Tip #56
Lathe Turning
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Planning the Design

Before you attempt to form a turning, you must first plan the design. Otherwise you may end up with an unattractive project.

The best way to plan the design is to draw a full-size plan with the shapes and dimensions marked, so that before you start you will know exactly what shapes you are going to cut and where.

Here's an example of how to plan the design for a spindle turning 12" long and 3" in diameter: Draw a rectangle 12" by 3" on a piece of paper. Draw a centerline down its length. Break up the length into design areas by draw-ing horizontal lines that are proportional and pleasing. Let the base design occupy the bottom 3"; use 7" for the transition from base to top and leave the remaining 2" for the top.

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