Farmhouse Table Legs:

[Scrums]

I want to turn some of the above, from about 3 1/2" square stock, about farmhouse table leg length ! - In Pine.

I have the tools, I have the lathe, I have the wood, I don't at present have the competence. I can turn out bowls and light pulls and bits and pieces all day long - but when it comes to the dreaded spindle gouge and even worse - SKEW chisels ! - they always end up in an argument between me and the wood.

I've read the books, seen the videos and restart with renewed confidence only to have another big bang!

Will it come eventually or should I just buy them from a copy lathe firm.

Chris.

 

[paulm]

Sounds like a bit of hands on guidance from someone local might help Chris, but I'm a bit far away to be much use.

I know you've read about it and everything, only things I would highlight are the importance of the toolrest height and proximity to the workpiece.

These both affect the angle at which the tool bevel and cutting edge contact the wood. If you are getting catches you may have the edge contacting the wood too aggesively without bevel support ?

Other than that the usual advice re the skew to cut on the lower part of the edge only near the short point and not further up near the long point.

Sure there will be some other help along shortly as well.

Keep trying and you'll get it !

Cheers, Paul.

 

[OLD]

Pine is not easy to turn soft and inconsistent density but when you can get a smooth turned surface you will be able to turn. these digins you know what causes them so practice its a 3D skill and it takes time to learn, practice the shapes you want in the legs individually on scrap pine make sure the tools are very sharp and it will come. Getting four legs the same is a tall order when you are just starting out so keep looking at the videos.

 

[Scrums]

It's not that I'm just starting out - I've been turning for quite a few years now, it's just that spindles aren't that much in demand and whenever I go near them they bite back - a kind of vicious circle, so I tend to leave them alone.

Chris.

 

[paulm]

Could also be that your spindle gouges/skews are ground at too aggressive angles, but more likely just technique and practice.

Best thing is really to have someone watch and advise if you are near someone or a local pro or club perhaps.

Good luck!

Cheers, Paul.

(Who tends to stick to bowls and such like himself :lol: )

 

[PowerTool]

I've turned a few spindles/legs etc. (always game for a laugh.. :lol: ) - I have found it easier after reading some good books and articles on the correct use of the tool,and presentation to the workpiece.
There have been some good articles in Woodturning magazine for the last few months on chisel use - how to present then to the piece and keep as much support as possible for the chisel.
My confidence with a gouge has improved,but still practising with the dreaded skew...

So keep practising,and good luck

Andrew