Thread: Does Speed Matter?

any heat should be removed with the chip. if you are generating heat that is staying with the piece you are dragging to much and not cutting enough. Chatter or the rough road problem can be cleaned up both by turning up or down the speed it just depends on the case. I have turned 5" bowls at 2600 for years without incident. the chip clears the tool better with a higher speed.

Hi All,
I've had a bit of a think about this Speed thing.
So when I started Turning, My Motor did 1425 RPM., & that is how I learnt to Turn.
I wood find some 3 x 3 x 24 in. Pine, & I made a Pedestal Centre, on my Home Made Lathe, & Drive Dog Attached to the Motor Shaft, facing down the bed.
Then to Today I turn almost all my Work on 3000 RPM. Have never had a Problem, as I use 35 - 45 - 100mm & my Pinocchio Jaws on my older 4 Black Nova Chucks. If I have to Turn a Bowl I use Spigot Compression.

Of Course most of my work is Small, being Spinning Tops, String Pull Tops, Tippee Tops, Scarf Pins. Knitting Nancys, Drop Spindles, Needle Holders, Dibbers, & Pens, etc. Most times I don't use my Tailstock, as I have the Confidence to do what I do.

It is Called " Horses For Courses ".

I don't use Blackwood, as it gets to me, & burns at 3000 RPM, when Sanding.
So Speed to me doesn't matter, & I find that I Turn a lot better on Speed, even when I Rough down with 1 of my Skews, & I also Sand , Finish & Cut Off with a Small Skew of 12 x 3mm on 3000 RPM.
I always get a very good Finish.

Hello Brendan,
My mentor, John Ewart, says turn at the safest fastest speed. If it vibrates back it off. Also apply the common sense test for wood specie and size of piece - particularly large burls. Slower early until you get it into balance. This approach has been fundamental to my turnings and safe. And in any event make sure you are at the side of the lathe when you kick it off. Regards, John M.