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Can't balance a big block of spalted maple

alanzip's picture

Can't balance a big block of spalted maple (post #167756)

alanzip on Thu, 06/23/2011 - 16:39
in

I have a block of spalted maple, 10" long x 10.5" diam. that I cannot balance.  I have made rounding cuts 5 or 6 times but I can't get the vibration out.  It is mounted on a 5" face plate and no play has developed.  Rockwell cast iron lathe.  Is it possible that the maple has an internal imbalance because of the distribution of rot inside?  Any thoughts appreciated.  (been turning 15 years)

-A +A
BruceS's picture

Pithy (post #167756, reply #1 of 6)

by BruceS in reply to alanzip [original] on Thu, 06/23/2011 - 17:58

I think you answered your own question.   Sure looks pretty round,  so it has to be material density.   Is it more heavily pithed on one side?  I'll bet so.

Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

Bruce S. 

 

alanzip's picture

Can't balance a big block of spalted maple (post #167756, reply #2 of 6)

by alanzip in reply to BruceS [original] on Fri, 06/24/2011 - 15:50

I appreciate your comment Bruce.  You're probably right.  I'll see if I get any other ideas before I slice it up into smaller pieces.

Westchester's picture

Turning (post #167756, reply #3 of 6)

by Westchester in reply to alanzip [original] on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 16:15

Is the stand a heavy iron structure -3/4 plywood mounted under the top surface ?

some stands are too light for bowl turning - 

SA

alanzip's picture

Balancing a big block (post #167756, reply #4 of 6)

by alanzip in reply to Westchester [original] on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 06:50

I think it's heavy enough.  It's a sturdy wooden woorkbench with cross braced legs and it's braced to a ceiling joist above.

I've turned perhaps 100 bowls and plates but perhaps this big piece is just too much.

BruceGregory's picture

Turning Spalted wood (post #167756, reply #5 of 6)

by BruceGregory in reply to alanzip [original] on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 16:24


Alan I have turned many spalted pieces.  They all had differing densities. Chuck-up the piece.  Turn the lathe on low ( as slow as you can turn), then utilize a router with a straight bit.  It is easiest if you create a jig to hold the router ( a small one).  While the lathe turns slowly cut the outside profile.  I then proceed to cut the inside of the bowl.  I try to preserve as much of the center waste as possible to be used on other turning projects.

BruceGregory's picture

Turning Spalted wood (post #167756, reply #6 of 6)

by BruceGregory in reply to alanzip [original] on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 16:25


Alan I have turned many spalted pieces.  They all had differing densities. Chuck-up the piece.  Turn the lathe on low ( as slow as you can turn), then utilize a router with a straight bit.  It is easiest if you create a jig to hold the router ( a small one).  While the lathe turns slowly cut the outside profile.  I then proceed to cut the inside of the bowl.  I try to preserve as much of the center waste as possible to be used on other turning projects.