Turning Plywood Anyone?

brianhabby · 23 Dec 2012

Has anyone turned using plywood? It's something I though of some time ago and did this today:

It is about 4" tall - it started life taller but broke during turning. It was the plywood lamination that broke, not the glue joint. Wax finish.

I found scrapers were easier to use than cutting tools and have to admit to using more than the normal amount of sandpaper. You can still feel a bit of roughness and if I do more I will spend even more time on the sanding.

regards

Brian

Roger C · 23 Dec 2012

Brian I made two hollow forms some years back Not worth the effort, 9 out 10 times very hard on tools and I hate sanding. So aim for a finish of tool where I can start at 150 preferably 180 / 220 and up grit and ply does not conform. Regards Roger C

Frank S · 24 Dec 2012

Morning, Brian,
some time ago I turned a ply bowl, 16 inches diameter by 6 inched deep. I spent almost as much time at the grindstone as at the lathe as the bonding resin is so hard. The turning forces made my hands ache and the dust went everywhere.If you are going to do any amount of ply turning then I suggest the following.
1.Wear a good dust mask.( I always do anyway).
2. Try and sheet off the area around the lathe.( I use a couple of old shower curtains) to contain the dust.
3. Take your time,there`s no rush.
Keep turning and remember, if there`s no pics, it didn`t happen.
F.

monkeybiter · 24 Dec 2012

That's the nicest ply turning I've seen. TBH I can't remember liking any of the others, but I think that works really well.

brianhabby · 24 Dec 2012

Thanks for the comments guys,

Not sure if I'll do any more, I certainly won't be doing anything as big as Frank's bowl, mind you I imagine something that size would look pretty impressive.

Occasional small pieces are not too bad - maybe, we'll see

Yes Frank I always wear a dust mask when turning, I have a Trend Air Shield which is perfect for such dusty operations, plus it offers some facial protection should it be needed.

Mike, I think what helps this piece is the diagonal shape of the plywood. If it had been straight it wouldn't have been anywhere near as pleasing on the eye.

regards

Brian