The many ways of securing wood in a lathe

15 to be precise. 15 very different ways of holding a piece of wood in the headstock of a lathe, although Shane Hewitt assures us he could demonstrate another 10 if only time would allow!

No matter the size and scope of the project, this demo showed us that woodturning creativity doesn't need to be stifled by believing something "can't be done".

Here is the list of methods in the order Shane covered them in his demonstration:

1. Drive center in the headstock and live center in the tailstock. Drive centers can vary in size from the very small to the very robust.
2. Faceplates, available in a range of diameters.
3. Direct into the headstock. For anyone limited in equipment Shane shows how a piece of wood for a small project such as a spindle can have one end tapered on a band saw and knocked directly into the headstock.
4. Woodworm screws. These often come in the box when purchasing a chuck, however Shane shows how he's adapted a faceplate in order to have a dedicated woodworm screw which won't occupy his chuck.
5. Nova live center system. Google it to find out what's in the box.
6. Glue blocks. Sometimes the answer is simply gluing a piece of sacrificial wood to the project which is then removed afterwards.
7. Vacuum chucking. Facilitated by a cheap vacuum cleaner, this method is perfect for removing the chuck bite from the back of a bowl without damaging the finish.
8. Pressure plates between centres. Drink coasters were touted as an ideal project for this method. It involves a flat surface with 240grit sandpaper mounted in the headstock, and another flat surface with a foam/rubber layer in the tailstock, then squeezing the coaster (or similar flat item) between the two surfaces to secure.
9. Tapered cones. Great for holding deep hollow vessels such as vases to remove chuck bites from the base without damage.
10. Box jigs. Odd-shaped projects can be "boxed in" on a base with 4 sides to hold in place during turning.
11. Hot glue. Yes, even the humble hot glue gun (which is likely lying about in most garages and craft rooms) gets a mention. It can help hold a project in place inside a box jig for instance, for extra stability.
12. Drive dogs. Great for those churning out lots of wheels for toy cars. In essence a thick disc with a central post over which the axle hole of the wheel fits. Small metal prongs hold the wooden wheel securely on the drive dog, to prevent it spinning on the central post during turning. 
13. Jacob's chuck. Another good one for miniatures and other small work.  Basically the same as the chuck in a drill, with jaws that will twist closed to clamp the wood in place.
14. Double-sided tape. High-performance double-sided tape (Shane suggests the tape used in the aviation industry) can have superior holding power for the right project.
15. Jam chucks. Wooden chucks hollowed and turned to a specific diameter to suit the project. The project piece then "jams" into the recess of the jam chuck for safe turning.

For more information on each of these methods (some of which were demonstrated whilst others were explained) keep a watch on our blog over the coming week for the videos *.

* P.S. Or better yet, subscribe to our blog so you know right away when they become available!