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Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 7:30 am
by DeflictedPipes
Can anyone offer some advice on how best to make ornamentation on a stem with a metal lathe? Maybe which tool, how fast to spin, and how to make smooth curves? I'm destroying a bunch of stock trying to make any kind of a smooth curved angle.

Is there a video of fancy stem technique anywhere? I haven't been able to find one.

Thanks!

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 7:47 am
by sandahlpipe
You can either use the etch-a-sketch method or make yourself a tool with the profile of the ornamentation you're looking to do. Sharp lathe tools with cutting edges that have a radius will help a lot.

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 5:28 pm
by DeflictedPipes
Thanks Jeremiah. I think I'm going to spend some more time on the grinder and learn to grind some tools this weekend. I need to get more practice sharpening too.

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:47 pm
by RadDavis
Treat the ebonite like wood on a wood lathe. Use a wood turning tool to shape what you want.

Rad

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2014 12:25 pm
by Joe T
This may sound kinda scary, but I put the stock in the lathe and use etch-a-sketch method to get close to final dimentions, then use a hand file while the lathe is spinning to finish it.

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2014 1:11 pm
by scotties22
RadDavis wrote:Treat the ebonite like wood on a wood lathe. Use a wood turning tool to shape what you want.

Rad
^^^^ This. Or as Premal would say....IAWR :D

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2014 2:25 pm
by caskwith
Joe T wrote:This may sound kinda scary, but I put the stock in the lathe and use etch-a-sketch method to get close to final dimentions, then use a hand file while the lathe is spinning to finish it.

Perfectly acceptable lathe practice, just made sure your file has a handle and you are sensible about where you put your hands etc.

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:00 am
by Thomas Tkach
scotties22 wrote:
RadDavis wrote:Treat the ebonite like wood on a wood lathe. Use a wood turning tool to shape what you want.

Rad
^^^^ This. Or as Premal would say....IAWR :D
Which of the following does that stand for?

International Association of Waterworks in the Rhine
International Association of Women Runners
Institutetute for Air Weapons Research
Internationale Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wasserwerke im Rheineinzugsgebiet

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:33 am
by sandahlpipe
How about, "I Am With Rad"?

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 10:57 am
by scotties22
I agree with Rad.

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:03 pm
by Alden
Thomas Tkach wrote:
scotties22 wrote:
RadDavis wrote:Treat the ebonite like wood on a wood lathe. Use a wood turning tool to shape what you want.

Rad
^^^^ This. Or as Premal would say....IAWR :D
Which of the following does that stand for?

International Association of Waterworks in the Rhine
International Association of Women Runners
Institutetute for Air Weapons Research
Internationale Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wasserwerke im Rheineinzugsgebiet
I Am a Walrus RrrrtRRrrrtRRrrrtRRrrRRRRt

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:02 pm
by PremalChheda
DeflictedPipes wrote:Can anyone offer some advice on how best to make ornamentation on a stem with a metal lathe? Maybe which tool, how fast to spin, and how to make smooth curves? I'm destroying a bunch of stock trying to make any kind of a smooth curved angle.

Is there a video of fancy stem technique anywhere? I haven't been able to find one.

Thanks!
If you are having trouble cutting it with the lathe tool, use a file instead. If that also causes an issue, use sandpaper rolled over a dowel.

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2016 4:24 pm
by Rodneywt1180b
I have a wood lathe. I use files and the 80 grit gouge a lot. I'm not proud. Whatever works to remove what you don't want is fine with me.
Rodney

Re: Need advice on stem ornamentation on a metal lathe

Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:54 pm
by pipedreamer
I do both Rad' and Caskwiths' way.If I'm going to do a lot, I use the wood lathe!!!