Learning to use my Woodchuck

[skiprat]

So I was eager to have a go with my new Customised Woodchuck from Bob and Ken:biggrin:. But as a complete novice with this kind of tool, of course there was a little learning curve. Here's how I got on.

The very first thing I discovered was my original small toolrest on my poxy lathe wouldn't go low enough to get the cutter anywhere near the centre line
Ok, so I've wanted to make a nice round stainless one for years, so knocked one up from some pretty big bolts ( ignore my version of Bird Poop' welding)
I set this up to the instructions from Ken, but as you will see in the pics, I couldn't get a nice crater free surface. I'm sure as I practice, that I'll get nice long ribbons when I lower it. Or maybe someone can see what I was doing wrong from these pics But I do get short ribbons:biggrin:
I tilted the cutter to give a bit of a positive rake, above the centre line and the result was fantastic. I could easily start sanding from at least 600grit.
There are captions on the pics.
This little tool can eat blanks for breakfast, but I soon got over my nerves and eventually held it quite lightly. When I started, it was white knuckle time:redface:. For someone like me that has never learned to use a skew, it's a Godsend and I love it:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
If I can, then ANYONE can

 

[Rollerbob]

Can't wait to get a handle made and give mine a go. Thanks for mini tutorial!!:wink:

 

[ngeb528]

Skitrat, it looks from the pic that you're a southpaw. That explains a lot.:tongue: Did Ken know that when he created your tool?:wink:

Looks like you're getting the hang of the tool. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Rollerbob]

Skitrat, it looks from the pic that you're a southpaw. That explains a lot.:tongue: Did Ken know that when he created your tool?:wink:

Looks like you're getting the hang of the tool. Thanks for sharing.

We are the only people in our right mind!!:biggrin:

 

[johnnycnc]

Nice tool, Skip!
mine is not customized, but I enjoy it as much as you do yours.

 

[ngeb528]

We are the only people in our right mind!!:biggrin:

You, too? Shoot me now!!:tongue::biggrin:

 

[wolftat]

Skip, I have found that by angling the cutter just a hair, I get one continuous ribbon for the length of the blank. It just takes a little playing with and you will see what I mean.

 

[skiprat]

LOL Nancy:biggrin: No, I'm not a lefty ( they are all nutters:wink: ), but maybe ambi-legless sometimes.:biggrin:

I guess I hold a chisel ( or file ) like this by habit. It keeps my left arm away from the chuck. :wink: But do you really think this could be causing the chipping? I think I just need more practice:biggrin:

 

[Mac]

I just love going fishing with a righty. they throw out with their right hand then switch hands to reel in, and 99.9% of the time I beat them catching fish. guess I missed my calling.
I have seen Skips pens on this site I'll bet he's (ambi-legless) a lot. I think its his secret.
Try that woodchuck on a bowl blank you will be amazed. I have an easyrougther and I use it a lot.

 

[KiltedGunn]

Okay, now that I've gotten to the last pic, I see the customized part! NICE! ;-)

Hey Bob, I got my Woodchuck Thursday and turned two very nice pens with it... haven't gotten around to making a handle yet tho! Try it, it works fine without one!

 

[Rollerbob]

Lee, I actually turned a little with it this afternoon. Geez, a bit intemidating for sure, but turned down a blank in a third of the time, tho. Still need some practice. I think the handle will give me more confidence. Very sweet tool, indeed!

 

[ldb2000]

Don't worry Skippy , someday you'll get one right :tongue::biggrin:
That really is a great looking tool , congrats and use it in good health .