I have an old Craftsman lathe..I would like to have a nice big $ one but dont see it in the future. Anyhow I turn 25" to 30" spindles which are 2 pieces of 1 1/2" by 3/4" pieces that have a channel routed in both pieces and then they are glued together..This channel (depending on which size core box router bit I use ) ends up being 3/4" , 7/8", or 1" is actually the bore on flutes...I then use a mandrel that runs the length of the flute from headstock to tailstock. I use a homemade lathe steady and my bench is weighted down for stability. This setup works real good for me on an old lathe and I (since getting to this point) have zero run out...... Before I "turn" these pieces I knock the corners off with a 45 deg bit in the router...I probably could stop this step..
My question is , I am 54 and have some hand issues .....some arthritis, have had carpal tunnel surgery and trigger thumb surgery on left hand and the right hand will have to be done soon...Ive done a lot of hand work, industrial and mechanical and repetitious stuff over the yrs.
I start out using a 3/4' roughing and then a 3/4" oval skew which works real good once you get the hang of it..It took a bit to get it on the skew though...Is there a tool that would be any easier to use on spindles especially in the roughing process? I know a better lathe would be great but I have to be satisfied with what I have for now...Im looking to buy just one more turning tool for now...I turn maybe an hr a day on average !! Thanks Everybody !!!!!!!!
My question is , I am 54 and have some hand issues .....some arthritis, have had carpal tunnel surgery and trigger thumb surgery on left hand and the right hand will have to be done soon...Ive done a lot of hand work, industrial and mechanical and repetitious stuff over the yrs.
I start out using a 3/4' roughing and then a 3/4" oval skew which works real good once you get the hang of it..It took a bit to get it on the skew though...Is there a tool that would be any easier to use on spindles especially in the roughing process? I know a better lathe would be great but I have to be satisfied with what I have for now...Im looking to buy just one more turning tool for now...I turn maybe an hr a day on average !! Thanks Everybody !!!!!!!!