The Allure of Woodturning
As an experienced woodworker, I’ve always been drawn to the art of woodturning. There’s just something captivating about watching a raw piece of wood transform into a beautiful, functional object right before your eyes. The rhythmic whir of the lathe, the shavings cascading across the workshop floor, and the satisfaction of coaxing out the natural grain and character of the wood – it’s an intoxicating blend that has hooked me for years.
Woodturning is a specialized craft, to be sure, but one that is remarkably accessible to hobbyists and DIYers. Whether you’re looking to craft unique home decor, stunning bowls and vases, or intricate spindle work for furniture, the lathe opens up a world of creative possibilities. And while the learning curve can be steep, the rewards of mastering this technique are well worth the effort.
In my experience, one of the most rewarding and versatile forms of woodturning is faceplate turning. Unlike spindle turning, where the grain of the wood runs parallel to the lathe bed, faceplate turning allows you to work with the grain perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This opens up endless opportunities for crafting bowls, platters, and other wide-diameter pieces that showcase the natural beauty of the material.
Gearing Up for Faceplate Turning
Before you dive into faceplate turning, there are a few essential tools and pieces of equipment you’ll want to have in your workshop. At a minimum, you’ll need a lathe, of course, as well as a good quality bowl gouge, a faceplate, and a four-jaw chuck. Safety gear, like a full-face shield and respirator, is also a must.
When selecting a lathe, pay close attention to the swing (the maximum diameter of the work piece) and the distance between centers. For faceplate turning, you’ll generally want a lathe with at least a 12-inch swing, though larger models in the 16-inch to 20-inch range will give you even more creative freedom. The distance between centers is less critical, but having at least 12 inches will allow you to tackle a wide variety of projects.
As for the bowl gouge, I recommend investing in a high-quality tool from a reputable brand like Hamlet or Robert Sorby. Look for one with a 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch diameter, as these sizes will provide the control and agility you need for faceplate work. And don’t forget to pair your gouge with a reliable sharpening system, like a slow-speed grinder or a honing jig, to keep that edge keen.
The faceplate and four-jaw chuck are essential for securely mounting your workpiece on the lathe. The faceplate screws directly onto the lathe’s spindle, allowing you to attach larger, heavier pieces. The four-jaw chuck, on the other hand, grips the interior of a mortise or recess cut into the bottom of your work, providing a secure hold for hollowing and interior shaping.
Safety First: Mastering Faceplate Turning Techniques
Woodturning, especially faceplate work, can be an exhilarating but inherently risky pursuit. That’s why it’s crucial to approach this craft with a strong focus on safety. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of using the right tool for the job – and that means never, ever using a spindle roughing gouge for faceplate turning.
The spindle roughing gouge has a large, aggressive cutting edge that’s held to the workpiece by a relatively small tang. When working with end grain, as you would in faceplate turning, the forces involved can easily cause the tool to bury itself in the wood and then be ripped from your hands by the spinning blank. The result? A potential disaster in the making.
Instead, I always reach for a quality bowl gouge, with its sturdy, round-bar construction and swept-back profile. This tool is specifically designed to handle the demands of faceplate work, allowing you to make clean, controlled cuts that minimize the risk of catches and blowouts.
It’s also essential to maintain proper lathe speeds. While spindle turning can often be done at higher RPMs, faceplate work requires a more conservative approach. As a general rule, I try to keep my lathe speed below 1,000 RPM, and often lower, depending on the size and balance of the workpiece. Going too fast can lead to catastrophic failures, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Faceplate Turning in Practice
Now that we’ve covered the basics of gearing up and staying safe, let’s dive into the practical aspects of faceplate turning. One of the key benefits of this technique is the ability to work with larger, wider pieces of wood, allowing you to showcase the natural beauty and grain patterns in stunning ways.
When selecting a wood blank for faceplate turning, I generally recommend starting with a piece that’s at least 1-1/2 to 2 inches thick. This will give you enough material to work with, while still being manageable on the lathe. If you’re working with green wood, be sure to check for any signs of cracks, knots, or other defects that could cause problems down the line.
Once you’ve got your blank prepped and mounted on the faceplate, it’s time to start shaping. I like to begin by truing up the outside of the blank, using a series of push cuts with the bowl gouge to create a smooth, even surface. As I work my way inward, I’ll gradually shift the angle of the gouge to match the desired contours of the piece.
One of the most critical steps in faceplate turning is cutting the mortise, or recess, in the bottom of the workpiece. This is where the four-jaw chuck will grip the work, so it’s essential to get the fit just right. I’ll typically start by measuring the closed jaws of the chuck, then use a parting tool to carefully remove material and create an undercut dovetail shape that perfectly matches the chuck.
With the mortise cut, I can then focus on shaping the exterior of the piece, working from the bottom up to the rim. This is where the versatility of faceplate turning really shines, as I can create a wide range of profiles and silhouettes, from simple, elegant bowls to more sculptural, organic forms.
Once the outside is complete, I’ll flip the piece around and mount it in the four-jaw chuck, using the mortise to provide a secure hold. This allows me to hollow out the interior, removing material from the center and working my way out to the rim. Again, I rely on the bowl gouge for this task, making gentle, controlled cuts to refine the shape and maintain an even wall thickness.
The Rewards of Faceplate Turning
As I mentioned earlier, the process of faceplate turning is both challenging and immensely rewarding. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a raw piece of wood and transforming it into a functional, beautiful object through the sheer power of your skill and creativity.
And the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of a simple serving bowl, the sculptural drama of a large decorative vase, or the intricate details of a multi-axis turned piece, faceplate turning has the potential to unlock a whole new world of artistic expression.
Of course, mastering this technique takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. But for those who are willing to put in the work, the payoffs are truly remarkable. Not only will you develop a deep appreciation for the unique properties and character of different wood species, but you’ll also hone invaluable skills in tool control, sharpening, and design that can be applied to a wide range of woodworking projects.
So if you’re a hobbyist woodworker looking to expand your horizons, I highly encourage you to explore the art of faceplate turning. It’s a journey that will challenge and inspire you, allowing you to create stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces that will bring joy to your home and delight to everyone who experiences them. Who knows – you might just find that you’ve discovered a new lifelong passion in the process.
Exploring the Wider World of Woodworking
As rewarding as faceplate turning can be, it’s just one facet of the rich and diverse world of woodworking. Whether your interests lie in furniture making, cabinetry, wood carving, or any number of other disciplines, there’s always more to discover and explore.
One great way to expand your horizons is by connecting with your local woodworking community. Organizations like the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) and their regional chapters offer a wealth of resources, from educational workshops and demonstrations to opportunities to collaborate with fellow enthusiasts. Visiting the AAW website is a great place to start.
And of course, the internet has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities when it comes to learning and connecting. Platforms like Woodcraftparts.net provide a one-stop-shop for high-quality woodworking tools, supplies, and project ideas, while online communities and forums allow you to tap into the collective knowledge and experience of woodworkers around the world.
So as you continue to hone your faceplate turning skills, I encourage you to keep an open mind and embrace the full spectrum of woodworking possibilities. Who knows where your creative journey might lead you next?
