Spiralling with Micro Tool

philcycle
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Spiralling with Micro Tool Sept 14, 2020 14:58:15 GMT

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Post by philcycle on Sept 14, 2020 14:58:15 GMT

I am trying to get to grips with the Micro Spiralling Tool and need advice.
Despite following the instructions as to tool rest setting and tool presentation I am getting very variable results in that I am not getting a consistent distance between the 'grooves'.
Some starts give perfectly spaced grooves, but I am just as likely to get a perfect cut but with the groove spacing halved (or even three grooves in the same space) or a real mass up of the timber. (I wish I knew how to put up a photograph for you to see.)
The workpiece is 15mm diameter, but I have also tried a 50mm diameter which is better but still not totally consistent.
I have tried different speeds and tool rest stettings but noe seem to produce any more consistent results.
Where do I go now?

Pete Moderator Now a moderator, I will do my best to keep this site tidy, and answer questions promptly Posts: 459	Spiralling with Micro Tool Sept 14, 2020 19:32:07 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Pete on Sept 14, 2020 19:32:07 GMT Have you tried 350 rpm start with a very light cut with the tool just touching, then tip the handle up a little to increase the depth of cut? that is my method.
	Ask any ten woodturners for an opinion on how x is achieved, you can expect at least eleven different answers.

philcycle
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Spiralling with Micro Tool Sept 15, 2020 18:25:07 GMT

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Post by philcycle on Sept 15, 2020 18:25:07 GMT

Have spent most of the day trying all sorts of methods but none give me totally consistent results.
Re-reading the instructions supplied with the Standard and Micro tools I notice that they suggest different methods - the Micro following your suggestion fo a light cut on the face of the teeth then lifting the handle to drop the cutting bevel into the work to increase cut depth. I am finding that this gives me the multiple grooves. For the Standard tool the suggestion is to approach with the handle high(ish) so that the cutting bevel contacts on centre height - which has given me more consistent results today (using the Standard tool).
My last attempt today was with the Micro tool on my 10mm blank. Not a complete success, but I will be continuing experiments tomorrow and will include your suggestion - for which thank you.
Do you find that the diameter of the spindle has any effect on the ease with which you make a satisfactory spiral?

Pete Moderator Now a moderator, I will do my best to keep this site tidy, and answer questions promptly Posts: 459	Spiralling with Micro Tool Sept 16, 2020 1:32:33 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Pete on Sept 16, 2020 1:32:33 GMT The only difference I have noticed from diameter is speed of control seems slower on larger pieces so you are more likely to get it right. BUT once you have it under control it makes no difference
	Ask any ten woodturners for an opinion on how x is achieved, you can expect at least eleven different answers.

Tom Dougall
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Spiralling with Micro Tool Apr 24, 2021 14:59:48 GMT

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Post by Tom Dougall on Apr 24, 2021 14:59:48 GMT

The reason is probably that the diameter of the work piece is too large or too small. It should be evenly divisible by the distance between the teeth.

If it is not right just take a small cut ( less than 1/2 a mm ) then try starting again with a very light cut.

It will definitely come right if the wood is the correct diameter, and its never more than a smidgen out.

Hope you find this useful.

Tom

Post by philcycle on Sept 14, 2020 14:58:15 GMT

Post by Pete on Sept 14, 2020 19:32:07 GMT

Post by philcycle on Sept 15, 2020 18:25:07 GMT

Post by Pete on Sept 16, 2020 1:32:33 GMT

Post by Tom Dougall on Apr 24, 2021 14:59:48 GMT

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