Square stock tenon problems

[Quinn McCarthy]

I need to make some square stock tenons on some spindles I am turning. Each spindle needs a tenon on one end and a pommel and ball on the other. I have done a bunch with round stock without a problem. I usually use a 3/8" bedan but with the square corners the wood is tearing out at the corners. So I switched to a 1/8"parting tool. That was better but still didn't like the quality. There was still a little tear out on the corners. The wood is hard maple. Is there a way to get this done cleanly? Would a thinner parting tool or skew help? Would a higher spindle speed help?

Thank you in advance.

Quinn

[Bernie Weishapl]

Quinn I hope I can explain this. I use a skew to make a cut first with the long point down. I just start with a light cut. Then I use a bedan tool to cut my tenons on square stock. The cut the skew makes keeps it from tearing the corners.

[Thomas Minehan]

This adds a step to the process but has worked for me. Layout the tenon and then use a fine tooth saw to start the cut on the corners.

[Quinn McCarthy]

Thanks for the great ideas. I will give them a try tonight. So let me get this straight. The skew is vertical with the long point down. You gently score the mark as you move the skew in.

Thanks

Quinn

[Quinn McCarthy]

Bernie and Thomas,

Both methods worked just great.

Thanks much.

Quinn