Lathe Operations

[wood_butcher]

What is the best way to make the lathe operation less vibrating.....seems to need more weight or something.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[hudsonmiller]

What the conditions are that are giving you vibration?

[markap]

I've started to use the bandsaw circle cutting jig to make my bowl blanks - much more round and balanced than before. Much less vibration. I usually just suffer thru the early vibs until it's faily round. I do have the universal tool rest which adds 30 lbs or so and am waiting on the speed reducer.

[jbooher]

Vibration is caused by the wood not being balanced. As stated before try cutting the piece round. Slowing the lathe with a speed reducer will help. As the piece gets more round then speed up the lathe. A little vibration is ok but if the lathe is bouncing then it is unsafe. Slow the lathe down up till it is under control.

[dougdeg]

How do i keep the stock in tight between the points, is it just the tail stock that i push up tight and tighten it down or does the drill chuck have something to do with tightening the stock in place,

[markap]

How do i keep the stock in tight between the points, is it just the tail stock that i push up tight and tighten it down or does the drill chuck have something to do with tightening the stock in place,

On the Shopsmith, I first tighten the roller to keep the tailstock firmly in place. Then I move the headstock as close to the tailstock as possible (with the universal tool rest, that's not too close) and tighten in place. Then I extend the spindle on the headstock out to firmly press the piece against the live center in the tailstock and that the drive spindle is also tight against wood piece.

[rdubbs]

If your wood is particularly hard, and the spurs won't bite with just spindle arm pressure, then take the spur center off and use a mallot to drive it into your stock. When you remount the stock the spurs should be well seated.