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Today I tried the so called etsh a sketch method for the first time. I bought my big lathe several months ago but got it up and running about two weeks ago). I don't have a question or anything but was simply quite pleased with the result so I just thought I'd show you guys.

Unfortunately this was a block I knew from the beginning was doomed because it is covered in small cracks and I used it just to try the meathod out before ruining a good block (Mimmo gave me a bunch of these very small, fawlty blocks when I visited him last summer specifically for experiments and stuff, so I used it as was intended). It is unfortunate though because I think this may have the chance to become an ok pencil shank billiard, so I might just finish it to keep for myself and if it burns it burns, no harm done.

The finish isn't very smooth, partially because, well, you know, first try and all, and partially because I didn't want to take to large "bites" in one go because there were alot of unknowns involved (first time using my homemade cutting tool, first time using the chuck, and very limited "big lathe experience")

Anyway, enough of my rambling, the bottom pic if after about a minute of sanding on the lathe.

Not bad. You've got some tearout from either dull cutting tools or taking too much off at once. Not saying I would do better, because I turn stummels on the wood lathe. But I'm sure you will soon get the hang of it.


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Yup, tearout it is, I made my tool as sharp as I could on my watergrinder (like a tormek but not the real thing) and honed it as best I could on the leather honing wheel, but I see people on here talk about being able to shave the hairs on their arms at any time with the cutting tools, but my tool didn't get nearly as sharp as that (It was sharp, but not THAT sharp). I guess I simply don't know how to take the sharpness to the next level, any suggestions?

Good start, now do a curve

I already started one today on a brandy I have in progress, that one is atleast a little bit curvier than this one, and a bit harder to!

It could also be the angle of approach. If your tool is aligned too low, it's not cutting with the actual edge. Same thing if the tool is too high.


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sorry, I don't mean to steal any light away from your post but could someone explain the etch a sketch method. I'v heard a lot of it but never gotten an explanation of what it is.

Basicly turning wood with a metal lathe. Since you use a fixed cutting tool moved by turning 2 wheels simultaniously- one with each hand - (as opposed to a free chisel in a wood lathe), it feels sort of like the old etch-a-sketch toy.

...... serious hand eye coordination. i'v seen what happens when i have tried to make any sort of curve on an etch a sketch. i think this is one method i'll just have to live without haha

What should the angle of attack be? Center line right?

I think center is usually right. But that also depends on whether your tool is straight or turned slightly upwards. You can test by turning the headstock by hand over the tool. If it takes off material without catching it's sharp and centered.


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Okey, thanks alot Jeremiah, much appreciated!

Albert, to set up tooling on your metal lathe grab something round of fairly large diameter and install into the chuck. It also should be true and smooth (a large pin gauge works nicely). Put whatever tooling you wish to center on the tool post. Place a thin steel rule between the stock and cutter and advance the cross slide until the cutter gently holds the rule. You want the steel rule to be completely vertical for center. If the top of the rule is farther towards you, it is too low; likewise if it is away from you it is too high.

Thanks for posting that illustration, Nate! That is helpful!


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All I can say is "Why didn't I think of that", Norm.

Nate wrote:

Even I learned something new today!

Thanks Nate, I'll definitely try that tomorrow to see how I'm doing! Very cleaver trick.

Glad to help fellas!!

That was very insightful Nate. Sometimes I wish I had the machinist background some of you guys do.

I strongly recommend that anyone using a metal lathe should have some kind of machinists handbook. There's books like that in every language and they are incredibly useful. Most of the information will be too advanced and related to turning steel, but some of the info is essential for a good understanding of how turning actually works from a scientific /technical point of view (turning angles, speeds, swarf formation, etc.).