FUNdamentals of woodturning: #1 The faceplate

Summary

In this woodworking video, the host emphasizes the importance of face plates in wood turning, often overlooked in favor of scroll and screw chucks. He showcases various face plates, highlighting their use for different lathe sizes and projects. The host advises against using drywall screws, recommending flathead or Phillips screws of size 10 or 12 instead. He demonstrates attaching a face plate to a block of wood for bowl turning and using a waist block for off-center projects. Techniques like double-sided tape and cross-grain screwing for waist blocks are also discussed, providing a comprehensive guide to face plate usage in wood turning.

Takeaways

• 🔩 The importance of using the right screws for face plates is emphasized; avoid brittle drywall screws and opt for flathead or Phillips screws of size 10 or 12.
• 🛠️ Face plates are essential for wood turning, providing a stable base for various projects, and come in different sizes to suit the lathe and project requirements.
• 🌳 The video demonstrates how to attach a piece of wood to a face plate without drilling pilot holes, which is easier with wet wood.
• 🎥 The presenter showcases different face plates, including a one-way face plate and a large one suitable for large bowls or platters.
• ⚒️ A technique for creating a tenon on a bowl for attachment to a scroll chuck is demonstrated, highlighting the versatility of face plates.
• 🔗 The use of a face plate with a waist block is discussed, which allows for precise and reusable attachment of wood pieces for turning.
• 🔄 The video explains how to reuse a face plate and waist block by parting off the project and repositioning the face plate for new designs.
• 📏 The necessity of using cross-grain screws for waist blocks on face plates is highlighted to ensure secure attachment.
• 🎨 The presenter shares creative techniques such as using double-sided tape on a waist block for attaching small projects to a face plate.
• ⚠️ Safety is a key consideration when using face plates, especially when moving the face plate along a waist block for off-center turning.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video series called 'Fundamentals of Wood Turning'?

The main focus of the video series is to cover essential aspects of wood turning, starting with the use and importance of face plates in wood turning.

Why are face plates considered an essential part of wood turning?

Face plates are essential because they are used to attach the wood to the lathe, allowing for various turning projects to be securely held in place during the turning process.

What is the recommended type of screw to use with a face plate according to the video?

It is recommended to use screws that are 10 or 12 in size, which refers to the diameter of the screw's shank. Flathead Phillips screws are suggested, and it's advised against using drywall screws as they are brittle and can break off in the wood.

What is the significance of the screw size when attaching wood to a face plate?

The screw size is significant as it determines the secureness of the attachment. A screw that is too small may not hold the wood firmly, while a screw that is too large may damage the wood or the face plate.

Why might one need to drill a pilot hole before screwing into the wood?

One might need to drill a pilot hole before screwing into the wood if the wood is hard or dry, as it helps guide the screw in and prevents the wood from splitting or cracking.

What is a one-way face plate and how is it different from a regular face plate?

A one-way face plate is a type of face plate that has a specific direction for the wood to be mounted on it, usually indicated by a marking or design. It is different from a regular face plate in that it may have a more specialized use or design for certain types of turning projects.

What is a waist block and how is it used in conjunction with a face plate?

A waist block is a small block of wood that is attached to a face plate using screws. It is used to provide a larger surface area for attaching the wood to the face plate, especially for projects that require a larger base or for off-center turning.

How does the presenter demonstrate the effectiveness of double-sided tape in attaching wood to a face plate?

The presenter demonstrates the effectiveness of double-sided tape by attaching a small piece of wood to a face plate using the tape and then turning it on the lathe. The tape holds the wood securely in place without any slippage, showing its effectiveness.

What is the importance of using cross-grain screws when attaching a waist block to a face plate?

Cross-grain screws are important when attaching a waist block to a face plate because they provide better holding power in the end grain of the wood. End grain screws do not hold well, so using a cross-grain orientation ensures the waist block is securely attached.

What is the technique shown for reusing a face plate with a waist block attached to it?

The technique shown for reusing a face plate with a waist block attached is to unscrew the face plate from the lathe and move it along the waist block to different positions for various designs on the wood. This allows for multiple turning projects to be done on the same piece of wood without needing to reattach the waist block each time.