What speed do I use to turn pens?

[Cliff Newton]

Is it best to use a slow speed or fast speed?

[Dennis Peacock]

My Jet 1236 lathe has 7 speeds....I make every single pen with it set on SIX...!!! Spin them pens....the blanks are small and the speed is needed to help make the cuts and allow for smoother cuts. I sand and finish on that speed as well.

[Cliff Newton]

My Jet 1236 lathe has 7 speeds....I make every single pen with it set on SIX...!!! Spin them pens....the blanks are small and the speed is needed to help make the cuts and allow for smoother cuts. I sand and finish on that speed as well.

I kinda figured it should be fast, but wanted to make sure. Spinning wood is new to me and I can just see something flying off the lathe and into my gut.

[Bob Hayles]

Fast, faster, fastest...for turning, sanding and finishing.

BubbaBob

[Jerry Stringer]

I kinda figured it should be fast, but wanted to make sure. Spinning wood is new to me and I can just see something flying off the lathe and into my gut.

Hi Cliff

I turn on a Shopsmith and when I'm doing pens I crank it up so that it's really singin'.

I read somewhere on another forum that although it really looks fast, the actual speed of the surface of the wood in miles per hour is pretty slow. I guess it's cause the diameter is so small. They said that something flying off a fast spinning pen is safer than something flying off a slower turning big piece.

I dunno . . . It all makes sawdust!

Jerry