Shopsmith Forums

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.

What the conditions are that are giving you vibration?

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.

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.

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,

dougdeg wrote: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.

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.