins
Go to the library, get a book on turning ( I don't think it matters which one I've looked at books going back to the 1850s they all seem to say the same things). Practice. Its going to take some time and it is very enjoyable. Don't think identical. Think very similar. No one will notice.
gerrha,
Knobs are easy and can be fun. I'll forever be a beginner at turning because I just don't do it enough to bet better..I do all my own knobs.
Two little suggestions: draw up detailed plans(on the back of a used envelope), round a piece of stock about 6-8" long and cut all the knobs at once ..side by side. A simple knob will have about 4 points of measure (tenon, collar, outer rim and length. When mark your stock for both knobs. All your doing is connecting the dots at that point...with a parting tool and scraper.
If you are at all mechanical the wood lathe is a simple set up with a few safety precautions , like no bleeding allowed .
Another way to make identical pulls especially , is to go ahead and make the turning about 4 - 5 or maybe 6 " wide or so for the detailed area . If you make a bulbous center portion tapering down to perhaps rounded ends smaller then the center . Cut it in half , usually the band saw for me , leave it in the longer blank form to keep your fingers away .
Then relieve or grind / sand the back of the bulbous area to create a cup like pull . You don't need a huge area for a finger pull .Screw them on from the back . The wheel of a belt sander works good too or you could scrape them out .
hope this helps dusty
Thanks for all the responses. As you can tell, I am a real wood lathe novice here.
Do wood lathes have adjustible RPM like metal lathes? If so, what would be a good rpm for turning knobs?
The one thing that looks tricky to me is holding the tool. Do you lay the tool on the rest and then very slowly push the tip of the tool into the spinning wood and adjust the angle of the tool to achieve the best cut? I can just imagine the tool flying out of your hands if you push it into the wood too fast or get the angle wrong. Also, what shape of tool tip would you use for doing a small knob?
Thanks
gerrha,The kinda questions your asking says 'a pictures worth a thousand words'. You need to rent a video, you might check with your library.In broad general terms, the speed of the stock is a function of the size of the stock and the type of cut (roughing in go slow, finishing go faster). Assuming your starting out with 1 1/4" square stock the first task will be to turn it into a spindle. I generally use a gouge for that and start spinning at about 400 rpms. I'll finish the spindle at about 800 rpms.
Once you have your stock chucked up and spinning freely you set your tool rest...close to the work piece and just slightly above the half way point. What your going to be doing is bringing the tool and it's cutting edge DOWN to the work piece...keeping the wood on the bevel of the gouge.
So starting out to get a feel for it, just start the stock spinning and lay your gouge on the spinning stock and the tool rest simultaneously. Slowly slide you tool back to expose the stock to the cutting edge and gently lift the tool until a small shaving starts to appear....from there your on the slippery slope...good luck
Edited 10/2/2008 4:54 am ET by BG
I worked on the below article with Phil Lowe. It details the process pretty well with photos, and focuses on making multiples. You need a site membership to view the PDF or you can find the original in issue #172 if you have back issues:
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesPDF.aspx?id=2940
Matt Berger
Fine Woodworking
Old metal turner here and just has a Mini wood lathe I use on occasion... Save you 'GOOD' wood and get some old 2/4 or something.. Go at it... As I recall you said you worked metal lathes.. Same thing (almost) EXCEPT YOU are the bit holder! Lots of fun putting alot of sawdust on you and the floor!
A mini lathe is like a toy a woodworker can use and never get tired of it. A 'BIGGIE' lathe and you may sell your TS!
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