This guide supports your preparation for:
- L1 Induction – Spindle Turning
- Sharpening Assessment – Wheel Sharpening
- L2 Induction – Faceplate Turning
It covers safety practices, mounting methods, tool use, techniques, and understanding different types of wood.
Learning Resources
Recommended Book
A copy of Woodturning: A Foundation Course by Keith Rowley is available in the lathe area. It’s an excellent reference for techniques, tool use, and safe practice. Review the laws of turning
Lathe Specifications
Details: TYME AVON Lathe Info
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | TYME AVON Lathe |
| Headstock Thread | 25mm diameter, 2mm pitch |
| Tailstock | 2 Morse taper |
| Motor | ¾ Horsepower |
| Speeds | 470, 750, 1150, 2000 RPM |
| Max Diameter (over bed) | 275mm (11") |
| Max Diameter (over rest) | 200mm (8") |
| Max Length (between centres) | 580mm (23") |
Safety & Treatment Tips
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Eye protection (compulsory)
- Face shield (recommended)
- Dust mask (especially when sanding)
- Closed-toe footwear
Before Turning
- Tie back long hair; remove jewellery, scarves, gloves
- Inspect lathe and tools for damage
- Check wood blank: seasoned, no cracks/knots/metal, within size limits
- Mount workpiece securely
- Set appropriate speed
- Clear area of slip or trip hazards
During Turning
- Use dust extraction system
- Stand aside when starting the lathe
- Hold tools firmly, contact tool rest
- Never reach over spinning work
- Never adjust tool rest while spinning
- Use scrapers in trailing mode only
- Stop if anything sounds or feels wrong
- Keep hands/fingers away from moving parts
- Use sharp tools to reduce friction and prevent fumes
Sanding & Finishing
- Always wear a respirator when sanding
- Sand below the workpiece (approximately 300–500 RPM)
- Use light pressure, avoid heat build-up
- Progress: 120 → 150 → 180 → 220 → 320 → 400 grit
- Choose suitable finishes: friction polish, oils, lacquers
After Turning
- Turn off lathe
- Clean lathe, tools and area
- Brush down bed
- Return tools to storage
Level 1 – Spindle Turning
Spindle turning mounts the blank between centres. The grain runs parallel to the bed.
Used For:
- Table legs
- Spindles
- Tool handles
L1 Requirements
- Review this part of the guide
- Score 100% in the L1 Quiz
Know Your Lathe
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Headstock | Drives the spindle |
| Spindle | Holds chucks or drive centres |
| Tailstock | Supports work at opposite end |
| Tool Rest | Supports tools during cuts |
| Lathe Bed | Guides movable parts |
| Banjo | Base for tool rest |
| Motor & Control | Controls lathe speed |
Speed Guide
| Task | RPM |
|---|---|
| Roughing | ~470 |
| Between Centres | 750–2000 |
| Faceplate | 470–1150 |
| Sanding | 300–500 |
| Finishing | 300–500 |
 Rule of thumb: Start slow and increase once balanced. |
Tools Approved at L1
| Tool | Use | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Square Carbide | Flattening | Flat, horizontal/low |
| Round Carbide | Curves | Handle slightly low |
| Diamond Carbide | Details | Flat or lightly angled |
| Roughing Gouge | Square to round | Flute up, tool low |
Restricted (until sharpening assessment): parting tool, skew chisel, spindle/bowl gouges
Approved Woods
Beginner-Friendly
| Wood | Traits |
|---|---|
| Maple | Smooth, clean cuts |
| Cherry | Darkens nicely, stable |
| Walnut | Dense, elegant finish |
| Ash | Open grain, easy turning |
| Sycamore | Soft and stable |
More Challenging
| Wood | Notes |
|---|---|
| Oak | Tends to tear, use sanding sealer |
| Beech | Warps when wet, turns cleanly |
| Birch | Dries fast, seal to avoid cracks |
Avoid blanks with end-grain checks or insect damage.
Hazardous Woods (Toxic or Allergenic)
| Wood | Hazard | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Black Locust | Toxic dust | Full PPE |
| Yew | All parts toxic | Gloves + respirator |
| Iroko | Skin/eye irritant | Gloves, extraction |
| Padauk | Stains, dust irritant | Extraction + cleanup |
| Purpleheart | Fumes | Sharp tools, avoid friction |
| Cocobolo | Allergen | Respirator, caution |
| Ebony | Lung irritant | Wet sand with oil |
Wheel Sharpening
After 3+ hours of turning:
- Review Tormek Tool Page
- Watch video Sharpening Woodturning Tools on Tormek
- Complete the sharpening assessment (100% required)
- Message @woodlathetechs for approval
Unlocked tools after approval:
- Parting tools
- Skew chisels
- Spindle gouges
- Bowl gouges
Level 2 – Faceplate Turning
Faceplate turning mounts the blank on the headstock only, with grain perpendicular to the bed.
L2 Requirements
- 5+ hours turning
- Tormek sharpening assessment complete
- Comfortable with carbide + HSS tools
- Score 100% in the L2 Quiz
Applications:
- Bowls, platters, hollow forms, vases
Tools
- Bowl gouge
- Scraper
- Parting tool
Safety Recap (L2)
- Wear face shield, tie back hair, remove jewellery
- Set correct speed (e.g. 10" bowl: 600–900 RPM)
- Use green wood only if structurally stable
- Clean tools after use
Mounting the Workpiece
a. Faceplate Mounting (First Phase)
- Screw faceplate flush into blank
- Centre carefully and spin-test by hand
- Use tailstock for initial support
b. Chuck Mounting (Second Phase)
- Reverse bowl after tenon/recess is cut
- Mount tenon or recess in scroll chuck
- Ensure tenon has parallel sides and a flat shoulder
- Do not overtighten – avoid damage
- Spin slowly to confirm it runs true
Tool Use & Bevel Riding
- Bowl gouge: anchor > bevel > cut
- Riding the bevel reduces chatter and allows for smooth, controlled cuts
- Cut outside: centre to rim
- Hollow inside: rim to bottom
- Flute between 10 and 2 o’clock
Workflow Summary
- Prepare blank, draw circle, and cut round on bandsaw/jigsaw
- Mount on faceplate, rough external shape
- Form tenon, reverse into chuck
- Hollow interior using appropriate gouge techniques
- Sand in stages and apply finish
Wall Thickness
- Aim for 6–10 mm uniform thickness
- Use calipers or fingers to assess
- Leave base slightly thicker for green wood
Finishing
- Sand: 120 to 400 grit progressively
- Apply finish (e.g. oil, wax) at low speed
Practice
- Start with simple forms
- Expect catches and minor mistakes
- Focus on tool control and bevel riding
- Share your work with@woodlathetech or members.
One of the best ways to grow your skills is by getting involved and helping to run the space. It’s a rewarding way to deepen your practice and support the community. Find out more about how you can help here:
Woodturning – We Need Inductors and Techs
Image references
