Spindel Turning Basics

Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers
Ninth New England Woodturning Symposium

Saturday May 12, 2018
Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH

Jon Siegel
Spindle Turning Basics

Starting with fundamental concepts of cutting and scraping across the grain, Jon will explain how to apply the chisel to execute a shear cut and obtain the best possible finish that requires little or no sanding. Jon will list the five chisels required for basic spindle turning; describe their geometry; and demonstrate how to maintain a sharp edge. After an explanation of lathe centers and mounting the work, he will discuss the basic exercises and demonstrate the most efficient way to practice. Jon will explain each exercise in detail, including: hand position, chisel position, and movement of the body during the cut. Finally he will demonstrate how the basic shapes covered by the exercises are combined into well-designed spindle turnings.