I am using a ShopSmith V for a lathe, and I have turned some pens...now I want to turn some bowls...I need info what chuck to use and bowling turning techniques, so maybe there's a good book for beginners? Your suggestions? Thanks for any help.
newby: want bowl book
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
Joined
·
4,801 Posts
Check out Richard Raffan
Joined
·
1,232 Posts
I too started on a Shopsmith as my first lathe. The chuck is not a problem--I started with PSI CSC300 since they also make an adapter for the chuck so it'll work on the SS.
Things you will notice: 1) the blank needs to be really round, otherwise the machine will dance- a lot. :yes:
2) The tool rest is marginal and you'll find the limitations quickly.
3) when turning bowls you have to use light cuts because the machine will bind/bog down. And what happened with me was a big catch--- and yes you CAN bend the spindle on the machine.
4) I recommend getting the heavy lathe rest that SS makes to do any turnings, much heavier and better platform, more adjustable. They do come up on ebay occasionally---Heck- think I'll post mine on there in a day or three.
5) A speed reducer is good---but for sanding only. It won't handle the pressure from a chisel---been there/done that.
As I think of more, I'll post. Don't get me wrong, I really like my SS--just not as a lathe.
Oh And + 1 on the Raffan book.
You can also visit the Shopsmith users on the web, that helped me some (just pushed me into the vortex-lol)
Dave H
Things you will notice: 1) the blank needs to be really round, otherwise the machine will dance- a lot. :yes:
2) The tool rest is marginal and you'll find the limitations quickly.
3) when turning bowls you have to use light cuts because the machine will bind/bog down. And what happened with me was a big catch--- and yes you CAN bend the spindle on the machine.
4) I recommend getting the heavy lathe rest that SS makes to do any turnings, much heavier and better platform, more adjustable. They do come up on ebay occasionally---Heck- think I'll post mine on there in a day or three.
5) A speed reducer is good---but for sanding only. It won't handle the pressure from a chisel---been there/done that.
As I think of more, I'll post. Don't get me wrong, I really like my SS--just not as a lathe.
Oh And + 1 on the Raffan book.
You can also visit the Shopsmith users on the web, that helped me some (just pushed me into the vortex-lol)
Dave H
Joined
·
3,257 Posts
There are a lot of things to consider when turning bowls. Bill Grumbine has an excellent video. One of the best I've seen. I would highly recommend it. Very hard to learn how to use the bowl gouge from a book.
Joined
·
311 Posts
I too started on a shopsmith. Fine between centers and small bowls. The tube ways are far too flexible for big bowls. The spindle is 5/8" which makes it easy to damage. It was a great intro into turning, but I was looking for an upgrade after my first couple of turnings.
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
