Flattening the face on a checker board

[DiscoStu]

So as per the title I've made a checker board and I will be turning it into a teapot coaster / mat / trivet.

The surfaces on the checker board aren't completely flat what is the best tool to flatten this with on the lathe. I'm paranoid about getting a catch and ruining it. I didn't know if I should go for a roughing gouge to start with or a scraper? I'm not going near it with a skew chisel - only found them to be evil so far! Or should I use the parting tool and go in from the side (as I would for parting).

Thanks in advance.


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[CHJ]

You don't say how you constructed it and whether it's end grain or not.

This is how I tackle large surfaces.



If you have difficulty in producing a flat surface try the method shown above, (pencil centre spot only for demonstration)
With flat ended SHARP scraper flatten central area so that scraper when positioned either side of centre is rubbing on surface, (this proves you are at right angles to the surface) then proceed to take small plunge cuts with the scraper until the scraper contacts the previously cut surface, working to the periphery, if you have kept the scraper square on then a steel rule placed on the surface should show no ridges or depressions.



Lightly sand to finish.

Then seal buff, apply wax and finish buff.


No way should you go anywhere near the large face of a disc/platter etc. with a skew unless it's just being used flat on the rest as a razor edged shear scraper.

 

[chipmunk]

+1 for Chas' suggestions.

It can sometimes be tricky to stop the sharp corners of your scraper from catching and tearing out and so it can help to round them off with a diamond hone. If you "just" take them off then the next time you sharpen your scraper on the grinder they'll be back sharp again. Contrary to intuition, narrower scrapers 3/8 or 1/2" are often easier for this job than wider ones.

Another tip is to wrap the abrasive around a scrap block of wood as if you were hand sanding a flat area. That way there's no chance of you mucking up the flat surface during sanding. It can even help to remove any minor imperfections as well.

HTH
Jon

 

[DiscoStu]

Thanks guys, used a scraper very carefully as suggest. Very happy with the results.

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