RIKON Power Tools 70-300 - Manual (Page 14)

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Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Mounting Stock
Use of a face plate is the most common method for holding a block of wood for turning bowls, and
plates, see Figure 18.
1. Select stock at least 1/8" to 1/4" larger than the dimension on the desired finished workpiece.
2. True one surface of workpiece for mounting against the face plate. It is best to leave extra stock
against the face plate that can be cut off when the workpiece is finished.
3. Using the face plate as a template, mark the location of the mounting holes, and drill pilot holes of
the appropriate size. If the mounting screws on the face plate interfere with the workpiece, a waste
block can be mounted to the face plate and then the waste block mounted to the workpiece by gluing
or screwing, see Figure 18.
4. Both waste block and workpiece should have good flat surfaces.
5. Push in the spindle lock and thread face plate and workpiece onto spindle. Tighten set screws in
face plate when secure.
Face Plate or Chuck
While faceplates are the simplest, most reliable method of holding a block of wood for turning, chucks
can also be used. A chuck is not a requirement but is handy when working on more than one piece at
a time. Rather than removing screws, you simply open the chuck and change workpieces. The most
popular ones are four jaw scroll chucks with a variety of jaws to accomodate different size tenons.
Most also come with a screw chuck as well.
Wood Selection
Firewood is the cheapest, most widely available stock to use while learning to turn bowls. Develop
skill with each tool before attempting to make a finished piece. It is best to start with dry wood, without
worrying about drying or distortion. Once turning becomes comfortable, try green wood which cuts
very easily. As the turner gains experience, he or she will find extraordinary grain and figure in the
form of burls, crotches and bark inclusions.