Machines, materials & finishing · National 5
Woodturning
9 cards · 5 quiz · 0 exam
Practical Woodworking · National 5 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about woodturning, specifically to:
understand
- faceplate and between-centres turning
be able to
- prepare and mount a blank for between-centres turning
- use turning tools and check diameters with calipers
- use the lathe safely
Success criteria WILF
- I can prepare and mount a blank for between-centres turning
- I can explain faceplate and between-centres turning
- I can use turning tools and check diameters with calipers
- I can use the lathe safely
Two ways to turn
- Between centres: the wood is held between the drive centre (headstock) and the live/dead centre (tailstock). For long items: table legs, handles, knobs, spindles.
- Faceplate turning: the wood is screwed to a faceplate on the headstock. For wide, flat items: bowls, plates, bases.
Preparing a blank for between centres
- Cut the blank square and a little longer than needed.
- Draw diagonal lines on each end: where they cross is the centre.
- Saw shallow cuts along the diagonals on one end so the drive centre's prongs grip and the wood doesn't slip.
- Plane off the corners to make it octagonal: it's safer and quicker to turn round.
- Mount it, tighten the tailstock, then set the tool rest just below centre height and close to the wood, and rotate by hand to check it clears.
Lathe tools
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Roughing gouge | Turns a square blank round |
| Spindle gouge | Shapes coves (hollows) and beads |
| Skew chisel | Smooths cylinders and cuts beads and V-cuts |
| Parting tool | Cuts grooves to a set diameter and parts work off |
| Scraper | Finishing cuts, especially in faceplate work |
Check diameters with outside calipers set from a steel rule. Turned diameters must be within ±1 mm.
Lathe safety
- Wear goggles or a visor; tie back hair; no loose sleeves, ties or jewellery.
- Check the wood is secure and has no splits or loose knots.
- Set the tool rest close and remove the chuck key / tommy bar before starting.
- Rotate by hand first; start at low speed for large or unbalanced work.
- Move the tool rest only with the lathe stopped. Remove it before sanding.
Key terms
| Between-centres turning | Wood held between drive centre and tailstock centre: legs, handles |
|---|---|
| Faceplate turning | Wood screwed to a faceplate: bowls, bases |
| Diagonal lines on the blank | Find the centre of each end |
| Sawing along the diagonals on one end | So the drive centre's prongs grip and the wood doesn't slip |
| Roughing gouge | Turns a square blank round |
| Parting tool | Cuts grooves to a diameter and parts work off |
| Skew chisel | Smooths cylinders; cuts beads and V-cuts |
| Checking a turned diameter | Outside calipers |
| Tool rest height | Just below centre, close to the work |
Quick check
1. Why are saw cuts made along the diagonals on one end of a blank?
- So the drive centre grips and doesn't slip
- To decorate the end of the blank
- To make the blank lighter to turn
- To mark the length of the finished part
Show answer
A: So the drive centre grips and doesn't slip. The prongs of the drive centre sit in the cuts.
2. Which method would you use to turn a bowl?
- Between centres
- Faceplate
- Pillar drill
- Mortiser
Show answer
B: Faceplate. Wide flat work is screwed to a faceplate.
3. Which tool turns a square blank round?
- Parting tool
- Scraper
- Roughing gouge
- Skew chisel
Show answer
C: Roughing gouge. The roughing gouge removes the corners quickly.
4. What should you always do before switching on the lathe?
- Sand the wood all over with fine abrasive paper
- Apply the first coat of finish to the blank
- Remove the tailstock so there's more room
- Rotate the work by hand to check it clears the tool rest
Show answer
D: Rotate the work by hand to check it clears the tool rest. This checks nothing will catch.
5. How would you check a turned diameter?
- Outside calipers
- Try square
- Marking gauge
- Sliding bevel
Show answer
A: Outside calipers. Set the calipers from a rule and check as you turn.
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.