Turning shapes other than cylindrical

[Occasional machinist]

Most people think of a manual lathe being able to produce cylindrical or conical shapes, but they can produce others. In this clip with some simple gear, I turn something like a parabolic shape.

[Karl_H]

Interesting!

Have you considered reversing the placement of your magnetic base and the drawing so that you are looking straight down on the drawing to make it easier to hit your lines?
Also, have you considered using a pattern made from 1/8 inch aluminum of (heaven forbid) plywood or hard board, rather than the paper drawing. (Let's make a simple idea way more complex.)

Thanks for sharing.

[Occasional machinist]

Yes! I did think about moving the drawing, but my tailstock has a nice flat top - if I moved the drawing I'd have to make a support for the drawing. Similarly, I did think about metal or wooden patterns, but as you astutely point out, it makes it more complex. I came up with this way of doing things just to do a few parts. If I wanted to make dozens then a revision would be called for. As it is, it's simple, doesn't need much prep and effective.

Michael

[DIYer]

Thanks Occasional machinist! We've added your Curved Profile Turning Method to our Machining category,
as well as to your builder page: Occasional machinist's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Curved Profile Turning Method by Occasional machinist

tags: machining, template

[Jon]

Congratulations Occasional machinist - your Curved Profile Turning Method is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

This is an interesting technique with lots of potential.

Some more good builds from this week:

Pancake Ram by Frank S
Brick Cutter by orioncons36
Worn Indicator Shaft Fix by mr_modify1
Door Stay by Philip Davies
Indicator Mount by mr_modify1
Domino Joint Jig by Didpoolhall
Mini Wood Chipper by Mr.DK DIY

Occasional machinist - we've added your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post. And, you'll now notice the wrench-on-pedestal award in the awards showcase in your postbit, visible beneath your username:



And, you'll be receiving a $100 prize, in your choice of Amazon gift card (US-only), PayPal payment, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and award choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

Nice work!

[fergiomaria]

abbiamo avuto la stessa idea:

[uv8452]

Dear Michael,
you are not an Occasional Machinist - your are a very well co-ordinated hands latheman!
Very effective and straight-to-a-solution reasoning.
What came into my mind while watching: 1. sharp contour drawn with a knife-edge 2mm 4H lead; 2. cross-hair with a loupe; 3.vague thought: shape/contour of insert's edge somehow 'applied' to loupe.
Ulrich

[Occasional machinist]

G'day Ulrich
If you want to use a loupe, you might be better off applying an offset to the profile rather than trying to match some form of profile to the loupe. It could be done but trying to look down a loupe while (power) feeding a lathe is for someone better coordinated than I am. Perhaps a large magnifying glass might be a compromise.
As Jon says the technique has lots of potential. I like it for it's simplicity, as well as the ability to do both inside and outside profiles.

Michael