Blow Outs...Wood or Technique?

[triplefreak]

I've been trying to turn pen blanks for awhile now. I keep getting blow outs. I'll get the wood fairly round, then something always pops & I end up turning brass. I use epoxy glue, I rough up the brass tubes before inserting them, & let them dry for at least a full day before turning them.

So, is it the wood, the glue, or is it my technique?
What gives?

[Doug B]

It could be the wood or your technique or a combination of both.

Very important for turning technique is what is called "rubbing" the bevel. That allows you to "cut" with the tool rather than to "scrape" with it.

The best video I found showing the dynamics of rubbing the bevel is here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYfAcY1yiog&feature=related

Although she is using one heck of a big gouge, it really shows how rubbing the bevel works. Not only does it give you a nice smooth surface, it will help prevent blowouts.

While it is easy to understand that you need to rub the bevel, it is harder to do consistently than it looks. Takes practice.

[sachbvn]

Excellent video.

TF - lots of variables, I couldn't begin to give any advice better than some of the more experienced guys here, but I'd guess a combo of technique and wood. Not sure what wood you were using. Oh - you are rotating the brass tube as you slip it into the blank aren't you? Covering the entire blank with glue before finally sliding it into it's final place.

I'm guessing you are using a gouge right? Rubbing the bevel is something that is probably the most overlooked thing when started. When I started doing that - my results were INSTANT!

Oh - and see in the video how she starts by just knocking off the edges a little bit at a time, working from right to left (or L to R - doesn't matter) that's how I sometimes handle burled stuff or really hard woods. Knock the edges off slowly - once it is round and if your chisel is sharp - you should be able to make long cuts.


Zac