How thin can you turn?

cormie · 02-06-2006 07:52PM #1

Hi,
I'm just wondering how thin can you turn a piece between centres? I have some pieces of yew I want to experiment making some neck beads with. I'm thinking the way I'm going to do it, is turn it to a diameter of 6mm and then some smaller ones, maybe about 3-4mm, then get the parting tool and slice off tiny beads one by one. I'd then have to drill a hole through each one I think for string.

Is this possible do you reckon?

Alun · 02-06-2006 08:36PM

The problem with that is that you're going to experience what they call 'whip' (don't get excited now, not that kind of whip

) This is when the pressure on the piece from the tailstock causes the piece to bow in the middle and it starts wobbling like crazy. You'll even get whip when turning long pieces that are relatively thick in comparison to what you're attempting, like table legs for example. In these cases the only real solution is to either use a steady (a device that fits over the spindle, and has wheels that support the piece in the middle), or if you're a bit more expert you can use your left hand as a steady while holding the turning tool with your right hand.

Do you have a chuck? If so, I'd turn a shortish length of the yew branch between centres down to a largish cylinder to fit the chuck jaws, say 50mm or so, put it in the chuck, and starting at the far end, part a small part of the piece down to the diameter you want, sand and polish it and part it off. Repeat until you've run out of branch ... If you also have a jacobs chuck that fits in the tailstock, you could pre-drill the hole before you start turning, thus making certain the hole is nicely centred, and also making the job easier. Don't have too long a piece in the chuck, or else you'll get vibration as well when you're turning at the end of the branch.

Good luck

cormie · 02-06-2006 09:14PM

cool thanks for than! I'll see what I can do:)

How thin can you turn?

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