Woodturning is an incredibly fun and rewarding hobby. Proper lathe maintenance is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of woodturning. Regular maintenance will not only increase the lifespan of your lathe, but will make it safer and more enjoyable to use, while likely improving the quality of your finished pieces. It can be easy to overlook, but is vital to a successful woodturning experience. Thanks for watching! I hope you have a great day! Scott Product links (Affiliate links are used when possible and I may receive a small commission.) Rubber sanding block for cast iron surfaces-3 pack amzn.to/3ZyQvf0 Maroon scotch bright pads amzn.to/4iFS6bK Paste wax amzn.to/49HeWLZ Garage door spray lube amzn.to/3DsEiB2 Wire brushes amzn.to/49InaTV Belt sander for tool rest amzn.to/3DfhHYC Adjustable length linked V-belt (Make sure you check size and length needed) amzn.to/49Dg8A3
This maintenance was on my calendar for today. I just completed the process, following your example step by step. As a result, I am happier than a little pig in manure! Thank you for this and all your other inspirational videos!
I really like your bloopers at the end that’s pretty great. You left them in there. I can’t imagine how tough it is to try speaking into something that does not react back to you. Keep it up. I love the content. Thanks, Steve
It's a great idea to remind people that all of our tools, including to ones that seem the sturdiest, require maintenance before they appear to need it. Thanks for this video.
Mate what a great video we see a lot of people showing you their projects and use of tools but have not seen this before, heard that you should maintain your lathe like all tools but yours goes through a simple show and tell. Many thanks again . Its good to see no-one is perfect with your out takes ,excellent. Cheers
Thanks for the tips and advice. It never hurts to take care of your your tools. Don't worry about the "outtakes". They add to the fun! 😁😁👍👍👏👏🏴🏴
I attended a show recently and asked an expert why my banjo was sticking and he advised me to do exactly what you have done using WD40 and a scotch brite pad. Liberal use of an air hose also helped. Thank you for sharing 🌞
Excellent video. I've done most of these maintenance items but now I know about some of them that I had missed. They will be addressed very soon. The tips on the belt sander for smoothing out the tool rest is great, and it is a lot faster than a file (I know from experience). I will be picking up several of the supplies you recommended to tune up my lathe.
January 1, I promise! I didn't say which year. :P I do appreciate a smooth machine. Usually mineral oil & beeswax are my lubes. The Laguna hardened rest is a nice upgrade from my Rikon, but not perfect. I had done maintenance a month ago, but some Fir and nasty Hickory left that grit on my bed, even a bit after dusting it off. Scratching all night long when that banjo slides across it. Thanks for the taper reminder, I often forget it. Good outtakes, too.
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, and for the really useful tips. It's surprising the number of people who DON'T maintain their machines (and hand tools!) and then they wonder why things go wrong. That's a lovely lathe you have there; it looks like a really stable and enjoyable machine to use. I enjoyed this video very much. Greetings from France.
I have 2 tool rests, a cast iron that came with the lathe (real beat up, I use it for bringing big pieces to round) and a robust tool rest with a hardened steel top. Robust one got a few nicks too, I think I may need to get it flat too now, there is a spot on it that catches the gouge when I shear scrape.
I would add that if you file or use a "cheap" belt sander on your tool rest, check the surface after you've removed material for straightness. Even with "no pressure" applied, there is a strong possibility of removing more material in areas. Getting the rest milled out of level with the "fix" is another problem. Even removal of material should be a priority on all machined surfaces. Using a longer sanding block rather than a short, flexible pad would help, but hey, it's your lathe, do what you want.
Thanks for the great video. One area you skipped is the part I am having trouble with my lathe. The hand wheel bearing part. It is very stiff, and lubrication did not help. Great advice on tool rest, which I used and confirm that it worked excellent.
I have a nearly identical General from the 1970s. It has almost killed me twice-not from anything related to its operation-it runs like it is factory new-just from moving it around. It is the heaviest, most solid piece of equipment in the shop. They don't make em like that anymore.
I have the same lathe. Excellent lathe but definitely not the heaviest or most solid machine in my shop. That honour goes to my General 100-5 belt/disc sander.
Extremely helpful! How often do you do a full cleaning, as opposed to wiping down the bed after turning green wood or just basic vacuuming of chips and dust after each turning. Thanks again!
Full cleaning every six months unless I feel it needs it sooner. I wax the bed, banjo, and clean up rest after every piece I make. I can usually only make 1 piece a month. It really just depends how much the machine gets used. Thanks for watching, hope you have a great day!
I would love to get into woodturning, but i just don't have the space. I'm considering buying a mini metal lathe and just doing some small stuff like pens or wooden rings on there.
Hmmm. That seems like an adjustment issue of the lock plate to me but I’m glad you got it figured out and found what works best for you. I wax the rod in the banjo regularly and have never had an issue with it not locking. Regardless, thanks you for watching andI hope you have a great day Scott
@@squareandlevel I was going to say the same thing. I use new lubricant every time I do a deep clean and have only ever had an issue one time when I didn’t tighten the nut quite tight enough.
Wood turning is much like spinning wheel-hubcaps. People are just hypnotized by them. There is nothing made of wood that should and could not be square though. But, yes, I admit it, I have a great time spinning it.
Well done. On an older lathe one might also want to give the motor a visual inspection. Oil/grease fittings? Cracked insulation on wires? Ground wire intact? Loose connections? Thanks!
Great tips! I actually had something similar in the notes, but I decided against advising anyone to poke around electric components. Didn’t seem like a smart move on my part even tho I think you are right. Thanks for watching. I hope you have a great day! Scott
Thanks for the video. I picked up a General 160(Canadian built) this summer without an owner’s manual and I was not looking forward to removing the headstock to remove the old stiff belts. The link belts seem to be the answer! Did your manual give any length for the reeves drive belts?
Lower belt is 41” upper belt is 44”. I know you can buy the linked belts in pretty long sections. It may be cheaper to just buy one really long one than two smaller ones. Worth looking into. Side note about those belts. I would not say it’s easy to get them to fit together initially. Definitely requires a little patience and possible swearing to convince them into position. Thanks for watching. Hope you have a great day! Scott
Good morning I see you use simple turning tools. I was wanting to know what you think of their parting tool. I was reading up on it and they are saying you can go in at different angles even angled on the tool wrist and plunging just want to know what your thoughts are on it if you don’t mind appreciate it Steve I do talk and text so hopefully you understand what I’m trying to say have an awesome day
Hey Steve. Unfortunately I do not have their parting tool so I can’t speak specifically on that. I can say I really like all of their tools that I have. They all work great and you can tell they are high quality tools just by holding them. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help about the parting tool. Thanks for watching, I hope you have a great day! Scott
Wartung ist besonders bei Maschinen die regelmäßig benutzt werden sehr wichtig ! Bei der Drechselbank die Spänen und Staub ausgesetzt ist unerlässlich ! Den Motor ausblasen , Den Frequenzumrichter entstauben ( Kühlrippen ) alle beweglichen Teile und Klemmungen reinigen und Schmieren , am besten mit Trockenschmierstoff da der keinen Staub bindet , die Pinole herausnehmen und Reinigen und leicht schmieren ( Ich nehme Kettenöl aus dem Radsport ) , das Bankbett reinigen und mit Wachs oder ähnlichen Mitteln (Silberglide oä. ) gegen Feuchtigkeit und nasse Späne schützen . Die Messerauflage arbeite ich mit einem Karosseriehobel nach und halte sie Riefenfrei . Etwas Wachs schadet ihr auch nie ! Ich habe kürzlich Omas Bohnerwachs ausprobiert , das klappt auch vorzüglich , damit hatte ich nicht gerechnet ! Nicht dick auftragen , nur einen feinen Wachsfilm erzeugen , besonders beim Grünholz Drechseln . Schaut euch regelmäßig den Antriebsriemen an ! Rüttelt mal an der Antriebswelle , ob ihr Spiel feststellen könnt und achtet darauf das die Spitzen von Reitstock und Pinole genau zueinander stehen und reinigt die MK2 Aufnamen aber nicht schmieren !!!Ich reinige sie mit einem Filzstück das ich in der Aufname drehe und ca. 10cm tief in die Aufname drücke , einmal Ausblasen -> Sauber . Auch die Lager der mitlaufenden Körmerspitzen freuen sich gelegentlich über neuest Fett . Habt ihr eure Spannfutter schon mal gereinigt ? Bisher wohl die wenigsten ! Meine 5 Spannfutter sehen alle 1/2 Jahr eine vollständige Reinigung und das brauchen sie auch . Frisch gereinigt und mit einem leichten Film Öl oder Fett (ich nehme Gelenkfett aus dem Fahrzeugbau ganz dünn aufgetragen ) Arbeitet der Mechanismus wieder viel leichter und sauberer . Bei der Pflege stellt man mitunter auch mal Fehler oder Schäden fest die man sochst nicht bemerkt hätte , lose Schrauben , Klemmungen , Wellenspiel , defekte Lager usw. Das ist die Pflege die ich meiner K.Schulte FU 180 Twister zukommen lasse .
I'm not sure if it's a good idea to use abrasives on the machine-bed and the contacting surfaces. Especially with such smooth grinding blocks you would easily round over all faces and sharp edges. If you have nicks in your bed, possibly some new flat and square whetstone would be a better choice ? For cleaning and rust removing I would use some mild steel steelwool.
Woodturning is an incredibly fun and rewarding hobby. Proper lathe maintenance is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of woodturning. Regular maintenance will not only increase the lifespan of your lathe, but will make it safer and more enjoyable to use, while likely improving the quality of your finished pieces. It can be easy to overlook, but is vital to a successful woodturning experience. Thanks for watching! I hope you have a great day!
Scott
Product links
(Affiliate links are used when possible and I may receive a small commission.)
Rubber sanding block for cast iron surfaces-3 pack
amzn.to/3ZyQvf0
Maroon scotch bright pads
amzn.to/4iFS6bK
Paste wax
amzn.to/49HeWLZ
Garage door spray lube
amzn.to/3DsEiB2
Wire brushes
amzn.to/49InaTV
Belt sander for tool rest
amzn.to/3DfhHYC
Adjustable length linked V-belt
(Make sure you check size and length needed)
amzn.to/49Dg8A3
This maintenance was on my calendar for today. I just completed the process, following your example step by step. As a result, I am happier than a little pig in manure! Thank you for this and all your other inspirational videos!
I really like your bloopers at the end that’s pretty great. You left them in there. I can’t imagine how tough it is to try speaking into something that does not react back to you. Keep it up. I love the content.
Thanks, Steve
A teleprompter could help. Today some of them are quite affordable.
Absolutely!! You need to post this video yearly, my friend. Such an important and often overlooked topic. Well done, you!
It's a great idea to remind people that all of our tools, including to ones that seem the sturdiest, require maintenance before they appear to need it.
Thanks for this video.
That’s in my opinion one of the finest lathes that was ever made. Wish that I had one
Mate what a great video we see a lot of people showing you their projects and use of tools but have not seen this before, heard that you should maintain your lathe like all tools but yours goes through a simple show and tell. Many thanks again . Its good to see no-one is perfect with your out takes ,excellent. Cheers
I’m glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!
Well done Scott, we all need to pay more attention! Love the bloopers! Stay safe.
Love the flubs- shows you’re human. Funny too. Thanks
You are a magician. The cleanliness of of your workshop is unreal, as in kinda not real.
Thanks for the tips and advice. It never hurts to take care of your your tools. Don't worry about the "outtakes". They add to the fun! 😁😁👍👍👏👏🏴🏴
Excellent advice. I have to address the bed more often because of humidity in my shop. Floor wax works great.
Thanks Tim. I imagine the humidity would be a pain to deal with. As always, thanks for watching and I hope you have a great day!
Thanks! From another General 160-2 owner. Got to keep the beast in good shape.
I attended a show recently and asked an expert why my banjo was sticking and he advised me to do exactly what you have done using WD40 and a scotch brite pad. Liberal use of an air hose also helped. Thank you for sharing 🌞
Excellent video. I've done most of these maintenance items but now I know about some of them that I had missed. They will be addressed very soon. The tips on the belt sander for smoothing out the tool rest is great, and it is a lot faster than a file (I know from experience). I will be picking up several of the supplies you recommended to tune up my lathe.
Awesome! I'm glad I could share some tips! Hope you have a great day!
Scott
Great tips! Loved the outakes at the end.
Thanks, Scott. Well, I’ll give it a a try. Appreciate you.
Thanks, Steve
I really like it. Very good addition to your channel.
That is a great video with some excellent tool Maintenace tips and how too. Thanks you for sharing .
I appreciate it. Glad you found it helpful. Hope you have a great day!
Scott
I don’t even own a wood turning tool and I still loved this video! Well done mate 😊
Good information. Thanks for the bloopers 😂
I have this same machine. This is great information. Thanks for posting.
Glad you found it helpful!
January 1, I promise! I didn't say which year. :P
I do appreciate a smooth machine. Usually mineral oil & beeswax are my lubes. The Laguna hardened rest is a nice upgrade from my Rikon, but not perfect.
I had done maintenance a month ago, but some Fir and nasty Hickory left that grit on my bed, even a bit after dusting it off. Scratching all night long when that banjo slides across it. Thanks for the taper reminder, I often forget it. Good outtakes, too.
Glad you found it useful. I appreciate the feedback! Hope you have a great day!
Scott
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, and for the really useful tips. It's surprising the number of people who DON'T maintain their machines (and hand tools!) and then they wonder why things go wrong. That's a lovely lathe you have there; it looks like a really stable and enjoyable machine to use. I enjoyed this video very much.
Greetings from France.
Thanks for watching! I hope you have a great day!
Great advice my friend! Thanks!
Great job. Thank you 😊
I have 2 tool rests, a cast iron that came with the lathe (real beat up, I use it for bringing big pieces to round) and a robust tool rest with a hardened steel top. Robust one got a few nicks too, I think I may need to get it flat too now, there is a spot on it that catches the gouge when I shear scrape.
great tutorial - thanks!
Thanks so much for this informative video. I’m fairly new at turning and I appreciate this info.
Glad to be of help, thanks for watching!
I would add that if you file or use a "cheap" belt sander on your tool rest, check the surface after you've removed material for straightness. Even with "no pressure" applied, there is a strong possibility of removing more material in areas. Getting the rest milled out of level with the "fix" is another problem. Even removal of material should be a priority on all machined surfaces. Using a longer sanding block rather than a short, flexible pad would help, but hey, it's your lathe, do what you want.
You could have mentioned the tailstock spindle keeper plate too, They're a consumable part, designed to preclude spindle wear. Good video though.
Super helpful video. Thanks! Great channel.
Good advice thanks
yessss the beard is back!!!
Thanks for the great video. One area you skipped is the part I am having trouble with my lathe. The hand wheel bearing part. It is very stiff, and lubrication did not help. Great advice on tool rest, which I used and confirm that it worked excellent.
Glad you found the video useful. Sorry about the hand wheel issue. Going to have to take it apart and see what is going on in there. Good luck!
Scott
Great tips! Thanks.
I have a nearly identical General from the 1970s. It has almost killed me twice-not from anything related to its operation-it runs like it is factory new-just from moving it around. It is the heaviest, most solid piece of equipment in the shop. They don't make em like that anymore.
I have the same lathe. Excellent lathe but definitely not the heaviest or most solid machine in my shop. That honour goes to my General 100-5 belt/disc sander.
I have three lathes… but, I would have four if I came across a General like yours!
Good video, thanks
very helpful
Extremely helpful! How often do you do a full cleaning, as opposed to wiping down the bed after turning green wood or just basic vacuuming of chips and dust after each turning. Thanks again!
Full cleaning every six months unless I feel it needs it sooner. I wax the bed, banjo, and clean up rest after every piece I make. I can usually only make 1 piece a month. It really just depends how much the machine gets used. Thanks for watching, hope you have a great day!
I would love to get into woodturning, but i just don't have the space. I'm considering buying a mini metal lathe and just doing some small stuff like pens or wooden rings on there.
I would not oil the rod in the banjo. I did this years ago and could not get the banjo to lock until I cleaned the wax off with Denatured alchohol
Hmmm. That seems like an adjustment issue of the lock plate to me but I’m glad you got it figured out and found what works best for you. I wax the rod in the banjo regularly and have never had an issue with it not locking. Regardless, thanks you for watching andI hope you have a great day
Scott
@@squareandlevel I was going to say the same thing. I use new lubricant every time I do a deep clean and have only ever had an issue one time when I didn’t tighten the nut quite tight enough.
Move the banjo while the lathe is on? Me?? Never! Great video!
Wood turning is much like spinning wheel-hubcaps. People are just hypnotized by them. There is nothing made of wood that should and could not be square though. But, yes, I admit it, I have a great time spinning it.
Well done. On an older lathe one might also want to give the motor a visual inspection. Oil/grease fittings? Cracked insulation on wires? Ground wire intact? Loose connections? Thanks!
Great tips! I actually had something similar in the notes, but I decided against advising anyone to poke around electric components. Didn’t seem like a smart move on my part even tho I think you are right. Thanks for watching. I hope you have a great day!
Scott
@@squareandlevel Perhaps your instinct is correct. It does seem that most of the common sense has left the planet. Enjoy your turning!
Thanks for the video. I picked up a General 160(Canadian built) this summer without an owner’s manual and I was not looking forward to removing the headstock to remove the old stiff belts. The link belts seem to be the answer! Did your manual give any length for the reeves drive belts?
Lower belt is 41” upper belt is 44”. I know you can buy the linked belts in pretty long sections. It may be cheaper to just buy one really long one than two smaller ones. Worth looking into. Side note about those belts. I would not say it’s easy to get them to fit together initially. Definitely requires a little patience and possible swearing to convince them into position. Thanks for watching. Hope you have a great day!
Scott
Thanks
Good morning I see you use simple turning tools. I was wanting to know what you think of their parting tool. I was reading up on it and they are saying you can go in at different angles even angled on the tool wrist and plunging just want to know what your thoughts are on it if you don’t mind appreciate it Steve
I do talk and text so hopefully you understand what I’m trying to say have an awesome day
Hey Steve. Unfortunately I do not have their parting tool so I can’t speak specifically on that. I can say I really like all of their tools that I have. They all work great and you can tell they are high quality tools just by holding them. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help about the parting tool. Thanks for watching, I hope you have a great day!
Scott
Wartung ist besonders bei Maschinen die regelmäßig benutzt werden sehr wichtig ! Bei der Drechselbank die Spänen und Staub ausgesetzt ist unerlässlich ! Den Motor ausblasen , Den Frequenzumrichter entstauben ( Kühlrippen ) alle beweglichen Teile und Klemmungen reinigen und Schmieren , am besten mit Trockenschmierstoff da der keinen Staub bindet , die Pinole herausnehmen und Reinigen und leicht schmieren ( Ich nehme Kettenöl aus dem Radsport ) , das Bankbett reinigen und mit Wachs oder ähnlichen Mitteln (Silberglide oä. ) gegen Feuchtigkeit und nasse Späne schützen . Die Messerauflage arbeite ich mit einem Karosseriehobel nach und halte sie Riefenfrei . Etwas Wachs schadet ihr auch nie ! Ich habe kürzlich Omas Bohnerwachs ausprobiert , das klappt auch vorzüglich , damit hatte ich nicht gerechnet ! Nicht dick auftragen , nur einen feinen Wachsfilm erzeugen , besonders beim Grünholz Drechseln . Schaut euch regelmäßig den Antriebsriemen an ! Rüttelt mal an der Antriebswelle , ob ihr Spiel feststellen könnt und achtet darauf das die Spitzen von Reitstock und Pinole genau zueinander stehen und reinigt die MK2 Aufnamen aber nicht schmieren !!!Ich reinige sie mit einem Filzstück das ich in der Aufname drehe und ca. 10cm tief in die Aufname drücke , einmal Ausblasen -> Sauber . Auch die Lager der mitlaufenden Körmerspitzen freuen sich gelegentlich über neuest Fett . Habt ihr eure Spannfutter schon mal gereinigt ? Bisher wohl die wenigsten ! Meine 5 Spannfutter sehen alle 1/2 Jahr eine vollständige Reinigung und das brauchen sie auch . Frisch gereinigt und mit einem leichten Film Öl oder Fett (ich nehme Gelenkfett aus dem Fahrzeugbau ganz dünn aufgetragen ) Arbeitet der Mechanismus wieder viel leichter und sauberer . Bei der Pflege stellt man mitunter auch mal Fehler oder Schäden fest die man sochst nicht bemerkt hätte , lose Schrauben , Klemmungen , Wellenspiel , defekte Lager usw. Das ist die Pflege die ich meiner K.Schulte FU 180 Twister zukommen lasse .
I'm not sure if it's a good idea to use abrasives on the machine-bed and the contacting surfaces. Especially with such smooth grinding blocks you would easily round over all faces and sharp edges. If you have nicks in your bed, possibly some new flat and square whetstone would be a better choice ? For cleaning and rust removing I would use some mild steel steelwool.
Sounds to me like you are a Traveling Man ...Square and Level
What makes you think others don’t maintain their tools? Do you visit a lot of workshops?
Fine job and a good joke!
Ich verstehe nicht, wieso immer wieder Beiträge in englischer Sprache mit einem deutschen Titel eingestellt werden... 👎
UA-cam automatically does it:
Auto-dubbed
Audio tracks for some languages were automatically generated.
Great information and demonstration…….