New Lathe???

[pigman]

Thanks everyone. I am just glad I only have four children. I wanted each bowl to look different and I was running out of ideas. Now my wife wants me to turn a lamp for her. At least it will be spindle turning, not bowl turning.

[Mooseherder]

You're all making me want another tool. ;D

[dnalley]

Hey metalspinner---Very nice looking work!  Question?  how do you come up with the flare?  Is this just manipulating the copper while spinning in the lathe?  If so , with what, something like a wooden handle or metal like the bottom of a gouging tool shaft?  You sure make it look easy, though I know better (I think). ;)

[metalspinner]

dnalley,

Thanks!  After the holiday's I will finish up what I started here. ;D  Sorry to leave you guy's hanging.

In a nutshell, spinning is a controled bend.  If a piece of metal is put into a press, a die comes down and applies pressure on all sides equally to bend the part.  To form the part on the lathe, pressure is applied on one spot.  But because the lathe is spinning, it is as if pressure is applied all the way around.

Yes, a piece of wood can be used.  Metal hand tools are also made for spinning.  Sorby makes a lightweight set.  Highland Hardware carries those.  If you want to dive right in with both feet, roller tools are available and will give you maximum speed and leverage with consistant results.

I suppose the bottom of a gouge could work.  Just never tryed that.  Something in the 1/2" to 5/8" range is where I would start.  Of course plenty of lube is recommended.  Dove soap is my favorate.