JANUARY 2005 NCWT DEMO

BASIC CHUCKING TECHNIQUES
Jim discussed and demonstrated many techniques for holding and mounting objects for turning on the lathe. Jim also went over some basic safety and personal protection aspects of turning. Below are several reminders of Jim's talk and demonstration.
Jim emphasized the importance of using dustmasks and respirators to filter out sawdust and fumes. While most of us tend to not mind the dust or fumes for the relatively small amount of time we are exposed to these hazardous materials, the effects can build up and cause serious lung issues. Jim regards these devices just as important as safety glasses.
Turning between centers is the classic method of spindle turning. It can also be used for roughing out bowl forms. Jim prefers the steb centers because they allow quick mounting and removal and will slip a bit on a severe catch. If you keep the tail center up for support, it is very easy to remove the little nub left with an emery board.

Another common method of mounting, especially for bowls and platters, is the use of faceplates.
A screw chuck is very effective for bowl roughing. This method requires a flat face which can be accomplished with an electric hand plane or large forstner bit.
A self centering 4 jaw chuck is a common method for holding bowls and platters. The jaws can hold inside on a tenon or outside on a dovetail recess. For larger objects and green wood turning it is recommended to use the jaws to grip a tenon. A great deal of pressure can be exerted to securely hold the item. Even so, use of a tail center in the early going will provide an extra measure of safety.
A glue block can be used to hold a piece of wood for turning. When the object is completed the glue block is parted from the turned object.
Jam chucks can be used when reversing a bowl to finish the bottom. The jams can fit inside the bowl to be used as a friction drive or can be cut to drive the bowl by holding the outside rim.
Jim made a squeeze chuck for spheres by turning a hollow friction chuck with a #2 taper for the drive and a cup with a threaded hole to fit on his One Way live center. The sphere is squeezed between the cups.
Vacuum chucking is another effective technique. See our September 2004 Newsletter for a description of this technique.