Shopsmith Forums

terrydowning wrote:Carry on, you're good.

What speed were you turning and how sharp is the skew?

Speed was "Slow" and the tool was VERY sharp.

To tell the truth, it wasn't a skew per se but a Sorbe "Spindle Master" which is kind of a cross between a skew and a narrow spindle gouge, and it was/is incredibly sharp. I called it a skew in my post because I figured a lot of people haven't heard of or used a Spindle Master and I didn't want to detract from my question about whether I had likely damaged my 520.

It was only my third time using this particular lathe tool and, obviously, I did something (terribly) wrong to make it catch. First two times I experimented with the Spindle Master it it was essentially catch-proof, which emboldened me to use it here. Bad choice, apparently, or more likely awful technique.

Alan

I've heard of the spindle master but never used one. Sharp is part of the key.

The open straight grain on the mahogany is a catch magnet. Not as bad as pine but still it can be grabby. What wood did you practice on?

Try increasing the speed I typically turn smaller things (5 inches is a small turning) much faster (around E or F maybe even G on the dial) especially on finishing cuts. Slow speeds are an invitation for catches, it gives the tool time to dig in rather than float across any openings.

Make sure you've got your face shield (Not safety glasses, full face shield) on and in place!!

Al, as Beeg stated earlier, skews are best reserved for spindle turning. And, the SPINDLEmaster is more skew than anything else. If you use it as a "scraper," you can get away with using it on a bowl or platter, but as soon as you start using it for shearing or cutting, any misstep and you'll likely encounter a serious catch.

terrydowning wrote:I've heard of the spindle master but never used one. Sharp is part of the key.

The open straight grain on the mahogany is a catch magnet. Not as bad as pine but still it can be grabby. What wood did you practice on? Poplar

Try increasing the speed I typically turn smaller things (5 inches is a small turning) much faster (around E or F maybe even G on the dial) especially on finishing cuts. Slow speeds are an invitation for catches, it gives the tool time to dig in rather than float across any openings.Will do

Make sure you've got your face shield (Not safety glasses, full face shield) on and in place!!I have been meaning to get the full face shield and will do so before I turn again.

Answers above.

pennview wrote:Al, as Beeg stated earlier, skews are best reserved for spindle turning. And, the SPINDLEmaster is more skew than anything else. If you use it as a "scraper," you can get away with using it on a bowl or platter, but as soon as you start using it for shearing or cutting, any misstep and you'll likely encounter a serious catch.

Appreciate the advice, Art.

After a bit of research on the spindle master, I can offer the following advice. Watch the approach of the tool into the work. It should be OK for platters, just approach from the 2-3 or 9-10 o'clock positions with 12' o'clock being the center of the bevel. An unsupported bevel will catch whether a gouge, skew, spindle master or whatever.

Although for facing the platter I would definitely use a skew.

Also be aware of the distance of the tool rest to the turning. In general, close is better. The farther you are away from the turning, the more difficult it is to control the tool and even subtle movements to the handle have more drastic impact on the cutting edge of the tool.