Turning with Finesse

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Charlie_W

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Finesse is the key word today! I decided to go for a very thin finial....no project in mind but practice delicate turning and see what I get.
So, here is the result.....a cherry finial ebonized with India Ink which raised the grain....back on the lathe for a light 600G sanding and a quick spray of Satin lacquer. I did not recoat with the ink as I wanted a little of the grain to show through. Length: about 5" including tenon. Smallest diameter: 1mm
 

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JimB

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Very nice job with that. I've only made a few finials but they are fun to make and really teach tool control not only for thin turning but also to add design as you did.
 

greenacres2

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Neat to see. I have to bring myself to practice for practice's sake--and not view it as a waste of wood, as it would not be a waste!! I appreciate your inspiration.
earl
 

mark james

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Well done Charlie.

I also plead a lack of skills for this, but the few I have done were manageable and were a very nice learning session.

So much of what we do well depends on what we attempt to do. Only by stepping out of our comfort zone will we get better, and that indicates that we need to be able to accept and learn from mistakes.

While you display wonderful "practice" examples, we need to realize that there may be many turning sessions prior.

I appreciate seeing this and your previous projects - quite inspirational. "Finesse," a very admirable attribute.
 

nebens

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Will practice with skews. Understand different shapes, but not really sure how to shape and sharpen.
 

jttheclockman

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That takes talent which I do not possess. Nice work.

John,
I am quite sure you could do the same if you give it a go. Your scroll work shows you are detail oriented and have the patience to take your time to achieve the desired results. Go for it!

Well my friend you are too kind. Maybe if i did it more often I can turn something close. I know when I do my birdhouse ornaments I try to play with different finial shapes. But I do know to keep the vibration out as you turn is a matter of using both hands.

Still your talent shows through on those. Not that easy. Thanks for posting and giving us something to strive for. :)
 

Charlie_W

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I like the collect chuck for turning the finial

I used a 3/4" collet for all the turning and then the smaller collet to hold the finial after the Ink raised the grain and I needed to resand.
Original blank was 7/8" stock x about 7".
 

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Dieseldoc

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Charlie:

To make it work also you need to watch the grain of the wood, in this case your last post shows the grain Horizontal with the blank.

Years ago I took a turning class with Richard Raffan and one of the exercises were making bragging stick. Fun thing to do and learn tool control with the skew.

By the way great job Charlie.
 

Charlie_W

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Charlie:

To make it work also you need to watch the grain of the wood, in this case your last post shows the grain Horizontal with the blank.

Years ago I took a turning class with Richard Raffan and one of the exercises were making bragging stick. Fun thing to do and learn tool control with the skew.

By the way great job Charlie.

Dieseldoc, On closer inspection, I realize my quick pic showed the side of the blank with bandsaw marks which can look like it being a crossgrain blank. The grain is in spindle orientation...parallel with the bed.
I would not attempt to turn something like this cross grain. I am sure it wouldn't stay together.
 
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