Centre Savers

[SVB]

I have decided to have a bit of a roughing out session as I have a garage with loads of logs that will realistically never dry on their own so some progress is needed!

Rather than dumping most of it on the floor, I was considering buying a centre saver. Whilst I like the simplicity etc of the fixed oneway and similar units, something deep down is drawing me to the McNaughton blade system.

Couple of questions therefore - firstly is there a wet / dry timber issue in the selection of these items.

Given they are not cheap (what is?), other than the oneway, woodcut and mcNaughton kit, is there anything else I should look at first. ( I am after shallow rather than deep bowls so I have discounted the sorby arm brace parting tool solution for this reason - does this sound reasonable?)

Logs are typically 12 -14" dia so not massive. Anyone have the McN system - which one is most use, mini, std, or larger for this size blank?

As they say on exam papers - discuss!!!

 

[duncanh]

I have the McNaughton (bought recently from Graham - OldSoke) but I've only used it a couple of times so far. Both times were in wet-ish wood and after some initial juddering and a couple of catches big enough to stop the lathe I think I've got the hang of it (famous last words!). Apparently it has a bit of a reputation for being hard to use. I found this article about using it interesting - http://www.hockenbery-woodturnings.com/ ... trerev.pdf
Apparently there's a dvd showing the best way to use it as well, and I may invest in that at some point.

For a review of all the main systems check out http://www.morewoodturning.net/coring.pdf

I started off with the Sorby slicer and found it very difficult to use and control (I didn't have the arm brace though as I never fancied the idea of using it and getting a catch).

One problem you may have with the McNaughton system is actually finding one in the UK. The only supplier (Toolpost) didn't have any in when I phoned them last month and didn't know when they'd get them. They are on the Hegner website but they stopped stocking them a year or 2 ago.

 

[Anonymous]

Take a look at Mike Mahoney's site, this link is to the videos, scroll down for the bowl saver one.

http://www.bowlmakerinc.com/videos.html

With the current $/£ rates it's a good buy, especially if you know someone in the US.

I have the 'Tree to the Table' video, very well presented, clear and easy to understand unlike some of the US stuff I've seen...

 

[duncanh]

Thanks Graham, that was the dvd I was thinking of.
I just found that Toolpost also sells the dvds and as I needed some other items I ordered it from them. Even with the good exchange rate it only worked out around 50p more when you factor in postage