Thread: B'day present for a mate.

Nice box, Jamie, I like the insert in the top.

You can hollow goblets by spindle turning; I have to admit it's a PITA but it's a good technique to master because for really tall goblets a chuck just won't hold the blank safely... and you have to use the tailstock!

You do need a tail-spur that will let you get good access, but apart from that it's simply a case of hollowing it out while leaving a core for support, sanding and finishing as you go. Then you "nibble away" the base of the core in stages, again cleaning, sanding & finishing the bottom as you go. It's best to get it as good as you can before you finally seperate the core completely, because cleaning end-grain at the bottom of a deep hole is... awkward to say the least, once it's off the lathe there's no remounting it.

Hopefully the pic'll make it clearer... hollow out to get the black form, sand & finish. Then cut away the dark grey area and again, sand & finish. Finally, cut away the light grey area until the core drops out. Really, you should do it in more steps than this but for the sake of simplicity and 'cos I'm a lazy artist...

Thanks Skew

I had a fealing I could do that, but just wasn't comfortable enough to do it. I will next time though.

I thought I would try using a face plate and use long screw's to act like a chuck but the thing spun out and hit me in the face. What a twit I know you dont have to preach. No damage to me or the lathe though just a small cut to the chin. I was stupid to even try it. It only let go because the tool grabed. I put it down to learning.

Thanks again for the advice.

For a short or "squat" goblet, say under 8" long and about 1/3 the length round, a faceplate will work just as well as a chuck. Use long screws though and make sure that you allow enough for the offcut. Nothing blunts tools like accidentally hitting metal. Believe me, a bad catch can toss the blank out of a chuck just as quickly! :eek:

That's why I said a tailstock is needed for long goblets. It's all a learning thing; just be careful, keep your tools sharp and take your time. You'll be surprised at what you can do with more practise and after you get over the "scare factor" it's fun.