How to Make Your Own Lathe Chisel
Working with wood on a lathe requires using specific types of tools. Depending on your project, one of the tools you may need is a chisel . A chisel is a tool that is used to carve and shape various types of wood as it is spinning on the lathe. If you cannot readily find a chisel for a lathe you can make your own. This can be done with tools in your garage by first obtaining materials needed for the project at a hardware store.
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Things You'll Need
- Wood handle
- Power drill
- Round metal rods
- Rectangular flat metal stock
- Hacksaw
- Bench grinder
- Epoxy
- Hammer
- Coffee can
- Propane torch
- Magnet
Instructions
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1
Drill a 2-inch hole into the top of the wood handle for the chisel with the power drill.
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2
Measure the round metal rod for the chisel and cut it to 8 inches with the hacksaw. Remove the burrs from the cut edge with a metal file or use the bench grinder.
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3
Place a small amount of epoxy into the hole on the handle. Insert the metal rod into the hole and tap on it with the hammer.
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4
Turn on the bench grinder and grind the tip of the tool into a point. Grind both sides of the metal rod to create a rough point at the tip. Turn off the grinder.
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5
Fill a metal coffee can with water.
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6
Ignite the propane torch and apply heat to the tip of the chisel. The metal needs to reach a temperature of 1450 degrees. Touch the metal with a magnet as the metal is heated with the propane torch.
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7
Allow the tip of the chisel to reach a cherry red color and then dip the tip of the tool in the coffee can of water. Move the chisel around in the water for at least five seconds.
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8
Turn on the grinder and grind the tip of the chisel until it has a sharp point.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use a bench grinder that has a shield to deflect the sparks from the grinding.
Protect your eyes from sparks by wearing glasses or goggles.
