Turners Tips and Tricks ...
A Simple way of eliminating chipout.
From our founding toolmaker and designer, Kerry Harrison on using the 55 degree detailer...
When using the 55 degree cutter, I have found that if you roll the tool it will make more of a shearing cut. It's important to always cut "downhill", starting at the high spot of your turning and moving the tool towards the center of your detail, it will shear the fibers off a whole lot better. I point the tool where I want to end up. If I get any chipout I roll the tool more and point the tip up which creates more of a shearing cut with much less tear out. Lathe speed is also very important. I do have a video explaining this. You can watch that here:
Choosing what size turning tool I need.
From our resident expert customer service person and woodturner herself, Anne.
- Roughing out a 7" bowl, serving platter or cake stand? You need the Full Size Simple Woodturning Set. Why? For control, leverage and the strength a ½" square solid stainless steel tool & large carbide cutter provide.
- Turning a small vase, lidded box or candle holders? You need the mid size tools. Why? The 7" tool length makes hollowing simple.
- Do you want to build a snowman? Simple Start Tools do!
- Making some Christmas trees, ornaments, pens or napkin rings? Turn these projects easily and quickly with Simple Start tools.
Tips for using the Simple SwanNeck Hollower.
- Position the tool rest so the curved portion of the tool will not contact the tool rest when the tool is inside the vessel. In other words the curved portion of the tool should be hanging over the tool rest. This positions the tool rest farther away from the vessel then would be normal with other tools. The reason for this is to prevent rotational, or twisting force on the tool as would be the case if the curved portion is in contact with the tool rest. Notice the center of the cutter is inline with the center of the straight portion of the tool.
If the tool is positioned properly on the tool rest it will work just like straight shaft tools with no more twisting felt in the handle then when cutting with the side of a cutter on a straight shaft tool. However, since the tool is always extended over the tool rest we recommend only light cuts be made with this tool. Also this tool is designed for the final hollowing only and should not be used for the entire hollowing process.
Straight shaft tool should be used for as much of the hollowing process as possible because the tool rest can be positioned close to the work with those tools. Adjust the tool rest height so the cutter is at the lathe vertical center line. - Place the tool on the tool rest with the tool shaft parallel with the floor.
- While securely holding the tool handle carefully move the tool into the vessel and carefully hollow out the portion that can not be reached with your straight shaft tools.