Turning rattan daggers

[Adamo]

So I ended up with a ShopSmith tool. It was set up to be a lathe, so I cut the ends off a pulped out sword and decided to make a dagger:





Roughing out the handle was surprisingly fast, which included some time just learning how to set up the centers. I foresee some very fancy daggers in my future.

Any Archivers have experience with a setup like this?

Adam

[losthelm]

Rattan can be hell on cutting tools paticularly the outside 1/8" or so.
Keep that rest close to the rattan, it can bind and kick.
If your doing any volume invest in carbide.

If your doing longer pieces a steady rest or fallow rest will help reduce chatter and flex between centers.

I'm planning to use wheels and bearings from a pair of rollerblades when I get my lathe running.

[Thomas MacFinn]

I farmed out my wood turning to professionals and both times they eventually quit because of how rough the rattan was on their tools. ... professionals get upset when their tools get damaged.

[Adamo]

I farmed out my wood turning to professionals and both times they eventually quit because of how rough the rattan was on their tools. ... professionals get upset when their tools get damaged.

Thomas,

I've seen your wares before and was hoping you'd chime in. So far, I'm using HSS tools (Craftsman brand) that I picked up at a local second-hand tool store. They're in pretty good shape, and I'll probably go back soon to pick up the rest of the set. I could see being concerned when each tool costs ~$100, but right now I'm paying $15 per tool. I'm not looking to have a professional setup, but I'd like to be able to make nice pieces and offer them on the Classifieds board.

Adam