by Chas Jones

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Blank Preparation

Starting with a Suitable Blank and not wishing to penetrate the surface with fixings I attach a scrap block to take a worm screw.

First action is to determine the centre of the blank if not previously marked during cutting.

I use OddLeg callipers and scribe centre or place pattern discs visually in centre and mark through centre hole. I then use a spur bit to drill some scrap and using the drill bit locate the scrap on the centre and mark the blank and scrap with a pencil witness marks to aid location.

I then apply Hot Melt Glue to the blank and using the drill bit as before press home the scrap wood, applying a little extra glue along the edge joins if felt necessary.

This results in a blank that runs true when mounted on the screw chuck, requiring little truing up. (note the four witness marks on periphery and clearance from rest.)

 

If I am making more than one item to the same pattern such as a bowl I sometimes part witness groves to pre determined depths to act as guides, but this is rare.

Next I true up the face if necessary and make a small centre point cut with the skew.
This acts as a positive location point for my Chuck Socket Recess Marking Gauge and in this instance some additional marks for the stem diameter.

I have a similar one for Spigots.

 

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