[rick-in-seattle]

This weekend I spent making basswood turnings. I have an oversupply of basswood and will never be able to carve it all. So making turnings is the logical choice; at least I can sell them.

It seems odd that if I remove a quantity of wood from a block, that I can get more money for it; but that is the way it seems to work.

I enjoy turning wood, although basswood is more trouble because it is softer and tears easier than most woods.

I bought a duplicating lathe a few years back that was previously owned by a flute maker. I should probably take some turning classes; most of my knowledge on the subject is from trial and error; luckily not too many errors.
My experience as a machinist helps with making the templates for the duplicator.

I still prefer cleaning up the shavings from carving basswood more than turning it.

[squbrigg]

As a machinest you would have no difficulty making the transition from metal to wood. I wish I had that training and experience. I attempt at turning a few little things for my models, usually just on a Dremel, hand held....wheels for carriages, barrels, etc. But I wish I had a proper modellers lathe and the training to use it properly. I need to make some small canon barrels from brass for those 9 pounders on deck, on the model of the 18 pounders, just smaller.

My daughters gave me a woodturning lathe a year ago for Christmas, and I've only had it on once. Just one of those inexpensive ones from Canadian Tire, and as soon as I figure out how to get stock to stay in it, I'll be able to turn something with it. I even went out and bought a small set of turning tools from Lee Valley to try, and they are still in their original packages. Oh, well, one day I'll figure out how it works. I've lots of wood to use in it, just need the training and experience. I would think Basswood a bit soft for turning? Splinter easly, but I suppose there is a trick to that too.....sharp tools again maybe?

Bob

[rick-in-seattle]

Bob, you are correct; sharp is 90% of the answer.

[rick-in-seattle]

Since I am using a "Vega" duplicator, I was looking at cutters for it on the web.
I found a carbide replaceable insert with holder that claims to make much cleaner cuts than the standard HSS cutter that comes with the duplicator.
The problem is the price range is $119.00-$189.00; even the $119.00 seems steep to me.
I may have to make one that will accept replaceable carbide inserts.