Turning stabilized wood on a lathe???

[Phillip Jones]

Has anyone here ever turned stabilized wood on a wood lathe? If yes, did you have any problems?

I have not tried it yet but am investigating to see if there are problems involved.

I am in the process of making an art dagger using Box Elder Burl and don't want to screw up the piece of expensive wood.

Any help will be most appreciated.

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If a man can keep alert and imaginative, an error is a possibility, a chance at something new; to him, wandering and wondering are a part of the same process. He is most mistaken, most in error, whenever he quits exploring.

William Least Heat Moon

 

[L6steel]

You can turn it ok. It's just like most everything else you do in knife making, go fast, you screw up big time. Go slow, you might screw up, but better chance you'll be able to recover. Just leave plenty to sand down, and if you have access to an extra center for the head stock, I would drill a 1/8" hole down the center of the wood first and that way you'll be turning it on center with the tang hole. Drill it to the needed size after you're done turning it. Just be careful not to put too much pressure on the wood between the head and tail stock. It might crack as it gets thinner. Make sure the chisels are real sharp and polished so they'll cut with as little pressure as possible. Take care! Michael

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"

 

[Phillip Jones]

L6STEEL,
Thanks for the tips.
I have turned a handle on my drill press but not on my lathe. Just thought I might give it a try.

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If a man can keep alert and imaginative, an error is a possibility, a chance at something new; to him, wandering and wondering are a part of the same process. He is most mistaken, most in error, whenever he quits exploring.

William Least Heat Moon