Pen Making problem.

[Lee J]

I've just started turning some pens, relatively straight forward job but sometimes when I've turned down to size I notice a crack on the ends or splits ? what causes this ? lathe to fast? heat? I'm lost because it happened on 3 out of the 6 blanks I turned, 2 were spalted birch and the other was maple.

 

[Jensmith]

If you post this in the turning section you'll probably get a better response.

I don't know the answer

 

[Lee J]

good plan.... silly me. :?