Answers to your questions...
Here is where you can ask any question pertaining to woodturning. We have a number of turners in the club who possess, either through experience or professional qualifications, a knowledge of health and safety, chemicals, finishes, technique and more. This space is reserved for answers to questions, the topic of which is not long enough or detailed enough to be added to the Tips and Techniques page. Please send in your questions using the form at the bottom of the page and we will try to find someone to provide a suitable answer.
Topics:
How flat should a face plate be?
What are the dangers of using Acetone.
What are the dangers of using Salad Bowl finish?
What are the dangers of using Log End Sealer?
Question about the Beal Buffing System.
Question about the Munro Articulated Hollower.
Question about tool stands.
Question about double ended MT 2 alignment tool.
Looking for replacement eraser for Slimline mechanical pencil.
Looking for diamond slipstone.
Question on using barn boards.
Question on gluing.
Do I need the reverse function on a midi lathe?
Question: Blair MacLaurin asks...
I recently purchased an older lathe, General 160, and I have found the faceplates are not flat. I suppose it's possible the spindle is bent, but not likely. The 3" plate is off by .0075" and the 6" plate is off by .022", near the perimeter of the plates. Is this reasonable to work with?
Answer:
Question: John Jackson asks...
Where he can purchase a double ended MT2 spindle to help with the alignment on his lathe
Answer: Sam Lewinshtein replies...
You can purchase an alignment double ended tool from Packard Woodworks in the states. Go to their web site. I bought mine a few years ago. It works perfect every time. I have a lathe with a swivel head, so I use mine quite often.
Question: Member Mike Shaver asks...
I found this photo on the internet. It shows how one guy stores his tools. There are others available but many of them show how tools are stored on the wall by guys whose lathes are close to the wall. My lathe is in the middle of the floor so a wall stand would put my tools out of easy reach. I wonder if it would be possible to ask the Valley Woodturners to take pictures of their strategies for storing tools and make them available to other club members. I think this would be beneficial for many, including myself ... and much appreciated
Answer: Art Horton replies...
Here's a first generation of a storage rack I built. My collection of tools rapidly expanded since these photos were taken, though I simply modified the rack to accommodate more. The magnetic bars were replaced with knotched wooden brackets. The unit is suspended on chains attached to ceiling hooks.
The distance between the lathe bed and the bottom of the rack needs to allow for a variety of hollowing rigs / laser attachments, steady rests, etc., to traverse under the rack. Additionally, the rack can be tipped back slightly (mine is tipped about 5') to ensure the tools can't fall forward.
Question: What are the dangers, if any, of using acetone in the shop? What should be done to minimize or prevent injury from acetone? Is there some kind of First Aid item that I could use in case a spillage or splash occurs?
Answer: The dangers of using acetone.
View the MSDS for Acetone here.
Courtesy of member Pierre Bédard.
Question: What are the dangers, if any, of using Log End Sealer?
Answer: The dangers of using Log End Sealer..
View the MSDS for Log End Sealer here.
Courtesy of member Pierre Bédard.
Question: What are the dangers, if any, of using Salad Bowl Finish?
Answer: The dangers of using Salad Bowl Finish..
View the MSDS for Salad Bowl Finish here.
Courtesy of member Pierre Bédard.
Question: What difference is there between laying out the money for the Beal polishing system and just using 3 separate cloth buffing wheels available at Princess Auto or Busy Bee? I know there is a difference in the cloth used, but does that really make a big difference?
Answer: Bill Neddow replies...
I honestly do not buff enough to be sure -- but I think the Busy Bee buffs would work almost as well as the Beall. The key is to read about buffing and to know WHY you need a linen vs a cotton wheel -- a sewn (hard) vs a soft wheel. I find they work about the same. The trick is to not overload the buff -- and to protect your lungs from the fabric dust you get when buffing.
Answer: Art Horton replies...
I've tried cheaper buffs from Busy Bee and Princess Auto. They did not stand up compared to Beall's system. You may want to refer to a couple of interesting overviews posted at www.woodturningvideosplus.com/buffing, and www.morewoodturning.net/buffing.pdf
Question: Don Crowder asks...
Anyone try the Munro Articulated hollower? Is it worth the price?
Answer: Malcolm Zander replies...
I used the Munro Hollowers for a number of years before I bought the Oneway laser system (more expensive, but I wanted the laser for more precision in thin-wall turning). I am unsure what price they sell for , but in my view they are the best non-laser hollowers on the market. For starters, they cut rather than scrape, giving a very clean finish. As with any tool, there is a learning curve and some skill is required to use it well, but I have been very happy with mine. My Lacemouse was turned using Rolly's prototype mini hollower. Rolly now sells a carbide cutter for his tools, which obviates the need for sharpening.
The new hollower is designed so that it can be operated turning in reverse (I suggested this to Rolly some years back). This is an advantage, especially for hollow turning - if one gets used to cutting with it with the lathe running in the reverse direction it makes it much easier to see the cutter tip, looking across the lathe.
If you would like to try one before buying give me a call and you can come try one of mine.
Malcolm Zander
[email protected]
Question: Does anyone know of a source for replacement erasers for Slimline mechanical pencils?
Answer: These can be ordered from Crafts Supplies.
Question: Bob Sisson asks...
As a new woodturner I have been diligently acquiring the necessary shop tools and supplies. I have put many questions to Bart P and/or any customer rep at Lee Valley or Busy Bee tools that will listen. However I cannot locate a source to purchase a diamond tipped slip stone? Can anybody provide a purchase source? I thoroughly enjoyed the last beginner course convened by Bart P and other members. I am now "Hooked" on woodturning!!
Answer: These can be purchased directly from Alan Lacer at www.alanlacer.com for $88USD.
Question: Lawrence asks...
I am looking into building a table top out of old barn boards but am concerned about burrowing bugs. Is it important/necessary to bake at 120-140 Fahrenheit for 30 minutes to kill bugs, or will sanding, staining, and polyurethane effectively seal them in? If I need to bake in a kiln, where in Ottawa can I pay to have this done, and how much?
Answer:
Question: Steve Shapiro asks...
Earlier this year I made made 6 table lamps using Sam Bat cutoffs with 1/2" pieces of Paduak, Yellow Heart and Purple Heart running diagonally through the shaft. I glued and clamped the pieces using polyurethane glue. I drilled a 3/8" channel through the piece for the cord. This worked.
Currently I am making salt shakers and pepper mills using the same method as above except that I drilled a larger 1" hole through the center as per the instructions. I used poly glue once again [with some water.] This time the glued pieces separated cleanly on the lathe as I was rough turning. This happened twice. So the question is: why is this happening? - Is the 1" hole too large? Should I be using a different glue? etc? I would appreciate some advise as this is becoming frustrating.
Answer:
Question: Seif Karim asks...
I am in the process of purchasing a midi lathe, as a first step to acquire wood turning skills. I would like to know if the reverse function on the lathe is a must. The difference in price for with and without it is substantial.
Answer: Mike Courteau replies...
Hi Seif, The quick answer is a resounding "no". It is nice to have to be able to reverse the rotation when sanding but the majority do not have it, and I suspect most turners never use it even if they have it. A few minutes of hand sanding will accomplish the same results without the added cost.
Topics:
How flat should a face plate be?
What are the dangers of using Acetone.
What are the dangers of using Salad Bowl finish?
What are the dangers of using Log End Sealer?
Question about the Beal Buffing System.
Question about the Munro Articulated Hollower.
Question about tool stands.
Question about double ended MT 2 alignment tool.
Looking for replacement eraser for Slimline mechanical pencil.
Looking for diamond slipstone.
Question on using barn boards.
Question on gluing.
Do I need the reverse function on a midi lathe?
Question: Blair MacLaurin asks...
I recently purchased an older lathe, General 160, and I have found the faceplates are not flat. I suppose it's possible the spindle is bent, but not likely. The 3" plate is off by .0075" and the 6" plate is off by .022", near the perimeter of the plates. Is this reasonable to work with?
Answer:
Question: John Jackson asks...
Where he can purchase a double ended MT2 spindle to help with the alignment on his lathe
Answer: Sam Lewinshtein replies...
You can purchase an alignment double ended tool from Packard Woodworks in the states. Go to their web site. I bought mine a few years ago. It works perfect every time. I have a lathe with a swivel head, so I use mine quite often.
Question: Member Mike Shaver asks...
I found this photo on the internet. It shows how one guy stores his tools. There are others available but many of them show how tools are stored on the wall by guys whose lathes are close to the wall. My lathe is in the middle of the floor so a wall stand would put my tools out of easy reach. I wonder if it would be possible to ask the Valley Woodturners to take pictures of their strategies for storing tools and make them available to other club members. I think this would be beneficial for many, including myself ... and much appreciated
Answer: Art Horton replies...
Here's a first generation of a storage rack I built. My collection of tools rapidly expanded since these photos were taken, though I simply modified the rack to accommodate more. The magnetic bars were replaced with knotched wooden brackets. The unit is suspended on chains attached to ceiling hooks.
The distance between the lathe bed and the bottom of the rack needs to allow for a variety of hollowing rigs / laser attachments, steady rests, etc., to traverse under the rack. Additionally, the rack can be tipped back slightly (mine is tipped about 5') to ensure the tools can't fall forward.
Question: What are the dangers, if any, of using acetone in the shop? What should be done to minimize or prevent injury from acetone? Is there some kind of First Aid item that I could use in case a spillage or splash occurs?
Answer: The dangers of using acetone.
View the MSDS for Acetone here.
Courtesy of member Pierre Bédard.
Question: What are the dangers, if any, of using Log End Sealer?
Answer: The dangers of using Log End Sealer..
View the MSDS for Log End Sealer here.
Courtesy of member Pierre Bédard.
Question: What are the dangers, if any, of using Salad Bowl Finish?
Answer: The dangers of using Salad Bowl Finish..
View the MSDS for Salad Bowl Finish here.
Courtesy of member Pierre Bédard.
Question: What difference is there between laying out the money for the Beal polishing system and just using 3 separate cloth buffing wheels available at Princess Auto or Busy Bee? I know there is a difference in the cloth used, but does that really make a big difference?
Answer: Bill Neddow replies...
I honestly do not buff enough to be sure -- but I think the Busy Bee buffs would work almost as well as the Beall. The key is to read about buffing and to know WHY you need a linen vs a cotton wheel -- a sewn (hard) vs a soft wheel. I find they work about the same. The trick is to not overload the buff -- and to protect your lungs from the fabric dust you get when buffing.
Answer: Art Horton replies...
I've tried cheaper buffs from Busy Bee and Princess Auto. They did not stand up compared to Beall's system. You may want to refer to a couple of interesting overviews posted at www.woodturningvideosplus.com/buffing, and www.morewoodturning.net/buffing.pdf
Question: Don Crowder asks...
Anyone try the Munro Articulated hollower? Is it worth the price?
Answer: Malcolm Zander replies...
I used the Munro Hollowers for a number of years before I bought the Oneway laser system (more expensive, but I wanted the laser for more precision in thin-wall turning). I am unsure what price they sell for , but in my view they are the best non-laser hollowers on the market. For starters, they cut rather than scrape, giving a very clean finish. As with any tool, there is a learning curve and some skill is required to use it well, but I have been very happy with mine. My Lacemouse was turned using Rolly's prototype mini hollower. Rolly now sells a carbide cutter for his tools, which obviates the need for sharpening.
The new hollower is designed so that it can be operated turning in reverse (I suggested this to Rolly some years back). This is an advantage, especially for hollow turning - if one gets used to cutting with it with the lathe running in the reverse direction it makes it much easier to see the cutter tip, looking across the lathe.
If you would like to try one before buying give me a call and you can come try one of mine.
Malcolm Zander
[email protected]
Question: Does anyone know of a source for replacement erasers for Slimline mechanical pencils?
Answer: These can be ordered from Crafts Supplies.
Question: Bob Sisson asks...
As a new woodturner I have been diligently acquiring the necessary shop tools and supplies. I have put many questions to Bart P and/or any customer rep at Lee Valley or Busy Bee tools that will listen. However I cannot locate a source to purchase a diamond tipped slip stone? Can anybody provide a purchase source? I thoroughly enjoyed the last beginner course convened by Bart P and other members. I am now "Hooked" on woodturning!!
Answer: These can be purchased directly from Alan Lacer at www.alanlacer.com for $88USD.
Question: Lawrence asks...
I am looking into building a table top out of old barn boards but am concerned about burrowing bugs. Is it important/necessary to bake at 120-140 Fahrenheit for 30 minutes to kill bugs, or will sanding, staining, and polyurethane effectively seal them in? If I need to bake in a kiln, where in Ottawa can I pay to have this done, and how much?
Answer:
Question: Steve Shapiro asks...
Earlier this year I made made 6 table lamps using Sam Bat cutoffs with 1/2" pieces of Paduak, Yellow Heart and Purple Heart running diagonally through the shaft. I glued and clamped the pieces using polyurethane glue. I drilled a 3/8" channel through the piece for the cord. This worked.
Currently I am making salt shakers and pepper mills using the same method as above except that I drilled a larger 1" hole through the center as per the instructions. I used poly glue once again [with some water.] This time the glued pieces separated cleanly on the lathe as I was rough turning. This happened twice. So the question is: why is this happening? - Is the 1" hole too large? Should I be using a different glue? etc? I would appreciate some advise as this is becoming frustrating.
Answer:
Question: Seif Karim asks...
I am in the process of purchasing a midi lathe, as a first step to acquire wood turning skills. I would like to know if the reverse function on the lathe is a must. The difference in price for with and without it is substantial.
Answer: Mike Courteau replies...
Hi Seif, The quick answer is a resounding "no". It is nice to have to be able to reverse the rotation when sanding but the majority do not have it, and I suspect most turners never use it even if they have it. A few minutes of hand sanding will accomplish the same results without the added cost.