Lathe maintenance?

[RussConway]

Hi all,

Just lately when I'm turning my pen blanks they seem to have score marks all round I don't think it's my tools or materials so was wondering if it could be my lathe there are no maintenance instructions in the manual so I don't know where to start.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks Russell

 

[Monty]

Pictures would help to pin point the problem.

 

[Mortalis]

What is the history behind your lathe? About the only maintenance for a lathe is the keep the bed ways clean and free of rust.
Score marks are usually created when your turning tool gets stuck on the rest as the tool is moving across the rest. Try waxing (with paste wax) the rest where the tool comes into contact with it. You could also some very small bumps or diggers in the tool rest. Run your finger along the rest and remove any anomalies you may come across with some fine sand paper.

 

[jttheclockman]

Yes we need more info. Photos would help. Where are the score marks and what are you calling score marks.

 

[NJturner]

My immediate though was if you are turning multiple pens, are the marks always in the same place down the tube of each pen? If so, I would look at what task you do in your processing that hits that spot consistently. Chances are pretty good that you are going to find it by looking in an ordered fashion. My very first stop would be the tool rest edge - it should be dead flat with no gouges or dents - and if there are any use a good metal file to evenly redo the tool rest edge. Use a good straight edge afterwards to check and make sure the edge is flat and dead level. Tool rest steel is often a bit softer than you might expect, so it can get damaged when you have a catch, causing your cutting tool to bounce when it hits the damage, giving you marks in your turning.

 

[leehljp]

"Score" marks can be caused by nearly a dozen things. Sandpaper too low number; holding the sandpaper too tight; CA too soft/not cured enough before sanding, or too cool a temp and not enough cure time; some woods have large cells that make it look like streaks; wobble with the mandrel; and more. Photos and more detail would help.