Balancing new rough turnings

Yes, I have done that. I don't like using it when the rough blank is already mounted on the lathe, although I have used it on the lathe for texturing on a nearly finished piece, both still and rotating. For truing up a blank prior to mounting on the lathe I much prefer a chainsaw for knocking off the corners or a bandsaw for cutting a roughly circular shape. The one use I find for it pre-turning is it cuts through the bark easily to make a nice clear spot in which to sink your drive spur.

-mike paulson, fort collins, co

Walter H. Klaus wrote:

I used one for a time several years ago until the chain slipped off at speed while roughing a piece on the lathe. I launched the grinder away from my body, thinking "loose chain, 10,000 rpm, keep fingers attached". My personal preference for roughing is the Arbortech tool, no chains to fly around. YMMV.

David

Do you have the piece rotating on the lathe as you attack with the Arbortech? Any grab would be spectacular!

The tool is great for freeform carving of burls.

Alan

No, I have only tried it one time on a small irregularity on one edge while turning. The results of a catch could be sooooo bad. If memory serves, a year to so back someone was making a holder for the arbotech that allowed it to be very slowly moved into the work, much like a milling machine. Never saw much follow up and it seemed like it was several hundred dollors if I remember correctly.

I just cut a crotch piece of maple that is perfect for freeform carving. Wish me luck.

David

David, Good luck with it.

If you ever consider the mini wheel setup, be sure to obtain the important dimensions from the Arbortech website or have the shop open a pack and let you see what is necessary as it will NOT fit all grinders.

Alan

The use of a mounted router is often discussed. The principle involved is keeping the bite small enough that it can't throw the piece or the tool if the former is hand-rotated. I'd rather use something like that, clamped to the bed or stand, than hacking freehand.

Thank you'll for your imputs.

Walter H. Klaus