My small steps towards turning my first pen...

[Melchior]

Hi, after a warm welcome here in the forum, I am now slowly taking steps towards turning my first pen.

A couple of days ago I rummaged through the outhouses at my fathers place, I knew I saw some wood turning tools there a long time ago... I took these home with me:



I decided to try to quickly sharpen them freehand because they where already in such a bad shape. Used my belt grinder with a 120 grit belt on it and some jigs from the Tormek... I quite quickly realised that I need to learn how to properly sharpen these tools. So next week will be reading up and watch youtube. Will need to make some jigs. Anyways here are two gouges that I finished on the sisal wheel with some polishing compound. They are really sharp, but I should use a 320 belt when they have the correct angle and shape.



I picked up a second hand lathe today. It feels alright, sturdy, heavy and no play ( I am not sure about the word, the axle is not loose).



It is called a Woody SV 300, and currently is set to run on full speed: 2100 rpms. (anyone having a manual, I need to find out the procedure for changing speed)

I started by turning a piece of fir from the scrap pile and used the gouges. I have a steep learning curve ahead. :)
Yes, it did catch and I had to remount it again... I did understand why, so I will try to avoid that move in the future.

So I ended up with this:



As I said, I have a steep learning curve ahead.

I sanded (120 and 400) it and applied a mixture of tar, linseed oil and turpentine. This was the final masterpiece:



Everything seemed to work as it should, but I found out that the rotating centre (please correct me if I am using the terms wrong, I am learning them by googling) has a bad ball bearing. I applied some 5-56 (wd 40) but it still feels like it is broken.



I also need to find out how to mount a different chuck on it. This will not work when I want to turn pens (I did not get any other chuck with the lathe).



So... to sum up the experience: Dang, this is as fun as I remembered it. But I need to learn how to sharpen the tools properly, how to set the height of the tool rest, and understand how to make the tool cut properly. I saw that it cuts very different when changing how the tools is applied and the angle it is sharpened. So many parameters to bare in mind. Big difference from looking at the shavings when moving the tool around. I also suspect that the tool gets duller faster when using it incorrectly.

Any tips and tricks are very welcome.

Regards,
Emil

 

[Buckeye]

If you can measure the headstock thread that will help to determine if there are any chucks available for the lathe. It is a shame there is no through bore, I had a Luna lathe that also had no through bore.

Changing speed should be relatively simple, when you expose the belt and the pulleys you should be able to track back and see where the tension is applied, it could be it uses the weight of the motor to tighten the belt, see if there is a way to lift the motor slightly.

If you can find out the thread at the tailstock end you may be able to make your own accessories like a mandrel saver.

Don't spend too much money on it as you would be better to save your money and buy something a little more versatile.

Have fun.

Peter

 

[Penpal]

I had a Woodfast big lathe and I know the same lathe was Richard Raffans go to lathe for many years and it has a solid shaft. These days there are collet Chucks you can screw onto that solid shaft that will suit you for various mandrel uses. Many chuck makers make adapters ,first find the shaft thread. So many items to fit on the tailstock as well. They are easy to make or have made.

Speed changing should be easy as well when you understand the principle and the way the lathe is constructed. In the short term look up U Tube, long term your lathe manual.

Peter.

 

[Penpal]

I googled this lathe came up with a sale in your country recently of similar but model 950. It shows clearly your lathe is a gap bed lathe with short rails. The 950 had a 3 jaw dependant chuck fitted on the main shaft. If you undo the black Screw about mid height on the lhs it will allow access to the drive and the other step pulleys, as you know the speeds and pulley settings are adjacent painted on the the front plate.

The motor is fitted in the headstock area parallel to the drive shaft.

It is a dinky lathe that will allow only half a full blank to be turned at a time but should give you heaps of enjoyment.

Peter.

 

[Penpal]

See if the live centre shaft drifts out and if it is parallel or tapered if it is straight (it looks straight easy to fit and make a fitted mandrel saver.) send me a pm and I have lots of answers. Find out what thread the live centre uses to attach to the tailstock shaft I have lots of ways around that as well including a home made very efficient Mandrel Saver.

Peter..

 

[fortress]

One small step for a man.....you are going to love pen turning Emil, it all starts now!

 

[Melchior]

Thanks for all the input and tips. This is going to be really fun! :)


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[wm460]

Let the fun and games start.

 

[Melchior]

Practice with the skew chisel... dang it is difficult. This pic is when sanded with 120 and 400

This is the result. It sucked, but I know my daughter will love it anyway! :)

And the project goes on. :)


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[Penpal]

Use a gouge until you perfect the skew.

Peter.

 

[Melchior]

Yes, I will, but I need to practice in parallel.

Use a gouge until you perfect the skew.

Peter.

 

[Melchior]

A friend of mine is helping me out with an adaptor for my lathe so I can use the mandrel.... getting closer.



This are the first items on the things he are creating: Assorted spacers.

I am going to start to glue up some blanks now. To prepare for the big No. 1.

Regards,
Emil

 

[Melchior]

The adaptor is done. I worry a bit about vibrations created by the uneven design, but my friend believe it will be non existent due to the low weight of the aluminium. But we will test it out and modify if necessary.



So, I may be turning my first pen quite soon... :) Need to negotiate some garage time with my wife.

/E

 

[Penpal]

Good luck with all of this.

Peter.

 

[yorkshireman]

Looking good Emil mate

 

[Melchior]

Thanks! :)


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[Melchior]

My friend has completed the drive dog now and I am ready to turn. It does vibrate a little bit, but I do not think it is enough to bother. I may attach some counterweights for balance.



I am really looking forward to try it out.

/E

 

[wm460]

Very nicely made.

 

[Melchior]

Thanks. Hope it works well.

 

[Penpal]

Watch your knuckles mate even thick tape may save them. When I used ametal lathe chuck I recessed th extended jaws in a round poly shield after a belt to the fingers.

Peter.