Problems with Xcut woods

[jckossoy]

Today I was making a pen for my nephew's b-day (He ended up with a Patriot made from Maccasar Ebony which he thought was cool) and I blew out 2 Xcut Black Limba blanks. Any help on how to turn a Xcut blank. I've been using my gouge and going as slow as I could, but after I either get it fully rounded or partially rounded, the blanks fly apart.

Thanks,

 

[tipusnr]

Somehow, it seems you're catching the grain. That's usually a dull tool or too aggressive a cut (or both). Whether using a gouge or a skew try riding the bevel more. I've even seen turners use a scraping cut after getting it to round to stay away from catching the end grain but I've never tried it to any extent nor had any of the older turners endorse it.

Sorry, but its the best advise I have to offer!

 

[Gregory Huey]

Try light cuts and tools as sharp as you can getum

 

[dougle40]

SHARP tools and a light touch .

 

[KKingery]

I agree, light touch!

 

[Guest]

Sharp tools are a must and it would hurt to stabilize it with a little thin CA as you go
ADDED
Just out of curiosity.HAave you checked the portion of the tube under the blow out for glue?
I mean is there a visable residue of glue left on the tube?
In most instances where I have had a blow out i have found that I didn't get good coverage.
You might try plugging the end of the tube with wax or potato(depending in which state you live) and applying glue inside the blank on troublesome woods/materials.
That might solve part of the problem.

 

[Rifleman1776]

"going as slow as I could"
Jeff, go fast as you can. Other advice, light touch, sharp tools. You should be fine.

 

[woodscavenger]

Maybe you should try Fred_NCs special gouge.....the grit gouge!