Handbook of turning

Containing instructions in concentric, elliptic, and eccentric turning also various plates of chucks, tools and instruments and directions for using the eccentric cutter, drill, vertical cutter, and circular rest; with patterns, and instructions for working them.

The primary object of the author in offering the HANDBOOK OF TURNING to the notice of the public, is the hope of explaining, in a clear, concise, and intelligible manner, the rudiments of this beautiful art; an art immortalized by the pen of Virgil, practiced by the Greeks and Romans, and, as we are told, still existing in those exquisite chef d’ceuvres of former years, so much admired and sought after in our century. A short treatise on this subject is much wanted, and the author has endeavored to give such correct and comprehensive information as will, he hopes, render the following pages useful as a book of practical instruction to the beginner, and of reference to those already advanced in the study of this beautiful science.

The activity of mind requisite for the attainment of perfect success in all the various branches of Turning, by exercising die inventive and reflective powers, cannot fail of producing a beneficial effect on the character of youth, which must prove a lasting advantage; and the minute accuracy necessary for handling the tools, serves to confirm a steadiness of sight and hand that must, in after years, and in other branches of science, be highly appreciated. I

From a long experience in the endless sources of Interest and occupation, derivable from this pleasing and salutary employment, the author feels assured that whoever has once patience and perseverance to overcome the first difficulties, will speedily, like himself, become an I enthusiast in the art.

Another very forcible argument in favor of the amusement of Turning being cultivated by the ladies and gentlemen of our free and independent country, and one which will, lam sure, plead most strongly with all parents and guardians, is, that all occupations within doors being usually of a sedentary nature, the exercise attendant upon the use of the lathe must prove highly beneficial to health; and one moment's reflection will point out the incalculable advantage to be derived from instilling the love of useful employment in every youthful mind ; or, when freed from the irksomeness of graver study, may they not seek companions and pursuits to whom they would ever have remained strangers, had their idle hours not hung heavy on their hands ?
 

THE HANDBOOK OF TURNING.
 

The Machines used for Turning, whether round or oval objects, are called Lathes; they are of various shapes and sizes; some very small, as those generally used by watchmakers; others very large and powerful, for turning

iron; and others, the kind I am going to describe, of a middling size, for fashioning wood. The large Lathes being too heavy to be worked with the foot, are usually turned by a steam-engine, but the foot-Lathe is the most convenient for the turner in wood ; it may be made of iron or wood: if of the latter, it should be constructed entirely of very hard, well-seasoned oak, or of mahogany. There are various opinions respecting the advantages and disadvantages of metallic and wooden Lathes; in the former it is impossible to obviate an elastic tremor, which is unpleasant and injurious; but then, on the other hand they are so much more durable and compact; and they enable you to perform your work with so much more accuracy and exactitude, that they are, on the whole, perhaps, to be preferred. The drawing given in Plate 1 will serve as a pattern for either an iron or a wooden Lathe; but as the workman could construct the latter for himself, we will suppose the description we are about to give relates to a wooden one.

The bed of the Lathe, b b, may be of any length required and is firmly fastened with bolts to the uprights o o, which form the legs of the Lathe, and to which the bed is strongly attached by bolts passing through both ; while the nuts that draw them tight, being what is called countersunk are of no inconvenience to the workman. The feet and the two uprights must also be firmly fastened to the legs o o, and to prevent the least unsteadiness or motion, they must be screwed strongly to the floor, and most be of a sufficient size to form a solid support to the Lathe.

The left hand puppets, c d, or, as they are sometimes called, the headstock, should be of iron, and cast in one piece. The under part fits tightly into the open space in the bed of the Lathe, and is fixed there with screws; while the two cheeks of the puppets rest on the bed itself. The mandrel, to prevent, as much as you can, any vibration, should be as long as possible; it runs in a metal collar, through the puppets c D, and is of steel, turned perfectly cylindrical it is kept constantly oiled, by pouring a few drops of oil upon it through boles made in each of the puppets. The screw e, at the end, is called the nose of the spindle, and upon it the chucks intended to receive the work are screwed.

Having now given a clear description of a Lathe, I need only add, that it should be placed opposite a window, so as to have the benefit of as much light as possible ; a skylight above the head is also a great advantage. As it is indispensably necessary for the learner to exercise I himself in plain turning, that is, in the formation of different articles, so as to be able to turn them perfectly round, oval, or hollow, required, before attempting more difficult handlecomplicated work, we will now give a list of the most useful tools for this purpose.