Learning the Basics of

Woodturning

a step-by-step tutorial on the proper way to safely turn a pieces of wood into a

decorative object

for more information visit: www.woodturner.org

Measure

•  Reference your scaled drawing and mark the rough measurements for your turning.

•  Make sure that these are not the final measurements as you need tolerance built in so you can turn the wood down to its final size.

•  Remember to always measure twice and cut once

•  This is the most important step!

Rough Cutting •  Using a compound miter saw cut

the wood to size using the measurements that you marked in the previous step.

•  You can always cut it smaller but it is near impossible to add the material back on once cut.

•  Keep your fingers out of the blade path while cutting.

•  Reference your safety manual before using this tool to ensure you are using it properly.

Setting Up the Tool Rest

•  After placing your piece of wood in the chuck of the lathe adjust the tool rest so that it is approximately ½ inch away from the wood.

•  While turning you may need to adjust the tool rest as you turn material off.

•  The wood should not touch the tool rest.

Protect Yourself

•  Before turning on the machine read the safety manual of the wood lathe to familiarize yourself with its operation.

•  Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from wood chips.

•  Wear a overcoat to protect your clothing

•  If necessary wear ear protection.

•  Abide by all safety protocol when using this machine.

Roughing the Surface to Size •  Turn on the machine and start it

at a slow speed.

•  Using a lathe tool placed on the tool rest slowly remove material until the wood is cylindrical.

•  Be sure to adjust the tool rest as you remove material so it stays within the tolerance mentioned in the prior step

•  This is the most dangerous step; the wood can explode and injure the operator.

Creating Detail

•  Using a variety of lathe tools you can create different shapes and details to accent your turning.

•  Be sure to have the dust collection system on while doing this step so you can visually see your turning.

•  Reference your scaled drawing for spacing and depths while creating these features.

•  Once you remove material you cannot add it back on to your turning.

Tool Control

•  After getting comfortable using the wood lathe you can experiment with advanced tool control.

•  A popular technique is turning a ring off of the original material so that the two pieces are completely independent.

•  Do not be afraid to experiment.

•  Advanced tool control is dangerous because the wood can explode while turning.

Finish Sanding •  Once complete on the lathe, take

the turning off and finish sand.

•  Using a belt sander finish the top and bottom where the turning was attached to the lathe.

•  Before using a chemical finishing product use a fine grit sandpaper.

•  While sanding, always start with a course grit and work your way to a finer grit.