Tips for making oval shank

[Michl]

I want to make a Canadian but have never done a
long oval shank. Any tips or standard strategies
for doing an oval shank?

[ToddJohnson]

Turn the shank down to the diameter of the width you want the shank to be. Then cut a small relief on the face of the shank (essentially a tiny "tenon"). Then all you've got to do is shape the shank down to your four "edges," left, right, top, and bottom. Of course making it a perfect oval is the trick, but that will just come with practice and a steady hand.

Good luck,

TJ

[Michl]

Thank you! Am I right in assuming that the tiny tenon is
basically the shape of the oval.

[Frank]

Thank you! Am I right in assuming that the tiny tenon is basically the shape of the oval.

No, it's a circle within a circle. You're using the two circles to establish a symmetery around your centre point. The larger circle is your side-to-side diameter, the smaller (tenon) circle is your top-to-bottom diameter. If you need more visual aid, draw the oval on the shank end after you've cut the smaller (tenon) circle.

PS. Aplogies for muscling in on your advice, Todd. Some guys need more detailed description.

[Michl]

Ah, thanks... but I see now what Todd meant ... you can turn the larger
diameter and then make a small cut for the smaller diameter. Why
wouldn't it be sufficient just to draw the smaller diameter so that you
don't have to worry about making the end flush? I'm probably
missing something.