Purpose: This is a description of the way one woodturner finally figured out how to mount wood on a lathe not able to go slower than 400 rpm without the wood bouncing around dangerously at times and doing so without buying a big bandsaw.
To do this yourself you need to have, buy or build:
• an electric chainsaw and heavy extension cord (if needed)
• something to hold short logs on the floor for cutting
• a stand capable of holding logs cut lengthwise
• common sense
• an electric chainsaw and heavy extension cord (if needed)
• something to hold short logs on the floor for cutting
• a stand capable of holding logs cut lengthwise
• common sense
An electric chainsaw works best since it stops right away unlike a gas one. You can also use it inside.
You need something to hold the short logs like this. It has held more than its share of logs and shows it.
Mark the cuts and cut with chainsaw.
Flip the log over, cut and select the one you want to mount on the lathe.
Next, mark the side of the blank where the faceplate goes (if you are using one) to guide your cutting. The plastic cover from a 5 gallon pail works well.
This is the type of stand you can use to cut the blank round. Notice the floor flanges. They are similar to faceplates.
For the bottom of the blank where you screw the floor flange on use small screws. The holes can leave marks on the bottom of a bowl if they penetrate beyond on where the tenon goes.
Mount the square blank to the stand and cautiously cut the line you drew earlier remembering where the chain is compared to your legs.
Mount the rounded blank on the lathe.
