Log is now an octagon except for the square that will be on top. Here
I'm drilling the end bore for a 1" steel pin for the tail center, A 1"
pillow block is bolted to the wall and the 1" pin will support the log
and spin in this bearing. 3/21/2012
The log is mounted and ready to roll.
Next job is to make it round. Here I'm using a second shopsmith bed to hold the tool rest and without the power head and a 3/4 inch deep sorby gouge.
Here a chunk of lead flashing is strapped to the light side to help balance out some of the vibration.
First stage turning
The dark sections are high water content wood on one side which makes this log continually off balance.
It's 2 days later and the top detail is done. Lots of hassels getting the lathe to hold still and not wag its tail.
Nearing completion. Bottom detail is done and only the long taper needs finishing off and sanding. Note the long shavings.
M0re shavings and some finishing techniques
Completed turning. About3 days work. These homemade calipers were used continuously.
Moving it out of the shop to make room for the next one. It weighs a lot
less but still a 3 man lift. Here it's riding the shopsmith castors.
5/15/2012 Taking excess wood off the top and bottom flats to bring the last sections to final dimension. Framing chisels, slicks and planes are used.
Almost home. It's in the townhouse for some paint to slow the drying and
a bit more wood removal. Note matching columns on right.
Planning the installation. It will sit on the subfloor which is supported by the big carrying joist. The top must have a tenon to go into a preexisting mortice left from the original column that was removed years ago. Pete, Mike, Curt and Silas discuss pros and cons.
