Glad it was helpful, Greg! Yeah, I'm a big believer in knowing why you are doing something. Being told, "just do it THIS way" isn't so fun. LOL All the best to you and Happy Turning! Kent
You have the best videos on the net! Your examples and discussion of the difference in spindle vs. bowl diameter have good variety for folks who "get it" differently. For me, a math/physics trained engineer, I think in tangential velocity so your comment about 11 MPH vs. 60 MPH tangential speed is how I get it. That's the speed the tool sees when cutting or scraping which, after safety, is what I see as important and your demonstration of the bowl gouge on a slow turning push cut really brought that out!
Thanks, Alan. Yes, I feel it's pretty important to understand the why as opposed to someone just saying "don't turn too fast." All the best to you and Happy Turning!
8:30 am.....I have to admit I'm just getting started in this craft and you seem to have a video about every question I seem to have....Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge
I'm no pro, but I've produced several pretty nice bowls with a fairly wide range of woods. I learned the basics by watching TH-cam videos. I don't recall any of my "heroes" dwelling on RPMs. It was pretty much "if things start to feel a little sketchy, just slow it down a notch". So, for me, the RPM readout was pretty much irrelevant. Later on I watched some of those speed demons turning out nice stuff and decided to try it out. Screaming speed turning is definitely not for me. I could do it, but it took out the relaxing, satisfying feeling I get from turning. So, yeah... my RPM indicator isn't something I pay much attention to. Cheers! :-)
Great video, Kent. It all made perfect sense. An idea ... for your outside demo of walking around the pole, you should have two people go around the pole at the same time so it would demonstrate that, while the person neat the pole only walks around the pole, the one 10 steps away would be running at a quick clip to keep up - would give a true visual of what you were explaining. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Just prior to this video i had a bowl leave the chuck at full speed. It hovered for a nano second like a gyroscope then shot out of the garage under two vehicles across the side yard and stopped at the neighbors fence. I now have the belts set to a max of 900rpms with an after market speed control that will slow it right down to nothing. Thank you for helping me not kill myself.
Oh Wow! I'm so glad you are ok. That speed controller will do the trick and now that you know what to do, I hope that doesn't happen again. Happy Turning!
Thanks. It's nice to hear explanations as to why rules we all just learned by experiencing the wrong way of doing things apply... LOL. My mentor who was from Denmark would show me the correct way then said, you'll understand the wrong ways soon enough. Little mistakes become big problems. A lot of my lathe work back then was in process to Pewter spinning prototypes for designers who drew renderings that they wanted made in pewter to sell to the manufacturers. Now, sense retirement came, wood turning is just for fun. 👍👍👍🍻
Excellent. Turning pewter must have been fun. No drying and reshaping of a final turning. ;) I like the quote "little mistakes become big problems." Thanks and Happy Turning!
Thanks Kent, I really appreciate seeing your video on safe speeds, you deliver the message really well and with a lot of passion. I haven't made a single bowl, or anything for that matter, on a lathe, since high school :), but hopefully I will now that I am in retirement! I built a home made varibale speed lathe, but safety is the first rule of order, and you are starting me and others on a the right path regarding that most important rule. Thanks again. John P. P.S. That picture is my wife. She looks better than me:))
Congratulations, Kent - I wouldn’t have thought it even possible to record an interesting 30 minute explanation of lathe speeds (where the answer, after all, is “get the speed just right”) was possible, but you did it. Really helpful and memorable. You’ve a real talent for this stuff (that sounds much more patronising than I mean, sorry, but it’s a rare gift!) and I thank you for it. Best from the UK. Hugh
I really appreciate the enthusiasm and effort that you put into teaching us the skills and safe operation of bowl turning. My first experience with wood turning was 44 yrs ago in middle school. Until recently when I lost my job I hadn't been able to do any turning and I had forgotten everything that I had learned. It is awesome to watch your videos and learn all over again from what I know and see you are looking out for us and our safety as well as teaching us the skills to become a successful wood bowl turner. Again thanks sincerely Steve Y. From New Mexico
Thank you for writing and sharing your sincerity! Yes, I want you to be safe and get the most out of wood bowl turning! All the best to you! Happy Turning!
Dad was a wood shop teacher. He taught me the lathe when I was little around 11. He taught me about too much speed and turning a bowl. This was a very good review as I'm going to start turning again. It's a different lathe than what was in the garage. With the old lathe we had to stand on a rubber mat or we would get a little shock. My new lathe is grounded and has a variable speed control. It'll be fun getting back to what dad and I did years ago
Kent I took your challenge when I bought my dream lathe. It wasn’t by choice though. You see I bought myself a Robust American Beauty and even though I asked Brent and Deb English when I was going over my build if I could get a speed readout they said one was not available. Brent assured me I wouldn’t find it necessary. To my surprise, I don’t. Thanks for the tips. Stay safe and well to keep the videos coming. Cheers, Tom
Thomas, yes it's true, the RPM readout really isn't necessary. And I think it can be dangerous if it's relied more than paying attention to the bowl blank. Thanks for sharing. Happy Turning!
Very helpful!! I turned my very first bowl yesterday and I knew it was to slow but wasn’t sure how fast I could go. Thanks for the equation and the indicators to look for!
You are an excellent teacher. Now that I have started turning in earnest, I have almost 50 roughed out bowls in various stages of drying. 10 are just now ready to finish turn, so the magic will soon happen. And I thank YOU and a couple of others for the fantastic information and knowledge.
I was a skilled trade machinist for 43 years and got back into woodworking again a couple years ago. My lathe has a variable speed split pulley system which works fine. It simply has a handle and dial which shows the "approximate" rpm, which I really never look at. My years of experience running many different machine tools has taught me how to gauge the proper rpm myself by vibration, sound, sight, or feel. You are correct when you say that an rpm gauge is really not needed for proper operation, and you can get a better "feel" for the correct speed by trusting your gut.
Thank you, Bob! Thank you for writing and sharing! I think we're much better off being more attentive and trusting ourselves more often. ;) All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Great video Kent. In your demonstration it reminded me of when I was a kid and they had merry-go-rounds, if you got in the middle you might be going same speed but their wasn't as much pull. But if you hung onto the outside you didn't feel you were going as fast but the force was greater, and more fun.
Your tutorials never cease to amaze me! I have been turning for about 2 1/2 years and have never been taught that this could be the cause of a rough looking cut. I am been mentored/instructed by many woodturning professionals, who are excellent turners, but this is the first time I have been made aware of the speed being a possible cause of an uneven cut. It has been very frustrating, particularly when I know I am riding the bevel yet it isn’t smooth (and I am told it is because I am not riding the bevel properly). Thank you again!
I learned this the hard way also as many others have. The ER Doctor said he could not figure how I managed to not require facial reconstruction surgery. Bowl came apart and the largest chuck hit me square in the chin. I don't remember shutting the lathe off and going in the house. Wished I had seen this video beforehand. Great video!
Yikes! I hope you have healed ok. Glad you now have this info. Don't give up. Turning is safe if you follow the handful of rules and guidelines. All the best to you and Happy Turning!
@@TurnAWoodBowl yes all is good now but I am nervous about trying a bowl again. I am going through your videos trying to rebuild my confidence and I can say it’s definitely helping. Thank you so much for all of your helpful advice and tips. I have learned so much already and some has even helped me fine tune my use of tools for other turnings. I really appreciate you!
I need to slow down ! I started turning with spindles for lamps and candlesticks going 1500 rpms +, I definitely have been trying to turn bowls too fast. I bet my bowl quality is going to be much better. Great video, excellent information delivered in a way that is understood, Thanks for all the work put into these videos 👍
Hi Kent, thank you very much for another exceptional video. The safety issues addressed are vey useful. It also gives good rules of thumb to use as safeguards and describes problems I had faced in the past. Have a good day
This explains why I’m better at spindle turning!🤭. I’ve had the speed way too high for bowl turning and now I know why my bowls were flying off the lathe too often😬😟thanks for the great info as usual!You make such professional videos and they are crystal clear!👍
I’m so glad I found your site Kent. You are one of the most informative guys I’ve seen. A true teacher. I’m just a novice type of turner and never had any type of training on the lathe. Mostly spindle turning but an occasional bowl. I only have a little belt driven lathe but like you said common sense plays a big part. Again thank you so much for all the great information you provide.
Your videos are the best!! I've only been turning for a year, so I'm a rookie, and your instruction video's not only help be a better turner but also inspire me to keep learning more... Thank you!!
Kent, I subscribed a while ago and have learned quite a bit from your teachings. I too have watched that "famous" bowl turner who says that life at bowl turning begins at 1300 or 1600 rpm (?) and will advocate turning as fast as possible. I have always turned as fast as the lathe will not vibrate which ironically has been, according to the pulley speed illustrations on the inside of my pulley section, under 1200 rpm (I do have variable speed on my Delta Midi). I have tried to turn faster but, the as you call it, intimidation factor does set in. Thank you for supporting my desire to only turn as fast as I sensibly feel is safe. Safe turning to you.
Great Instruction. I have two Craftsman lathes. One old, one newer. Both belt driven. Slowest I can go is 875. Next speed is 1275. I now know why I am having so much trouble. Looks like I need a new lathe.
A great video Kent! I haven't taken the challenge yet.............well maybe I have and didn't know it. I am a "self taught" turner. By that I mean I have not taken a formal course in turning. I have over time decreased the speed of my bowl turnings for exactly the reasons you mention. Thanks for the info and as always I learn something every time I watch one of your videos.
I learned from your videos and started from slow and slowly build speed as the balance is perfected. The highest I have ever run my lathe on a bowl was about 800rpm on a 6" bowl. My 10-12" bowls never run faster than 650rpm. That speed allows a smooth cut and a shaving action produce a surface that is good without sanding.
Wish I had this video 5 years ago when I was first turning. I had a walnut beer mug fly off and give me a concussion lol. I did have a proper hard face shield which I believe saved my life. 1400 rpm was way to high... Not to mention I was using Cole jaws with half inch stoppers. Bad choices all around lol. But live and learn! (I should of used a jam chuck/long nose jaws and about 600-800 rpm) I have had a few concussions in my day, so I didn't sleep for 6 hours afterwards. Cheers
Great information Kent, as always. I think a lot of people forget, or don't realise that the readout is based on the spindle speed only as that's where the sensor is and not an indicator of the overall speed of the work piece. Thanks for sharing.
I believe the term for this used by most trades people is surface speed. Machinists use this a lot. It tells how fast the metal is going past the cutting tool in feet per minute or some equivalent units.
This was excellent information presented in an understandable way. Thank you. One thing I don't think you mentioned was that different chucks also have limitations on speed as well. I look forward to taking your challenge as soon as I can get back into my shop.
Great point! Yes, Cole Jaw chucks in particular should not be turned at maximum speed. Check with each manufacturer because they do recommend not to exceed certain speeds. Thanks and Happy Turning!
I'm relatively new to turning. I've been at it for about three years...started with pens, moved on to small bowls and small vases. It's therapy for me. Three hours and ankle deep in sawdust is time well spent. I love the video. My lathe doesn't have a digital read out so i kind of go by feel, vibration, and comfort level so this video is very reassuring. Do you apply the same thought in regards to sanding or is it also the blank youre turning? Thanks for the help. Ill be looking at more of your videos..can use all the help I can get.
Great video, I kind of knew some of the speed vs diameter ideas but you made it quite clearer to me how to get rid of the tear outs. I have been a woodworker a long time but just recently taken up turning. There are lots of things I still need to learn. Thanks
I just have a manually belt adjusted speed lathe and I've never messed with whatever setting it was on when I bought it. It doesn't seem very fast, but I'm not in a hurry anyhow. That being said, I try to get the blank I'm turning "trued" up as much as I can before I actually start turning it. So far that has seemed to work okay.
Liked the information. My lathe is belt driven with a step down pulley. But I'm thinking about upgrading. I would want one to make up to 16 I ch bowls.
Thanks for your information. You have given me more than any video that I have watched. I just purchased my first lathe 2 days ago. I brought it home, set it up and lo and behold, my very first piece of wood flew off and hit my garage door. The information I received before now suggest a high speed for roughing. I had it set to max. I know now after watching your video the range for different sizes of stock. and what I took from that is every piece of wood is different. My next concern is making sure I have my blanks attached securely. Is there any information you might share for that? For instance, how far should your tail stock penetrate or how much pressure? Any advise on when and which chucks and different tail stocks to use would be appreciated.
Thanks again for great advice, I’ll be taking a little while longer as I have no controller I have to change the belts it’ll take a bit longer but I’m shaw I’ll get there,so thanks again and I’ll be watching as always.
You're very welcome. Use the slowest belt rpm speed, which will give you needed torque as well. If you use relatively well balanced bowl blanks to start, you should be fine. Happy Turning!
Really great explanation. Being new to turning I was starting to be of the opinion that I should just turn as fast as I can but I can see the logic, and the 9000/bowl diameter formula is really useful. Thanks. Great video
Just the info I was in need of. Thinking of turning banjo rims and any advise you may have is appreciated. Just starting to research si you might be a goldmine of info.
Very helpful! I was given a Sears Craftsman lathe circa 1977.. It has a pair of 4 step pulleys and you have to move the belt to change speeds.. The SLOWEST speed is 875 rpm.. I haven't tried any bowls yet.. But it doesn't look like I'll be able to do anything very large.. Not safely anyway.. I do have an idea that might help out. It would involve adding an extra pulley and changing out the original belt for 2 shorter ones. There would be a jackshaft bar and pillow block bearings. The motor would have a 2 step pulley. The jackshaft bar would have 2 pulleys on it.. A 2 step to go with the motor pulley and also the 4 step pulley to go with the spindle pulley. All pulleys would be mounted inversely from it's matching pulley so that the speed would change when either belt is changed . Essentially, I would be stepping the speed down twice.. I'm hoping it will allow me to do bigger bowls.. Thoughts anyone?
Great question. Well spindle turning speeds are very fast. In general, on a fixed speed lathe you want to have the belts on the slowest setting. Also, that slower speed usually provides more torque which is great for bowl turning. Hope that helps. All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Correct, on occasion. I'd rather help everyone know the limit and turn safe. Yes, you can go a bit faster and some times smooth out a minor vibration, agreed.
Great video as always, your videos always give me a confidence boost when I am unsure of something. Do you plan on doing a video on turning an end grain bowl? The grain orientation makes it quite different and I have actually yet to do it. Hopefully soon I get the chance!
Good info! Now I have to run down to my shop and check the speed on my lathe. I'm not very good about changing the speeds since I don't have a variable speed lathe and have to move the belt for speed changes. I suspect I have it running too fast for some things. :-(
It can help, but if the fibers are weak or brittle it might not help. Use shellac to tighten the end-grain right before the final passes. Happy Turning!
You channel is so educational for a beginner so thankyou. On the subject I don't have a variable speed lathe. Your Maths say I should be turning an 8" Purple Heart blank at 1125 however I have a speed choice of 1000 or 1400. Would you suggest airing on the side of caution and running 1k? My 3rd ever bowl turn was a padauk bowl which I roughed at 700 then turned at 2k (I'd seen a video stating faster=better) but I used Carbide, however after studying your videos on bowl gouges I'm determined to get better with traditional tools
@@TurnAWoodBowl I swear by your 9k/diameter rule and then round down to the closest slower speed. Also purely through watching your channel I am using a bowl gouge every time, so thankyou!
I have a bench top lathe. I have not bolted it down. Should I? It does not seem designed to be bolted. When I start an unbalanced blank, it shakes worse than my first car. I stand well to the side and constantly reposition the lathe to where I can work. It is belt driven and I am working at the slowest speed. I only have a few tools in my shop and my band saw is not large enough to round many of the bowls I make, I have tried rounding on the table saw but, that is still not able to do everything I need. Any thoughts?
If you're turning at the slowest speed and you're still getting vibration, then you may want to fix the lathe to the bench. Try clamps or something to prevent as much vibration as possible. Also, be aware that vibration is not good and will lead to things flying. It sounds like you're ready to expand, either with a larger bandsaw, lathe, or both. ;)
Hi, like your videos a lot. I’m just starting to turn and am using carbide tools. My bowl blank’s are 4”-5” in diameter. Based on your formula of 9000/bowl diameter that would give a turning speed of 1800 to 2500 rpm. That is well above your guideline of 1000rpm. What do you recommend? Gene
Great video, one thing that happens in turning bowls and you have a blank vibrating and you increase the speed and the vibration goes down is that you were first running at a Critical Speed and when you Speed it up you go past it. All machines have a Critical Speed with a bowl blank added to the lathe it changes the Critical Speed, and if you put a heavier or lighter blank that Critical Speed will change. Thats the science of why speeding up the lathe and the vibration going down. There is a lot of information out there on the subject, I just wanted to touch on the subject because it seems strange that this actually happens and seems like something strange or mysterious is going on. That's one reason every bowl blank is different.
A friend just got a Robust lathe and he gave me his old Powermatic 3520A, which has no RPM readout. So I am starting out just as you suggest. I also have to replace the VFD, but that is another story. It might be helpful for people in a similar situation to understand that a VFD is not machine specific. One doesn't need to buy the original Powermatic VFD for a replacement. Indeed, that is an inferior VFD compared to the newer ones available today. I have seen so much handwringing abou this that is unnecessary. TMI perhaps. But definitely related to rotational speed on a lathe. 🙂
Good Morning, Kent! This was a great video. I’m wanting to start wood turning. Could you suggest a good starter lathe and tool? Thank you and have a great day!
Yes, absolutely. If you want to turn bowls, essentially any lathe that has a 6" swing or larger (that's the distance from the headstock to the lathe rails). See this article about lathes turnawoodbowl.com/wood-lathe-review-compare-select-understand-2/ The Jet 1221VS is a great lathe to start out with. And I'd recommend starting with traditional turning tools, a high-speed steel HSS 1/2" bowl gouge and a sharpening station like the Oneway Wolverine System should come first. I have two courses that will benefit you greatly - Tool Sharpening for Wood Bowl Turning and Wood Bowl Turning Start-to-Finish are both online check them out here turnawoodbowl.com/courses/ and will teach you absolutely everything you need to turn wood bowls. All the best to you! Happy Turning, Kent
Come on Kent. Be honest! You use a Hollywood production company to produce your videos don’t you? LOL. I never thought I would experience someone using a drone to demonstrate wood turning!!! Seriously, that was a great video. I do have a readout but usually only look at it to confirm my decision if a speed. That’s video was a great way to start a weekend. Thank you!
LOL, oh you have me laughing. LOL I never thought I'd find a legitimate use for my drone in a wood turning video. LOL Thanks for your kind words and a good laugh to start my morning too! All the best to you!
I have a pos import with the old non electronic variable speed the slowest rpm is 720 and I can only move the speed control handle about half way anymore and it sounds like it's going to come apart about 1000 rpm this was going to be a temporary lathe untill I retired about 2 years but became disabled 2 years before retiring so I didn't get to upgrade
Jack, it sounds like you're in the market for an upgrade. Hopefully you disability isn't too limiting. Perhaps take a look at Robust's Scout lathe. It can be adjusted to turn while you are seated. All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Hi Kent, thanks for the video. I have a lathe that is 50 yrs old, no variable, I have to balance my blanks as best as I can before they go onto the lathe. lowest setting is 850 rpm, so a 11 in bowl is turning around 40 mph and vibration is crazy until balanced. I would love a variable speed ... Any suggestions?
I know there is a way to install a "3-phase" controller. I believe that is the term. I don't do electrical stuff, but if you search around you might discover this. Talk to an electrician. Basically, the motor can be rewired so you can make your lathe have a variable speed control. Happy Turning!
I had a lathe with no variable speed, looked into changing it and increasing hp , was going to cost almost as much as a new larger lathe with all the features that I wanted
i'm inheriting a lathe from my father in law. no idea what kind of controls it has yet, so that'll be interesting. Hopefully it has a variable speed control, or can be retrofitted to have one
The lowest speed on my belt driven lathe is 900rpm (I think) in my situation that I am basically excluded from turning certain sizes and styles of bowls?
Thanks for all the info here. I've watched tons of "how to turn this that or something else". This is the first that's taught me the how and why.
Glad it was helpful, Greg! Yeah, I'm a big believer in knowing why you are doing something. Being told, "just do it THIS way" isn't so fun. LOL All the best to you and Happy Turning! Kent
One of the best instructional demonstrations ever! A must watch for any woodturner.
Thank you kindly, Peter! All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Sure wish I would have had this great insight 11 years ago when I started. Thanks Kent
No worries, we all take time to learn! It's all good Happy Turning!
You have the best videos on the net! Your examples and discussion of the difference in spindle vs. bowl diameter have good variety for folks who "get it" differently. For me, a math/physics trained engineer, I think in tangential velocity so your comment about 11 MPH vs. 60 MPH tangential speed is how I get it. That's the speed the tool sees when cutting or scraping which, after safety, is what I see as important and your demonstration of the bowl gouge on a slow turning push cut really brought that out!
Well explained Jim. Thank you, and Happy Turning!
Very helpful video really getting down to the science and safety aspect of wood turning.
Thanks, Alan. Yes, I feel it's pretty important to understand the why as opposed to someone just saying "don't turn too fast." All the best to you and Happy Turning!
8:30 am.....I have to admit I'm just getting started in this craft and you seem to have a video about every question I seem to have....Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge
My pleasure, Andy! Yes, I too had all these questions. ;) Enjoy and Happy Turning!
This is great information. I will start using this guide for my speed. Thank you so very much
My pleasure, Frank. Happy Turning!
I'm no pro, but I've produced several pretty nice bowls with a fairly wide range of woods. I learned the basics by watching TH-cam videos. I don't recall any of my "heroes" dwelling on RPMs. It was pretty much "if things start to feel a little sketchy, just slow it down a notch". So, for me, the RPM readout was pretty much irrelevant. Later on I watched some of those speed demons turning out nice stuff and decided to try it out. Screaming speed turning is definitely not for me. I could do it, but it took out the relaxing, satisfying feeling I get from turning. So, yeah... my RPM indicator isn't something I pay much attention to. Cheers! :-)
Right on. Happy Turning!
Thanks for the information. How about a video on sanding speeds. There seems to be different schools of thought in that regard.
Great suggestion! Typically sanding speeds are much slower than turning speeds. Happy Turning!
L'o
Great video, Kent. It all made perfect sense. An idea ... for your outside demo of walking around the pole, you should have two people go around the pole at the same time so it would demonstrate that, while the person neat the pole only walks around the pole, the one 10 steps away would be running at a quick clip to keep up - would give a true visual of what you were explaining.
Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Great idea. Thanks and Happy Turning!
Just prior to this video i had a bowl leave the chuck at full speed. It hovered for a nano second like a gyroscope then shot out of the garage under two vehicles across the side yard and stopped at the neighbors fence. I now have the belts set to a max of 900rpms with an after market speed control that will slow it right down to nothing. Thank you for helping me not kill myself.
Oh Wow! I'm so glad you are ok. That speed controller will do the trick and now that you know what to do, I hope that doesn't happen again. Happy Turning!
Thanks. It's nice to hear explanations as to why rules we all just learned by experiencing the wrong way of doing things apply... LOL.
My mentor who was from Denmark would show me the correct way then said, you'll understand the wrong ways soon enough. Little mistakes become big problems.
A lot of my lathe work back then was in process to Pewter spinning prototypes for designers who drew renderings that they wanted made in pewter to sell to the manufacturers.
Now, sense retirement came, wood turning is just for fun.
👍👍👍🍻
Excellent. Turning pewter must have been fun. No drying and reshaping of a final turning. ;) I like the quote "little mistakes become big problems." Thanks and Happy Turning!
Next level effort using a drone for that overhead shot! You're a great teacher, thank you!
Thank you. Glad you liked that. ;) Happy Turning!
Thanks for sharing enjoyed your teaching. Great job on expanding the correct speed.
Thank you, D. Happy Turning! Kent
Great advice as always
Regards
Steve UK London
Thanks Kent, I really appreciate seeing your video on safe speeds, you deliver the message really well and with a lot of passion. I haven't made a single bowl, or anything for that matter, on a lathe, since high school :), but hopefully I will now that I am in retirement! I built a home made varibale speed lathe, but safety is the first rule of order, and you are starting me and others on a the right path regarding that most important rule. Thanks again. John P. P.S. That picture is my wife. She looks better than me:))
Your videos are the best, informative, well produced and most of all educational. Great job Ken!
Thank you so much! Happy Turning!
Congratulations, Kent - I wouldn’t have thought it even possible to record an interesting 30 minute explanation of lathe speeds (where the answer, after all, is “get the speed just right”) was possible, but you did it. Really helpful and memorable. You’ve a real talent for this stuff (that sounds much more patronising than I mean, sorry, but it’s a rare gift!) and I thank you for it. Best from the UK. Hugh
Thank you! Not patronizing at all. I appreciate your kindness! Happy Turning!
OMG,,best video on speed I’ve seen,, thanks for sharing
Wow, thanks! Much appreciated. Happy Turning!
I really appreciate the enthusiasm and effort that you put into teaching us the skills and safe operation of bowl turning. My first experience with wood turning was 44 yrs ago in middle school. Until recently when I lost my job I hadn't been able to do any turning and I had forgotten everything that I had learned. It is awesome to watch your videos and learn all over again from what I know and see you are looking out for us and our safety as well as teaching us the skills to become a successful wood bowl turner.
Again thanks sincerely
Steve Y. From New Mexico
Thank you for writing and sharing your sincerity! Yes, I want you to be safe and get the most out of wood bowl turning! All the best to you! Happy Turning!
Dad was a wood shop teacher. He taught me the lathe when I was little around 11. He taught me about too much speed and turning a bowl. This was a very good review as I'm going to start turning again.
It's a different lathe than what was in the garage. With the old lathe we had to stand on a rubber mat or we would get a little shock. My new lathe is grounded and has a variable speed control. It'll be fun getting back to what dad and I did years ago
That is awesome! Wow, "a little shock!" LOL That'll keep you on your toes! ;) Happy Turning!
Kent I took your challenge when I bought my dream lathe. It wasn’t by choice though. You see I bought myself a Robust American Beauty and even though I asked Brent and Deb English when I was going over my build if I could get a speed readout they said one was not available. Brent assured me I wouldn’t find it necessary. To my surprise, I don’t. Thanks for the tips. Stay safe and well to keep the videos coming. Cheers, Tom
Thomas, yes it's true, the RPM readout really isn't necessary. And I think it can be dangerous if it's relied more than paying attention to the bowl blank. Thanks for sharing. Happy Turning!
Very helpful!! I turned my very first bowl yesterday and I knew it was to slow but wasn’t sure how fast I could go. Thanks for the equation and the indicators to look for!
You are so welcome! Happy Turning!
Another great video as a reminder for safe turning speeds. Thanks, Kent!!!👍
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You're so welcome! Happy Turning!
Excellent tutorial for a very new guy in lathe work. Looking forward to the next video. Thank You.
Thanks enjoyed the video
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks. Happy Turning!
You are an excellent teacher.
Now that I have started turning in earnest, I have almost 50 roughed out bowls in various stages of drying. 10 are just now ready to finish turn, so the magic will soon happen.
And I thank YOU and a couple of others for the fantastic information and knowledge.
Wonderful! You are very welcome. Thank you for your kind words. Happy Turning!
You are an outstanding teacher. I always learn a great deal from your videos.
Happy to hear that! Thank you and Happy Turning!
I was a skilled trade machinist for 43 years and got back into woodworking again a couple years ago. My lathe has a variable speed split pulley system which works fine. It simply has a handle and dial which shows the "approximate" rpm, which I really never look at. My years of experience running many different machine tools has taught me how to gauge the proper rpm myself by vibration, sound, sight, or feel. You are correct when you say that an rpm gauge is really not needed for proper operation, and you can get a better "feel" for the correct speed by trusting your gut.
Thank you, Bob! Thank you for writing and sharing! I think we're much better off being more attentive and trusting ourselves more often. ;) All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Thanks Kent your Videos or on the money, this will really help me..Ron
Glad to hear it Happy Turning!
Great video Kent. In your demonstration it reminded me of when I was a kid and they had merry-go-rounds, if you got in the middle you might be going same speed but their wasn't as much pull. But if you hung onto the outside you didn't feel you were going as fast but the force was greater, and more fun.
Thanks for sharing. Excellent point. Remember how "death defying" it was to hang on the outside bars? LOL Happy Turning!
Your tutorials never cease to amaze me! I have been turning for about 2 1/2 years and have never been taught that this could be the cause of a rough looking cut. I am been mentored/instructed by many woodturning professionals, who are excellent turners, but this is the first time I have been made aware of the speed being a possible cause of an uneven cut. It has been very frustrating, particularly when I know I am riding the bevel yet it isn’t smooth (and I am told it is because I am not riding the bevel properly). Thank you again!
Glad this helped. I have another video coming soon about tool marks. Stay tuned. Happy Turning!
Thanks Kent,another great video.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks and Happy Turning!
Good video, Kent!
Glad you enjoyed it thank you!
I learned this the hard way also as many others have. The ER Doctor said he could not figure how I managed to not require facial reconstruction surgery. Bowl came apart and the largest chuck hit me square in the chin. I don't remember shutting the lathe off and going in the house. Wished I had seen this video beforehand. Great video!
Yikes! I hope you have healed ok. Glad you now have this info. Don't give up. Turning is safe if you follow the handful of rules and guidelines. All the best to you and Happy Turning!
@@TurnAWoodBowl yes all is good now but I am nervous about trying a bowl again. I am going through your videos trying to rebuild my confidence and I can say it’s definitely helping. Thank you so much for all of your helpful advice and tips. I have learned so much already and some has even helped me fine tune my use of tools for other turnings. I really appreciate you!
Great info and explanation. I've got a better understanding of the role speed plays in turning bowls
Glad it was helpful! Happy Turning!
I need to slow down ! I started turning with spindles for lamps and candlesticks going 1500 rpms +, I definitely have been trying to turn bowls too fast. I bet my bowl quality is going to be much better. Great video, excellent information delivered in a way that is understood, Thanks for all the work put into these videos 👍
Glad to help Brian. Yes, and you'll avoid some potentially serious incidents too. All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Hi Kent, thank you very much for another exceptional video. The safety issues addressed are vey useful. It also gives good rules of thumb to use as safeguards and describes problems I had faced in the past. Have a good day
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you and Happy Turning!
This explains why I’m better at spindle turning!🤭. I’ve had the speed way too high for bowl turning and now I know why my bowls were flying off the lathe too often😬😟thanks for the great info as usual!You make such professional videos and they are crystal clear!👍
Happy to help! Happy Turning!
I’m so glad I found your site Kent. You are one of the most informative guys I’ve seen. A true teacher. I’m just a novice type of turner and never had any type of training on the lathe. Mostly spindle turning but an occasional bowl. I only have a little belt driven lathe but like you said common sense plays a big part. Again thank you so much for all the great information you provide.
Thanks for being so kind! All the best to you. Happy Turning!
Your videos are the best!!
I've only been turning for a year, so I'm a rookie, and your instruction video's not only help be a better turner but also inspire me to keep learning more... Thank you!!
I only use the rpm readout as a reference, not a guide.
Awesome, Rock on! Thanks for sharing and Happy Turning!
Thanks Kent, good things to know.
You are very welcome William. Happy Turning!
Kent, I subscribed a while ago and have learned quite a bit from your teachings. I too have watched that "famous" bowl turner who says that life at bowl turning begins at 1300 or 1600 rpm (?) and will advocate turning as fast as possible. I have always turned as fast as the lathe will not vibrate which ironically has been, according to the pulley speed illustrations on the inside of my pulley section, under 1200 rpm (I do have variable speed on my Delta Midi). I have tried to turn faster but, the as you call it, intimidation factor does set in.
Thank you for supporting my desire to only turn as fast as I sensibly feel is safe.
Safe turning to you.
I hear ya! Be safe and Happy Turning!
Another fantastic help for us turners in training!
Thank you! Great to hear! Happy Turning!
Great Instruction. I have two Craftsman lathes. One old, one newer. Both belt driven. Slowest I can go is 875. Next speed is 1275. I now know why I am having so much trouble. Looks like I need a new lathe.
Glad it helped, be safe and figure out a way to get those speeds down. Happy Turning!
Good job young man!!
Thank you! Happy Turning!
Great information. Too fast means your tools dull faster. Thanks again for the great information.
Very true! Thanks and Happy Turning!
A great video Kent! I haven't taken the challenge yet.............well maybe I have and didn't know it. I am a "self taught" turner. By that I mean I have not taken a formal course in turning. I have over time decreased the speed of my bowl turnings for exactly the reasons you mention. Thanks for the info and as always I learn something every time I watch one of your videos.
Awesome, Thanks for watching! Happy Turning!
I learned from your videos and started from slow and slowly build speed as the balance is perfected. The highest I have ever run my lathe on a bowl was about 800rpm on a 6" bowl. My 10-12" bowls never run faster than 650rpm. That speed allows a smooth cut and a shaving action produce a surface that is good without sanding.
Thanks Kent. I’ve been too dependent on my digital readout and will try out your challenge.
Excellent, Dan! All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Great video, full of great info. Thanks so much
Glad you enjoyed it! Happy Turning!
Excellent video. Merci !
Thank you, Lawrence!
Wish I had this video 5 years ago when I was first turning. I had a walnut beer mug fly off and give me a concussion lol. I did have a proper hard face shield which I believe saved my life. 1400 rpm was way to high... Not to mention I was using Cole jaws with half inch stoppers. Bad choices all around lol. But live and learn! (I should of used a jam chuck/long nose jaws and about 600-800 rpm) I have had a few concussions in my day, so I didn't sleep for 6 hours afterwards. Cheers
Sorry to hear that. Concussions are a painful way to learn, but they work…usually. ;) Be safe and Happy Turning!
@@TurnAWoodBowl yes sir, and will do. Getting a new set of chisels ordered today 😁 I'm like a kid on Christmas haha
Great information Kent, as always. I think a lot of people forget, or don't realise that the readout is based on the spindle speed only as that's where the sensor is and not an indicator of the overall speed of the work piece. Thanks for sharing.
Great point. Thanks and Happy Turning!
I believe the term for this used by most trades people is surface speed. Machinists use this a lot. It tells how fast the metal is going past the cutting tool in feet per minute or some equivalent units.
Great information. Like the emphasis on safety 👌. No reason for a person to get hurt doing something they love.
Exactly! Happy Turning!
This was excellent information presented in an understandable way. Thank you. One thing I don't think you mentioned was that different chucks also have limitations on speed as well. I look forward to taking your challenge as soon as I can get back into my shop.
Great point! Yes, Cole Jaw chucks in particular should not be turned at maximum speed. Check with each manufacturer because they do recommend not to exceed certain speeds. Thanks and Happy Turning!
THANKSGIVING
Happy Turning!
@@TurnAWoodBowl would love to but the Berryessa fire took all my tools, this is the longest i’ve been away from wood it drives me nuts.
I'm relatively new to turning. I've been at it for about three years...started with pens, moved on to small bowls and small vases. It's therapy for me. Three hours and ankle deep in sawdust is time well spent. I love the video. My lathe doesn't have a digital read out so i kind of go by feel, vibration, and comfort level so this video is very reassuring. Do you apply the same thought in regards to sanding or is it also the blank youre turning? Thanks for the help. Ill be looking at more of your videos..can use all the help I can get.
Thank you, and yes, I do have a video on sanding. Check it out. Happy Turning!
Great video, I kind of knew some of the speed vs diameter ideas but you made it quite clearer to me how to get rid of the tear outs. I have been a woodworker a long time but just recently taken up turning. There are lots of things I still need to learn. Thanks
Hey Mack, fantastic. Yes, I think we all intuitively know when the speed is "right" and when it's not. We'll all learning together. Happy Turning!
I just have a manually belt adjusted speed lathe and I've never messed with whatever setting it was on when I bought it. It doesn't seem very fast, but I'm not in a hurry anyhow. That being said, I try to get the blank I'm turning "trued" up as much as I can before I actually start turning it. So far that has seemed to work okay.
Great explanation. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure! Thank you!
thank you, very helpful
You're welcome! Happy Turning!
Very informative i have learnt a lot from this vid Thanks.
Glad to hear it! Thanks and Happy Turning!
Very useful and well demonstrated video.
Great advice, thanks
Liked the information. My lathe is belt driven with a step down pulley. But I'm thinking about upgrading. I would want one to make up to 16 I ch bowls.
Thanks for your information. You have given me more than any video that I have watched. I just purchased my first lathe 2 days ago. I brought it home, set it up and lo and behold, my very first piece of wood flew off and hit my garage door. The information I received before now suggest a high speed for roughing. I had it set to max. I know now after watching your video the range for different sizes of stock. and what I took from that is every piece of wood is different. My next concern is making sure I have my blanks attached securely. Is there any information you might share for that? For instance, how far should your tail stock penetrate or how much pressure? Any advise on when and which chucks and different tail stocks to use would be appreciated.
Great info Kent - I seem to be on the "Other" turners road of faster RPM so will be going slower in future 🤣🤣
Glad you liked this, Gavin. Yes, be careful with the speed. Happy Turning!
Thanks again for great advice, I’ll be taking a little while longer as I have no controller I have to change the belts it’ll take a bit longer but I’m shaw I’ll get there,so thanks again and I’ll be watching as always.
You're very welcome. Use the slowest belt rpm speed, which will give you needed torque as well. If you use relatively well balanced bowl blanks to start, you should be fine. Happy Turning!
Really great explanation. Being new to turning I was starting to be of the opinion that I should just turn as fast as I can but I can see the logic, and the 9000/bowl diameter formula is really useful. Thanks. Great video
Glad it was helpful! With bowls you don't want to go that fast for safety sake. Happy Turning!
Great information, thank you,
Glad it was helpful! Happy Turning!
Just the info I was in need of. Thinking of turning banjo rims and any advise you may have is appreciated. Just starting to research si you might be a goldmine of info.
Nice explanation , 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you! 😃
Very helpful! I was given a Sears Craftsman lathe circa 1977.. It has a pair of 4 step pulleys and you have to move the belt to change speeds.. The SLOWEST speed is 875 rpm.. I haven't tried any bowls yet.. But it doesn't look like I'll be able to do anything very large.. Not safely anyway.. I do have an idea that might help out. It would involve adding an extra pulley and changing out the original belt for 2 shorter ones. There would be a jackshaft bar and pillow block bearings. The motor would have a 2 step pulley. The jackshaft bar would have 2 pulleys on it.. A 2 step to go with the motor pulley and also the 4 step pulley to go with the spindle pulley. All pulleys would be mounted inversely from it's matching pulley so that the speed would change when either belt is changed . Essentially, I would be stepping the speed down twice.. I'm hoping it will allow me to do bigger bowls.. Thoughts anyone?
A great video, but how do I compare your variable speed number 1, 2 3 etc, to RPM for those of us that have a lathe with fixed belt RPMs?
Great question. Well spindle turning speeds are very fast. In general, on a fixed speed lathe you want to have the belts on the slowest setting. Also, that slower speed usually provides more torque which is great for bowl turning. Hope that helps. All the best to you and Happy Turning!
You should talk about harmonic balancing. You can turn the speed up past the shake. When you want a clean cut, Speed is your friend.
Correct, on occasion. I'd rather help everyone know the limit and turn safe. Yes, you can go a bit faster and some times smooth out a minor vibration, agreed.
That would be an intermediate/advanced video lol. This would of been perfect for me when I was first starting out.
very nice one! i killed my lathe yesterday with the project that i upload to youtube tomorrow... need to find a new better one!
Good luck. Check out my lathe review on www.turnawoodbowl.com
Very informative!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video as always, your videos always give me a confidence boost when I am unsure of something. Do you plan on doing a video on turning an end grain bowl? The grain orientation makes it quite different and I have actually yet to do it. Hopefully soon I get the chance!
Thanks, Pete! I may do an end-grain video at some point. Stay tuned.
Good info! Now I have to run down to my shop and check the speed on my lathe. I'm not very good about changing the speeds since I don't have a variable speed lathe and have to move the belt for speed changes. I suspect I have it running too fast for some things. :-(
Great. I'm glad you'll know now. All the best to you and Happy Turning!
In spindle turning will a higher speed assist in less tear out. working with pecan making rolling pin.
It can help, but if the fibers are weak or brittle it might not help. Use shellac to tighten the end-grain right before the final passes. Happy Turning!
Well done. Very appropriate
I wish I'd found you earlier Kent! Now I see how many bad habits I have!
It's all good. Thank you! Happy Turning!
yes i like lathe i can do what i want out of wood😍😍😍😍
Right on!
You channel is so educational for a beginner so thankyou. On the subject I don't have a variable speed lathe. Your Maths say I should be turning an 8" Purple Heart blank at 1125 however I have a speed choice of 1000 or 1400. Would you suggest airing on the side of caution and running 1k?
My 3rd ever bowl turn was a padauk bowl which I roughed at 700 then turned at 2k (I'd seen a video stating faster=better) but I used Carbide, however after studying your videos on bowl gouges I'm determined to get better with traditional tools
Stu,
Faster, with bowls is NOT better, but more dangerous. Try to not exceed 1,000 rpm.
@@TurnAWoodBowl I swear by your 9k/diameter rule and then round down to the closest slower speed. Also purely through watching your channel I am using a bowl gouge every time, so thankyou!
Great video! How do you think about speed when it comes to scraping?
Thanks and a good question. The speed setting should be about the same whether you use traditional tools or scrapers.
Good video Kent! Does the "rule of thumb" formula for spindle rpm apply to glued up laminated or segmented bowl blanks too? Thank you!
Yes it does, more so. Actually I'd turn them at a slightly slower speed, just fast enough to make a clean cut. Happy Turning!
Very interesting lesson about the turning speed. Is this also applicable for sanding speed. Thanks for your response thanks.
Yes, absolutely Thanks!
I have a bench top lathe. I have not bolted it down. Should I? It does not seem designed to be bolted. When I start an unbalanced blank, it shakes worse than my first car. I stand well to the side and constantly reposition the lathe to where I can work. It is belt driven and I am working at the slowest speed. I only have a few tools in my shop and my band saw is not large enough to round many of the bowls I make, I have tried rounding on the table saw but, that is still not able to do everything I need. Any thoughts?
If you're turning at the slowest speed and you're still getting vibration, then you may want to fix the lathe to the bench. Try clamps or something to prevent as much vibration as possible. Also, be aware that vibration is not good and will lead to things flying. It sounds like you're ready to expand, either with a larger bandsaw, lathe, or both. ;)
You have just explained what speed is all about. Your the Man. Brilliant
Thanks. LOL I appreciate that! Happy Turning!
Thanks for the info.
You bet!
Hi, like your videos a lot. I’m just starting to turn and am using carbide tools. My bowl blank’s are 4”-5” in diameter. Based on your formula of 9000/bowl diameter that would give a turning speed of 1800 to 2500 rpm. That is well above your guideline of 1000rpm. What do you recommend? Gene
Hey, Gene. I'd keep the pieces under 1000rpm or lower than any unnecessary vibrations. Happy Turning!
Great video, one thing that happens in turning bowls and you have a blank vibrating and you increase the speed and the vibration goes down is that you were first running at a Critical Speed and when you Speed it up you go past it. All machines have a Critical Speed with a bowl blank added to the lathe it changes the Critical Speed, and if you put a heavier or lighter blank that Critical Speed will change. Thats the science of why speeding up the lathe and the vibration going down. There is a lot of information out there on the subject, I just wanted to touch on the subject because it seems strange that this actually happens and seems like something strange or mysterious is going on. That's one reason every bowl blank is different.
A friend just got a Robust lathe and he gave me his old Powermatic 3520A, which has no RPM readout. So I am starting out just as you suggest. I also have to replace the VFD, but that is another story. It might be helpful for people in a similar situation to understand that a VFD is not machine specific. One doesn't need to buy the original Powermatic VFD for a replacement. Indeed, that is an inferior VFD compared to the newer ones available today. I have seen so much handwringing abou this that is unnecessary. TMI perhaps. But definitely related to rotational speed on a lathe. 🙂
Good Morning, Kent! This was a great video. I’m wanting to start wood turning. Could you suggest a good starter lathe and tool? Thank you and have a great day!
Yes, absolutely. If you want to turn bowls, essentially any lathe that has a 6" swing or larger (that's the distance from the headstock to the lathe rails). See this article about lathes turnawoodbowl.com/wood-lathe-review-compare-select-understand-2/ The Jet 1221VS is a great lathe to start out with. And I'd recommend starting with traditional turning tools, a high-speed steel HSS 1/2" bowl gouge and a sharpening station like the Oneway Wolverine System should come first. I have two courses that will benefit you greatly - Tool Sharpening for Wood Bowl Turning and Wood Bowl Turning Start-to-Finish are both online check them out here turnawoodbowl.com/courses/ and will teach you absolutely everything you need to turn wood bowls.
All the best to you!
Happy Turning,
Kent
@@TurnAWoodBowl Thank you so much for the information. Have a great day and I’m looking forward to your next video.
Come on Kent. Be honest! You use a Hollywood production company to produce your videos don’t you? LOL. I never thought I would experience someone using a drone to demonstrate wood turning!!!
Seriously, that was a great video. I do have a readout but usually only look at it to confirm my decision if a speed.
That’s video was a great way to start a weekend. Thank you!
LOL, oh you have me laughing. LOL I never thought I'd find a legitimate use for my drone in a wood turning video. LOL Thanks for your kind words and a good laugh to start my morning too! All the best to you!
I have a pos import with the old non electronic variable speed the slowest rpm is 720 and I can only move the speed control handle about half way anymore and it sounds like it's going to come apart about 1000 rpm this was going to be a temporary lathe untill I retired about 2 years but became disabled 2 years before retiring so I didn't get to upgrade
Jack, it sounds like you're in the market for an upgrade. Hopefully you disability isn't too limiting. Perhaps take a look at Robust's Scout lathe. It can be adjusted to turn while you are seated. All the best to you and Happy Turning!
Hi Kent, thanks for the video. I have a lathe that is 50 yrs old, no variable, I have to balance my blanks as best as I can before they go onto the lathe. lowest setting is 850 rpm, so a 11 in bowl is turning around 40 mph and vibration is crazy until balanced. I would love a variable speed ... Any suggestions?
I know there is a way to install a "3-phase" controller. I believe that is the term. I don't do electrical stuff, but if you search around you might discover this. Talk to an electrician. Basically, the motor can be rewired so you can make your lathe have a variable speed control. Happy Turning!
I had a lathe with no variable speed, looked into changing it and increasing hp , was going to cost almost as much as a new larger lathe with all the features that I wanted
i'm inheriting a lathe from my father in law. no idea what kind of controls it has yet, so that'll be interesting. Hopefully it has a variable speed control, or can be retrofitted to have one
Best of luck and enjoy! Happy Turning!
The lowest speed on my belt driven lathe is 900rpm (I think) in my situation that I am basically excluded from turning certain sizes and styles of bowls?
You'll want to stick with well balanced blanks under 10". Happy Turning!