Woodworking is a skill that takes practice to perfect. If you’re new to the woodworking industry, learning as much as possible before beginning will increase your likelihood of success. Many woodworkers use wooden spindles to create beautiful, custom-made projects like table legs, candlesticks, and decorative ladders. While countless projects can be created using spindle-turning techniques, certain tools and techniques are essential. Here is an overview of these vital tools and techniques for creating the perfect project using woodworking spindles.
Skew Chisels
If your woodworking projects require you to create intricate designs, then a skew chisel is an essential tool that you should invest in. A skew chisel is a tool with a specialized angled edge that enables you to create some attractive and unique designs. In addition to enabling you to create projects consisting of specialized designs, skew chisels will allow you to:
- Make V and Pummel Cuts – It can be challenging to create Vs on a woodworking project, but a skew chisel makes doing so possible
- Cove & Bead Turning – As with V-cuts and pummels, not many other tools can create cove and bead-turning, like a skew chisel will
- Planing Cuts – If you’re creating a job that requires smooth, flat cuts, a skew chisel is an ideal tool. This specialized tool makes it easy to create a smooth, attractive finish with little to no sanding necessary
Techniques for Using a Skew Chisel
It takes practice to perfect your use of a skew chisel because, in the beginning, you may experience a learning curve and encounter some mistakes. These techniques can make it easier to get the hang of using a skew chisel quicker:
- Position your skew chisel properly – Skew chisels must be precisely positioned if you expect to make the intricate designs that you desire
- Be careful – You must practice caution when using a skew chisel. This tool is very sharp, and using it incorrectly could result in injury. When using a lathe, which induces a rapid spinning motion, the skew chisel becomes even more dangerous, which is why extra precautions should be taken
- Take your time – Again, the skew chisel is quite sharp, so when using this tool, you must take your time. If you work too quickly, especially when you’re still a beginner, you could easily end up making cuts in the wood that you didn’t intend, such as digs and gouges. This could occur if the tool were to slip or if you fail to turn it in the proper position
- A shearing motion – When using your skew chisel, it’s important to note that a shearing motion is recommended over a scraping action for best results
Using a Roughing Gouge: An Important Tool
While the roughing gouge is similar to a skew chisel, as they’re both tools with sharp, curved edges, that is where the similarities end. Unlike the skew chisel, the roughing gouge is the first tool many woodworkers use when working on projects. The roughing gouge is used to remove excess material from a spindle. The design of the roughing gouge enables you to shave off large amounts of material in a short period of time.
Techniques for Using a Roughing Gouge
Again, the roughing gouge is often the first tool a woodworker uses to shave off excess material. Before using a roughing gouge tool, here are some tips that can ensure safety and success every time:
- Adhere to the ABC principle – When it comes to using a roughing gouge, it’s important to remember and adhere to the ABC principle for best results. This principle describes the steps necessary to follow to successfully use the roughing gouge. A stands for anchor, as you need to anchor the tool on the tool rest. B is for bevel, as you need to allow the bevel to lie against the wood. Finally, C is for the cut because, after A and B, you’re ready to start cutting.
- Properly Position the Tool – It’s important to hold the roughing gouge at a 45-degree angle, with the flute facing upwards, for the best results. This position will allow you to obtain quick results.
- Regular Inspections – While removing material using the roughing gouge, taking periodic breaks and inspecting your work is important. This will enable you to ensure your piece is round and, if necessary, readjust your technique.
Ensure You’re Using the Proper Type of Wood
All wood isn’t created equally when it comes to creating woodworking projects. The type of wood you’re using will usually dictate the tools necessary to process a particular job. While wood like ash and walnut are typically good choices for woodworking turning projects, some can cause more challenges. For instance, hickory is a popular type of wood used in woodworking spindles for several reasons, but one negative aspect is that it scratches easily. Hickory is also relatively hard, making the use of the sharpest tools necessary.
Cherry is a popular wood for woodworking spindling, as it finishes well and is easy to turn. Other types of wood are also good for woodworking spindles, but the specific wood you will use will depend on the tools you’re using, the project you’re working on, and more. Be sure to determine if the customer has a specific type of wood in mind for the project before choosing your tools.
As you can see, woodworking spindling can be a very rewarding career or hobby. As long as you ensure you have certain essential tools and use various proven techniques, you will dramatically increase your chances of experiencing success each time you work on a project. Practice makes perfect, so the more you practice certain techniques while using specific tools, the more skilled you will become. The more skilled you are, the more intricate jobs you can accept and the more money you can make.
