Still consider myself a newbie...turned 20 bowls/cups so far, but the more YouTube videos I watch, the more conflicting advice I seem to get. My question this time is turning speed (RPM).
If I mount a chainsaw cut blank from a hunk of raw wood, I tend to spin at 500 RPM to get it into shape(between centers). After getting it close to round, I may increase to 1000 - tops but on faceplate.
If I have a block of pre-cut wood, I typically saw off the corners and start turning around 750 RPM already mounted to faceplate.
Even after getting pretty close to perfect round, I've never turned above 1300rpm. I've been seeing a lot on YouTube where they say to spin as fast as you can. Is this right?
I have a Rikon Variable Speed Midi so I can turn over 3000, but....is this safe? I also use carbide tools. Have experienced a lot of "catches" in the slower speeds and often wondered it is catching because of the speed or just poor tool placement.
So far, I've turned pieces in Spalted Maple, Bald Cypress, and Eucalyptus. Actually tried to turn a green blank of GUM - and that didn't go so well - was very hard to remove excess on the inside of the bowl. Most pieces between 4-6 inches across. Wanting to try something larger soon. Just turning between centers to rough out then use a faceplate while I save up for the chuck.
Thanks in advance!
Brian