Multi axis turning

This page is all about turning wood on more than one axis. This has become one of my major interests in wood turning. I have two excellent books on the subject, Multi-Centre Woodturning by Ray Hopper and the other Multi-Axis Woodturning by Barbara Dill. The first gives details on how to make specific items and jigs to make them. The second is a systematic exploration of what happens if you mount the work piece in different ways. What I have learnt is to keep detailed notes on everything I make, along with photos, especially if the don’t work out, and keep both the good and bad results for future reference.

Safety

It’s very important to have mastered basic woodturning skills before attempting multi axis turning. Particularly the positioning of the tool rest. so it is not hit by the off centre work piece, always rotate the the work piece by hand to make sure it clears the tool rest. Make the work piece is firmly held between the centres and that the tailstock quill is locked in place. Always start the lathe on it’s slowest speed, increase the speed slowly until vibrations are felt, the turn the speed down until the vibrations stop. Never put your fingers or hand in front of the tool rest. Wear a visor rather than goggles or safety glasses.

Normally spindle woodturning is carried out between a pair of centres, one at the headstock, which is driven normally by an electric motor, and a fixed or revolving centre at the tailstock end. See photo below.