Cutting on the back side.

Munty Scruntfundle · 4 Oct 2019

HI there.

My lathe sadly doesn't have a reverse as delivered, but I've checked with the manufacturer and the motor will turn 'backwards' perfectly happily. So I'm fitting a reverse switch tomorrow.

When turning a box I can't get to the end of the lathe to see down the rabbit hole, so I can't see where the tool is. If I run backwards and work on the back side I can see what's going on.

Apart from the obvious safety considerations does anyone have any tips for working this way? Anyone else stupid enough to try it?

Many thanks.

Dalboy · 4 Oct 2019

I make boxes and hollow forms most of which I can't see down into the piece especially when working through a 3/4" hole so everything I do is by feel and stopping to clear out the piece and then checking the thickness inside.
Even with boxes I stop regular and check the walls and bottom mostly by feel.
I don't have reverse and find I don't need it. Also with reverse when using screw-on chucks it will need to be locked to the spindle to prevent it undoing while working.

CHJ · 4 Oct 2019

Make sure you have a chuck locking screw fitted as Dalboy says, even if the chuck does not unwind completely it will start to run out and result in a serious catch.

I regularly hollow in reverse as it allows me to see the internal surface and the tool contact point.

nev · 4 Oct 2019

Richard_C · 17 Oct 2019

Here's a potentially silly question. I have recently returned to wood turning after a 50+ year gap and am gradually getting to grips with things. Internal shaping is the next challenge.

My lathe (Record DML305, extended bed, nothing fancy) is fixed to a solid but slim home made trestle-style bench which I can walk around. Its just occurred to me, is there any reason why I can't simply stand on the 'wrong' side to see what I am doing and hold the tool at the right angle? Stop button is in easy reach.

CHJ · 17 Oct 2019

Should be no problem as you have access to the control switches, no different to turning from the front with the lathe in reverse which I regularly do.

Adjusting the toolpost position may be a little awkward unless you can turn the saddle through 180 deg.

Lazurus · 18 Oct 2019

My lathe does have reverse (VB36) but never had a need to use it, I always hollw by feel even on some large vases using the Lyle JAMIESON hollowing system, never had a problem to date.