DIY Network

Setting Spindle Patterns From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-110

Master turner Dave Hout continues on with turning the spindle.

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Steps:

1. After turning the first leg, the pattern is repeated on the second spindle blank (figure A). Once again, the tool rounds the edges, using a rolling motion of the tool while raising the handle, finishing at the bottom with the tool on it's side (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

2. When turning multiple legs, the turning details have to match (figure C). This can be achieved by lining up a turned spindle with a blank and marking the points, but there are other ways of marking the detail points. One simple way is to use the points of dividers, bringing them up against the piece as it is rotating, scribing lines to use as turning guide (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

3. For turning multiple spindles, as in the case of staircases, a story stick can be used to mark the turning points. A story stick has wire brads driven in at points that correspond with the turning points on the spindle blank; the brad heads are then cut off and the ends filed to sharp points. The stick is held against the revolving blank to mark the detail points (figure E).

	Figure F
	Figure G

4. After marking the detail points, a basic v-cut is done to allow the tool a point of access to begin turning away the wood (figure F).

5. Calipers are used to measure dimensions and correctly set the diameter from a turned spindle shoulder to a spindle blank (figure G).