Powermatic 3520B - Manual (Page 21)

21
Inspection
Before operating the lathe, check that everything
is in proper working order:
1. Level your machine; use the adjustable
levelers to help reduce vibration.
2. Check bearings; adjust only if endplay
exists.
3. Check belt; it should be snug but not overly
tight.
4. Bed ways; keep clean, use steel wool to
remove any rust spots, and apply paste wax
to prevent buildup of rust and finishes.
5. Tool support; use a mill file to remove nicks
and dings.
6. Spindle tapers; should be clean and free of
dust and chips for proper seating of tapers.
7. Tailstock; clean and lubricate ram and
locking device.
8. Lighting; proper lighting is essential to
eliminate shadows and reduce eye strain.
Turning Tools
If possible, select only quality, high-speed steel
turning tools. High-speed steel tools hold an
edge and last longer than ordinary carbon steel.
As one becomes proficient in turning, a variety
of specialty tools for specific applications can be
acquired. The following tools provide the basics
for most woodturning projects (see Figure 29):
Skews – 1-1/2" and 1" or 1-1/4", used to make
finishing cuts and details.
Large Roughing Gouge – 1" to 1-1/4", used to
eliminate waste wood.
Spindle Gouges – 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", used to turn
beads, coves and other details.
Deep Fluted Bowl Gouge – 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2",
used for turning bowls & plates.
Square Scraper (Bedan) – 3/8” or 1/2", used to
create square shoulders.
Large Round Nose (Domed) Scraper – 1-1/2",
used to reduce ridges on interior of bowls, round
edges of bowls, etc.
Parting Tool - 1/8", used for scraping, making a
cut-off, or to set diameters for sizing.
For safety and best performance, keep tools
sharp. If a tool stops cutting or requires
excessive pressure to make a cut, it needs to be
sharpened. A number of brand name
sharpening jigs and fixtures are available;
however, a woodturner should learn to sharpen
tools freehand.
Figure 29
Basic Turning Tools