If you know how to turn wood on a lathe, you can have hours of fun in your workshop. If you'd prefer not to invest in a lathe, consider a mini-lathe--a smaller, less expensive version that's perfect for small wood projects. The mini-lathe secures an object (usually a block of wood) to a turning piece. Then with cutting and finishing tools, you can shape and decorate the wood. Making a Bottle Stopper With a lathe or a mini-lathe you can transform raw materials into decorative items such as bottle stoppers (figure A). Materials:
Drill and drill bits
Small block of wood (about 4" x 3" x 3")
Wood glue
Dowel
Chuck
Lathe or mini-lathe
Face plate
Medium-size gouge
Optional: spindle gouge
- Drill a hole in the bottom of the block of wood, big enough to accommodate the dowel. Glue the dowel into the hole, and allow the glue time to dry (figure B).
- Secure a chuck to the head stock of the lathe (figure C).
- Insert the dowel into the chuck (figure D).
- Screw the tail stock of the lathe into the top of the block of wood (figure E).
- Make one manual rotation of the block to make sure it doesn't hit the tool rest (ffigure F).
- Set lathe at medium speed (1,200 to 1,400 rpm).
- Secure the face plate for protection before turning on the lathe.
- Use a gouge to smooth the surface of the block to the desired shape and size (figure G).
- Make deeper, recessed cuts at the end of the block (figure H).
- If you like, use a spindle gouge for detail work on the block (figure I).
- Remove the wood from the lathe, and sand it before painting or staining.
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