Types of Turning
Spindle Turning and Face Plate Turning are the two main types of
wood turning.
Spindle turning is when a piece of stock is held in the
lathe between
centers. A spur center is used in the headstock to grip the stock,
while a live center is used in the tailstock to hold the stock in
place. The lathe spins the stock so that cutting tools may be used to
remove material to form a shape. Spindle turning usually consists of
beads and coves to create the shape. Candle holders, chair legs and
backs, staircase balusters and porch posts are all examples of spindle
turning.
Face Plate turning is when a
piece of stock is held by a face plate.
The stock may be screwed or glued to the face plate. A 3 or 4 jaw
self-centering chuck may also be used to hold the stock for face plate
turning. Only short stock is faceplate turned, because longer stock
would not have enough support far from the headstock. Usually the
tailstock is only used to support the stock until it is completely
round. Once round the tailstock is removed allowing room for the turner
to shape the end of the piece. Many face plate turned pieces are
hollow, since the tailstock is not in the way. Bowls, tops, lidded
boxes, and other hollow forms are typically turned using a faceplate or
chuck.
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Last modified Nov. 11, 2006
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