Page 5 - Woodturning

A question that often comes up when turning acrylic handles is how to install the threaded insert that is included in most Rocklerturning kits into an acrylic turning blank.

Woodturners know that dust collection is challenge when working with a lathe. The Dust Right® Lathe Dust Collection System includes several tools to help improve your lathe's dust collection.

Turning tools that feature negative rake cutters make it easier to turn these hard materials. The term negative rake refers to the shape of the cutting angle of the carbide.

When you shop for woodturning blanks, many of them are coated in wax. Should you scrape off the wax before turning? Leave the wax on the blank?

Learn the names and functions of each part of a woodworking lathe. You'll learn the answers to questions about lathes, such as: How is lathe speed controlled? How is the wood supported by the lathe? Is a heavier lathe better than a light weight lathe? What is a lathe banjo? What are the ways?

Learn how to sand your bowl and faceplate turning projects smooth.

Learn how to sand your spindle turning projects smooth.

How to turn a hollow vessel using the Rockler Hollowing Ergonomic Carbide Turning Tool. A hollow vessel is a turned piece that features an opening that is smaller than the lower part of the vessel. The swan neck shaft of the Carbide Hollowing Tool is specially contoured for making blind cuts and undercuts inside of turned vessels. Like Rockler's other carbide turning tools, it features a replaceable, rotatable cutter that does away with the hassle and downtime of sharpening.

Learn these tips for using a woodworking lathe safely. What safety gear do you need to use a lathe?

Woodturning a tapered leg is not difficult. The trick is to turn multiple legs with tapers that match. Learn how to use a couple simple jigs to measure the diameter at each end of a tapered leg and turn consistent tapers.

There are a lot of good friction polishes that create a nice, clear finish on both natural wood and wood that's already been stained. I just can’t deny it — I am an instant gratification sort of woodworker. So, when I am looking for a clear finish on my turned pieces — and I predominantly turn bowls — I almost always reach for a friction polish. They are easy to apply, build up quickly and look great.