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How to make simple tops - a hands-on session July
15, 2006 at Russ Babbitt's
For new members of the Channel Islands Woodturners turning
tops is one of the more popular items we turn at the Ventura County Fair at a
booth we share with the Channel Islands Woodcarvers. Boxes, bowls, goblets and
other small items are also turned. Turning tops is a great exercise in spindle
technique. Skills learned in turning tops can be used in other spindle work.
Tops can be very simple or as complex as you want. My plan is to show you how I
turn a basic wooden top and then everyone will have a chance on their own with
my help if needed. If you feel more comfortable using the techniques I show in
your own shop you can do that too.
Suggested tools:
Roughing Gouge
3/8 Spindle Gouge
3/8 Bowl Gouge with standard grind
Chatter tool
Except for the chatter tool these tools are part of a basic woodturning kit. If
you do not have these tools I can provide them. I will also provide the wood
(hard maple) and colored markers for decorating the tops.
Click on photo to enlarge picture
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Russ discussing use of chatter tool |
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Tool is applied from rim (7:30 position) toward center |
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On very hard wood side grain chatter may work |
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example of chatter work highlighted with blue marker |
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Head of top formed and marker applied on top surface |
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Result of coloring |
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Narrowing handle |
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Handle is refined |
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Finishing handle |
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Parting off top with spindle gouge |
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Finished top |
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Roughing out blank |
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Shaping bottom point |
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Starting the handle |
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Seth learning to use chatter tool |
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Bruce teaching a novice |
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Chrystal working on a top |
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Dave looking at his chatter work |
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Art finishing up his top |
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Seth refining handle |
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