Turning Square to Round

[Dale Stillman]

Making table legs that start out w/4-1/2" blank. Plan calls for top & bottom of legs to be 4-1/2" sq. for approx. 6" than taper sharply to round. Being relative new to lathe work I find that my limited experience has not given me the skills to do the sq. to round without tearing/splintering the corners. If possible to describe, would you pls give me the proper procedure? I ahve 3 books on lathe work but non are of any help. TIA for the help.

[Don Henthorn Smithville, TX]

Have to admit I have not seen everything, but legs which taper from square to round are new to me Usually there is a pommel or cove or bead or some other (is there another?) segment that manages the change from square to round. I would guess that careful chisel work and then just as careful sanding would get the job done. I'll be interested in other's responses. Best of luck.

[Ron Smith ... Richmond, VA]

when I took my turning class a few weeks ago (to learn tool handling and sharpening techniques), I was shown how to do this by the instructor because I had trouble also. He showed me to place the spindle gouge at a "head on" position (90 degree angle) where I wanted to start my transition, then rotate the gouge until it just started to cut. As it started to cut, keep the bevel on the piece as it is worked outward, rotating the gouge until it was cutting on the front of the flange. As you repeat this action, be careful to start the gouge with the bevel resting on the surface at the point you want to reduce, making sure not to get the tip of the gouge back behind this transition area. Each time, slowly rotate the gouge until it starts cutting. It's worked well for me, after a little practice. It takes a little getting used to the feel and making sure the tool is presented properly each time. Just make sure you don't get in a hurry! Patience has been the key for me. It may take a few more shallow cuts, but a light touch has worked wonders. I'm sure more experienced folks can help you more with this, but this technique has helped me. Good luck. Be sure and post picts when completed ...

[David Klug]

I haven't done much lathe work but when you mentioned splintering it remineded me of the problem I had until I sharpen my tools to a really sharp edge.

[Todd Burch]

Dale, is this what you mean?

<img src="http://www.burchwoodusa.com/miscpix/Household/cradle_side.jpg">


(I made 3 of these a few years ago for triplets.)

Todd.

[Dale Stillman]

Todd, close to what I am doing, however am working w/4-1/2" sq. material w/a much steeper taper. Thanks for the picture. Great work by the way.

[Bill Grumbine]

Hi Dale

I'm not real clear on what you intend to do (Todd's picture helps some), but it sounds to me like a job for the skew. I would strongly urge you to get some practice time in on some smaller pieces first until you can consistently make the cut. Ideally, you could find someone willing to give you some instruction on this technique. Sticking a tool into a spinning 4 1/2" square blank can be a bit intimidating, not to mention expensive if there are any mistakes. DAMHIKT

Bill

[Carl Eyman]

Lord knows, I'm probably the last person that should be offering advice here, but nevertheless, are you making 45* saw cuts at the 4 corners of the transition? I've done this & it seems to help. If I'm not clear, ask and I'll try to clarify.