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Woodturning is a form of Woodworking , that is used to create wooden objects (e.g. a bowl or a table leg) on a Lathe using cutting tools. Woodturning differs from most other forms of woodworking, in that the wood is moving while a (relatively) stationary tool is used to cut and shape it. Many intricate shapes and designs can be made by turning wood. There are two distinct methods of turning wood, Spindle Turning and Faceplate Turning . In spindle turning, the grain of the wood runs lengthwise, and the piece is typically spun on centers between the headstock of the lathe and the tailstock, with material removed from the side of the wood. In face plate turning, the grain of the wood runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and the piece is often attached to the lathe via a plate or a chuck. Most bowls, platters and vessels are face plate turned, while pens, table legs, and other slender pieces are typically spindle turned. Regardless of the method of attachment, the orientation of the grain determines the method in use, the type of tools to use, and the direction of cut. HISTORY Its origin dates back to around 1300BC in Egypt where the Egyptians developed a two person operated lathe. One person turned the wood with a rope and the other used a tool to cut out the shape in the wood. The Romans had a similar design to the Egytians, but improved it with the addition of a turning bow. Many other communities also have evidence of early bow lathes, for example they were used in Germany, France and the UK long before the Roman influence. In the Middle Ages a pedal replaced hand operated turning, freeing both of the craftsman's hands to hold the woodturning tools. The pedal was usually connected to a pole, a straight grained sapling, the system today is called the "spring pole" lathe (see Polelathe ). Additionaly there was a two person lathe called a "great lathe", where the master did the cutting and a student turned a crank. This allowed the piece to turn continiously, similar to today's power lathes. Spring pole lathes were in common use into the early 20th Century. The term "bodger" stems from pole lathe turners who used to make the chair legs and spindles. Originally a passive term it has been corrupted to describe anyone who does a bad job, or an unfinished one ( the bodgers job was unfished as they only made component parts ) See History of Lathes During the Industrial Revolution the lathe was motorized, allowing turned items to be created in less time. The motor also produced a greater rotational speed for the wood, improving the ease of producing high quality work. Today most commercial woodturning is done by Computer operated Machinery allowing for mass-production that can be created with accurate precision and without the cost of having to employ any Craftsmen . Despite this there is still a demand for hand turned Products . Woodturning is also a Hobby enjoyed by many people. COMMON WOODTURNED ITEMS
WOODTURNING TOOLS Turning tools are generally made from two different types of Steel , Carbon Steel , High Speed Steel (HSS), and more recently Powdered Metal . Comparing the three types, high speed steel tools maintain their edge longer, requiring less frequent sharpening than carbon steel, but not as long as powdered metal tools. The harder the type of high speed steel used, the longer the edge will maintain sharpness. Unlike other edged woodworking tools, woodturning tools, require more frequent sharpening, and the sharpening process requires either skill of the craftsman, or one of the many available sharpening jigs. To maintain a clean cut, the sharpness of the tools edge must be maintained. Often the tools are sharpened by using a sharpening jig, these jigs facilitate maintaining a specific bevel on the tool. Types
OTHER TECHNIQUES
SAFETY When woodturning, it is important to wear certain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Loose clothing should not be worn, all jewelry should be removed, and long hair should be tied back. Wood shavings generated during turning will also need to be periodically removed.
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