just got some rod stock. what are some suggestions to get started. i noticed when i chuck it up this stuff turns every which direction. do you sand it down to get it half way round.
help
jim
rod stock prep
Depends on how you're going to do the stem. You can chuck it, drill it, turn the tenon, turn down the excess diameter, all in one setup, if you aren't going to do anything fancy, and since you haven't moved the piece in the chuck, everything will stay square to the world. If you intend to do anything where you will remove the stem from the lathe, you should turn down one end so that it's square and smooth, then swap ends and go on with the job. It helps to mark the stem so that the same spot aligns with the same chuck jaw -- unless you pay attention to that sort of thing, your chuck is probably a few thousandths (at least) off center. Also, using a live center in the tailstock helps get the stem re-centered after you've glued on your inlay pieces or whatever.