Didn't get as much turning done this past week as I hoped for. The "Outhouse" project took up most of my spare time.

My lathe is a Delta Iron Bed. The speed adjustment is done by a lever which operates a split pulley. The Delta lathes used an aluminum pulley that is not the most robust device. The manuals say to keep everything lubricated to prevent pulley damage. I try to remember to do this on a regular basis but sometimes I forget. Well the speed lever was taking a little more effort than usual and the lathe was getting noisier- both indicators that I was behind on preventive maintenance- so I pulled the belt cover. Things definitely needed lubed and I noticed the belt was just about ready to break-

A quick Internet search revealed a new belt was not going to be cheap or here in the next couple of days (at a reasonable price).

13 x 670 mm! Why can't engineers design stuff better. Well that's real close to 1/2 x 26.5". OK, but no one local stocks belts in 1/2" length increments. Got a 1/2 x 27". Seems to work OK although the speeds are not quite the same, at the same lever positions, but I can live with that. Hoping there isn't any slippage under heavy torque loads. We will see.

So, I mounted a piece of Spalted Maple and began turning a small bowl for a friend.

Normally I would try to use areas of a slab that didn't have any splits/checks, This stuff is too precious to waste. Splits and checks are filled with CA allowed to dry and then turned.

I'm going to try something different on this one. I've always created a "foot" or "ring" on the bottom which made the turning set "above" the surface. This one, if it works, will set even with the surface.

On another note, the "Woodturning Online Newsletter" arrived this week. It has some great information for anyone considering the purchase of a lathe and lathe accessories. Here's a direct link to the article- http://www.peterchild.co.uk/info1/startwt2.htm. This article links to several more informative lathe topics.

Also included in the newsletter is a "How-To" on handle making and a review of a new expandable chuck from Beall Tool Company.

Safe Turning!

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Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time Traveler and Purveyor of the Universe's Finest Custom Rolling Pins!

Beautiful wood there Lew. Looking forward to reading the Handle making How-To. That's something I haven't tried yet, except for coffee scoops.

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Charles Nicholls
Site Host
nicholls61@att.net
Proud supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, Homes For Our Troops and the NRA

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nichollswoodworks

Thanks, Charles!

I have the piece drenched in thin CA now trying to firm up the punky parts in preparation for sanding.

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Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time Traveler and Purveyor of the Universe's Finest Custom Rolling Pins!

Lew,

I believe I have the same lathe, could you scan the manual and email to me?  I have no paperwork with mine and still need to finish replacing motor destroyed by flooding during hurricane Wilma, last major shop machine to put back in order.

Doug

Sure Doug! Add me as a friend then send me an email address!

Lew

Douglas Helliesen said:

Lew,

I believe I have the same lathe, could you scan the manual and email to me?  I have no paperwork with mine and still need to finish replacing motor destroyed by flooding during hurricane Wilma, last major shop machine to put back in order.

Doug

Great article. I would "re-enlist" for a piece of spalted maple!! Would one of those adjustable belts I have seen advertised work on your lathe.

Paul,

I thought about that but wasn't sure just how "precise" the length could be made.

Paul L Gooch said:

Great article. I would "re-enlist" for a piece of spalted maple!! Would one of those adjustable belts I have seen advertised work on your lathe.