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ASK US...

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Here is where you can ask any question pertaining to woodturning. We have a number of turners in the club who possess, either through experience or professional qualifications, knowledge of health and safety, chemicals, finishes, technique and more. This space is reserved for answers to questions, the topic of which is not long enough or detailed enough to be added to the Technical page. Please send in your questions using the form at the bottom of the page and we will try to find someone to provide a suitable answer.

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Topics:

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Question:

John Jackson would like to know where he can purchase a double ended MT2 spindle to help with the alignment on his lathe

Thanks

Answer:

You can purchase an alignment double ended tool from Packard Woodworks in the states. Go to their web site. I bought mine a few years ago. It works perfect every time. I have a lathe with a swivel head, so I use mine quite often.

Sam Lewinshtein

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Question:

Member Mike Shaver asks...

I found this photo on the internet. It shows how one guy stores his tools. There are others available but many of them show how tools are stored on the wall by guys whose lathes are close to the wall. My lathe is in the middle of the floor so a wall stand would put my tools out of easy reach. I wonder if it would be possible to ask the Valley Woodturners to take pictures of their strategies for storing tools and make them available to other club members. I think this would be beneficial for many, including myself ... and much appreciated

NOTE from Mike Courteau: If we get enough replies, I will transfer this topic to the Technical page.

Answer:

In reply to Ask Us' question regarding tool storage away from a wall, here's a first generation of a storage rack I built. My collection of tools rapidly expanded since these photos were taken, though I simply modified the rack to accommodate more. The magnetic bars were replaced with knotched wooden brackets. The unit is suspended on chains attached to ceiling hooks.

The distance between the lathe bed and the bottom of the rack needs to allow for a variety of hollowing rigs / laser attachments, steady rests, etc., to traverse under the rack. Additionally, the rack can be tipped back slightly (mine is tipped about 5') to ensure the tools can't fall forward.

Regards,
Art Horton

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Question:

What are the dangers, if any, of using acetone in the shop? What should be done to minimize or prevent injury from acetone? Is there some kind of First Aid item that I could use in case a spillage or splash occurs?

Thanks

Answer:

The dangers of using acetone.
View the MSDS for Acetone here.
Courtesy of member Pierre Bédard.

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Question:

What are the dangers, if any, of using Log End Sealer?

Answer:

The dangers of using Log End Sealer..
View the MSDS for Log End Sealer here.
Courtesy of member Pierre Bédard.

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Question:

What are the dangers, if any, of using Salad Bowl Finish?

Answer:

The dangers of using Salad Bowl Finish..
View the MSDS for Salad Bowl Finish here.
Courtesy of member Pierre Bédard.

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Question:

What difference is there between laying out the money for the Beal polishing system and just using 3 separate cloth buffing wheels available at Princess Auto or Busy Bee? I know there is a difference in the cloth used, but does that really make a big difference?
Thanks

Answer:

Bill Neddow replies:
I honestly do not buff enough to be sure -- but I think the Busy Bee buffs would work almost as well as the Beall. The key is to read about buffing and to know WHY you need a linen vs a cotton wheel -- a sewn (hard) vs a soft wheel. I find they work about the same. The trick is to not overload the buff -- and to protect your lungs from the fabric dust you get when buffing.

Art Horton replies:
I've tried cheaper buffs from Busy Bee and Princess Auto. They did not stand up compared to Beall's system. You may want to refer to a couple of interesting overviews posted at www.woodturningvideosplus.com/buffing, and www.morewoodturning.net/buffing.pdf

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Question:

Don Crowder asks: "Anyone try the Munro Articulated hollower? Is it worth the price?"

Answer:

Malcolm Zander answers:

I used the Munro Hollowers for a number of years before I bought the Oneway laser system (more expensive, but I wanted the laser for more precision in thin-wall turning). I am unsure what price they sell for , but in my view they are the best non-laser hollowers on the market. For starters, they cut rather than scrape, giving a very clean finish. As with any tool, there is a learning curve and some skill is required to use it well, but I have been very happy with mine. My Lacemouse was turned using Rolly's prototype mini hollower. Rolly now sells a carbide cutter for his tools, which obviates the need for sharpening.

The new hollower is designed so that it can be operated turning in reverse (I suggested this to Rolly some years back). This is an advantage, especially for hollow turning - if one gets used to cutting with it with the lathe running in the reverse direction it makes it much easier to see the cutter tip, looking across the lathe.

If you would like to try one before buying give me a call and you can come try one of mine.

Malcolm Zander
mzander@magma.ca

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