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Dovetails ?
30th June 2005, 09:06 PM
Does anyone have any experience or knowlege in turning spirals ? Please let me know if you do ?

Brendan

Tornatus
30th June 2005, 09:53 PM
I think you'd have to be a bit twisted to want to try that ....

powderpost
30th June 2005, 11:11 PM
Spirals can be done on a router lathe, or on a barley twist machine, a very specialised operation. They can be done manually on a lathe but it requires a bit of setting out and a fair bit of hand work. A saw is used to cut the spirals and bench chisel or carving chisels are used to form the spiral. I have done a few candle sticks and table lamps. The process is time consuming but I find it satisfying.
Jim

QldWoodie
1st July 2005, 12:47 AM
Check out this site

http://www.legacywoodworking.com/

This is an impressive machine (costs $'000s), but if it is only spirals you want then (in the USA at least) there are several cheap (less than $200 methinks) router/lathe-type devices, or you could make one yourself.

Qw

Simon-UK
1st July 2005, 03:54 AM
If you want Grade A spiral work have a look at this taster:

http://www.grateley.freeserve.co.uk/sm0018s.jpg (http://www.grateley.freeserve.co.uk/sm0018l.jpg)

There is a chap here in the UK that is known internationally for his spiral work (this photo is from his site).

This is the link:
http://www.stuartmortimer.com/

Perhaps this will give some inspiration. He uses nothing but careful marking out, a arbortech cutter and files / abrasives.

Wonderful work!

Simon.

Wallace
1st July 2005, 08:57 AM
Hi Brendan
It occurs to me that Patrick Speilmann in his book 'Router jigs' (I think that is the title) has drawings and details for a jig to carry a router which operates in conjunction with a lathe.

I have not used it and have no idea of set up time.

I have the book at home in Oz but being in Scotland at present I am a bit vague on the title.


Hope this helps

all the best


Wallace

dan_tom
1st July 2005, 10:30 AM
I met a fellow at the Working with Wood show in Brisbane, by the name of David Laird. He was demonstrating spirals and twists on his lathe, using rosewood. His number is 02 47516883 of you want to give him a call, he is based in Springwood NSW I believe.

I purchased a magnificent spiral twisted walking stick from him.

Cheers
Dan

JackoH
1st July 2005, 12:48 PM
The English Company "Trend" make a router lathe. MIK Int distribute it. Timbecon have a similiar machine sold under the "Sherwood" label.

Mulgabill
1st July 2005, 07:23 PM
I think this is what JackoH was referring to;
http://www.timbecon.com.au/productsearch/default.aspx?txtSearchBox=router+lathe

La truciolara
2nd July 2005, 02:29 AM
There is a chap here in the UK that is known internationally for his spiral work
This is the link:
http://www.stuartmortimer.com/

Wonderful work!
Simon.
Stuart is a real master, and in addition to "wonderful work" I would like to add "Wonderful person" keen to help you learn how to do the same things he does.
He wrote the best avalaible book on spiral turning.
Sure it takes ages to arrive at the same level ... but very fast you can do simpler works which are still beautiful

Jon
7th July 2005, 02:14 PM
I cut spirals all the time, mainly when trying to cut a bead :o

my aim is not to cut them

Jon

martink
7th July 2005, 04:26 PM
There is also a Trend router lathe that looks like it might do what you are after. Mik stock it in Australia

http://www.mik.com.au/layout/productDetail.asp?productID=857 (http://www.mik.com.au/layout/productDetail.asp?productID=857)

Have never used it myself so I'd be googling for reviews first as it' snot that cheap:)

Martin.