Lathe speeds

[Jed Baxter]

Is there a correct speed when spinning pens? Would 2500 rpm be sufficient for wood and plastic blanks

 

[paulm]

I just turn mine as fast as the lathe will go.

 

[ray7]

This explains things.
Lathe Speed

Ray

 

[Woody]

Snap but I o slow down to sand

 

[mattyts]

I have mine on 2800 for turning pen blanks, 1000 for sanding.

 

[Terry]

As Paul and Woody says !!!!

 

[Jed Baxter]

Well that is another thing I have been doing wrong I sand as the same speed as the turning so as fast I can go is the answer thanks

 

[Woody]

Sanding on a fast speed creates a lot of heat which will split a lot of woods even a week after you have finished it

 

[Alanp]

i turn all my pens @ 2000rpm thats as fast as my lathe will go ,it works for me

 

[Barry]

Sanding 450 roughing 900 to 1100 final cuts 1500 to 2900 depending on material friction polish likes fast for the heat that's me right or wrong works for me

 

[Penpal]

Lathe on flat out for turning pens CA applied half speed polish full speed sanding light touch 1/2 inch wide strips mostly flat out only use two grades, sawdust in a cloth flat out briefly, initially turn natural slow start but keep it slow in case.I used to go to a three day turnathon away from home with a fifty or more turners with catered food non stop turning in a huge hall with large three phase and single phase Diesel generators. One of the most impressive turner (they included some of Australias best) was a Dutch guy who turned treacherous looking burl pieces two foot and over at slow speeds using a long handled small bowl gouge at slow speeds they sold in the many hundreds back then pure magic very light patient cuts. We used to take and share lathes. Accomodation was bunk beds. Sure learn a lot about special techniques and freely able to see hear a number of the blokes and woman travelled the world as demonstrators all freely giving during the three days and marvel at their skills. Many authors among them. Some trade guys from interstate showed up plenty of time to see and buy the latest in a country out of town location. Always seek out demos, club activities, seminars and turning sharing.

Peter.

 

[Jim]

Aye, 3000rpm but don't recall how i came about this speed ..

 

[wm460]

Very fast for turning.
Bout 1/2 speed for turning
Bout 1/4 speed for applying CA

 

[billyb_imp]

2000 - 2500 for turning

700 - 1000 for drilling, sanding etc

 

[Shaver]

This IMO for general turning, not small items. If the lathe bounces, slow down. If there is no bounce turn as fast as YOU are comfortable with, generally it is not a race. I find that I can get far smoother curves and movement with the tool at a fast speed than I can at lower speeds, but that is just me. Thankfully we are all individuals.

 

[Bill Mooney]

I turn at 3200, sand timber at 500 & sand acrylic at 1000.

 

[chas_41_uk]

As fast as YOU feel safe with for turning
slowest speed (500rpm) for sanding

 

[ni9eofse7en]

Yep, go with what most are saying. Half speed or less for sanding. Don't let whatever sanding material you are using get hot. Its either the lathe spinning too fast, or you applying too much pressure. Use water as and when required, but cover your lathe bed to protect it and any motor that might be underneath.