Shopsmith Lathe Duplicator Tutorial
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Sanding and Finishing

Figure 13-30. When you sand on the lathe, fold quarter sheets of sandpaper into thirds to protect your fingers from the heat build-up.

Sanding and finishing a turning are much easier done on the lathe than removing it and finishing it by hand. Warning: Before you start, remove all lathe duplicator components. Caution: Lay a cloth over the way tubes to catch grit and finish.

For sanding, use quarter sheets of sandpaper folded into thirds. This gives you a rigid piece, yet it will bend to fit the shape of the turning and the thickness helps protect your fingers from heat build-up (Figure 13-30). Warning: Never wrap sandpaper, steel wool or a rag around the turning and never use a rag with frayed edges. They could easily pull your fingers into the workpiece.

Turn the Mark V on and set the speed dial to the correct speed. Begin working with new 100-grit paper and light pressure. Then switch to used 100-grit paper. Finish sanding with new and used 150-grit paper. For open grain woods, wet the surface to raise the grain between sandpaper changes. Allow the water to dry before sanding.

For a smoother surface and reduced sanding time, dismount the spindle, turn it end-for-end and sand in the opposite direction. Warning: When remounting the stock, be sure to put enough pressure on the quill to engage both the drive and cup centers. You can reverse the rotation of a faceplate turning by mounting the faceplate on the upper auxiliary spindle.

For finishing, use avery low speed and prepare a natural oil finish with the stain mixed in. Polyurethane is not recommended because it will dry too quickly. Mask any areas to be glued later.

Soak a rag and a piece of fine, slightly used wet/dry sandpaper in the finish. Use the rag to apply the finish to the turning. Then sand. Repeat, adding more finish until a mixture of finish and sanding dust covers the entire turning. Rub this paste with your hands and let it set for a minute or two or until it becomes sticky. Then buff the turn-ing and let it dry. Apply additional coats of finish, but do not sand.

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