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Turning asymmetric candlesticks and similar

Here I will describe a simple technique for turning asymmetric candlesticks using an ordinary scroll chuck as excenter chuck. It can be used for turning many other asymmetric objects. The first description is for turning candlesticks like the two middle ones in the photo above.



First method

1. A square blank is mounted in the scroll chuck so that each of the four sides of the square is supported by one of four the jaws. The live centre can be used in the beginning for additional support.

2. The blank is rough turned to a cylinder from a little away from the jaws to the end.

3. The live centre is removed if it was used. A flat bowl shape is formed at the end of the blank to serve to collect drops from the candle. In the middle is made a small recess for a candle holder. In the very centre can be made a very smal recess to catch the screw holding the candle holder.
    Then the middle part and the foot of the candlestick is turned. Bottom, middle and top parts are sanded.

4. Now the blank is removed from the chuck and two opposite jaws are removed from the chuck. The blank is remounted using the two remaining jaws. It is tilted at an angle and possibly offset in both chuck and tailstock end. Use the live centre to verify that the centre axis of the blank is still well inside the blank.

5. The narrow part of the upper part of the candlestick is now turned. The lathe can run at a relatively high speed (start slow) but the cuts have to be very gentle. Do NOT sand on the lathe!

6. The chuck is opened and the blank is moved so that it tilts to the opposite side. The centre axis must be within the middle and bottom sections. This is ensured by a visual line from live centre to headstock.

7. The lower narrow part is turned in the same way as the upper one, but the lathe has to run at a slower speed due to the offset mass at the top and the narrow weak part in the bottom.

8. Finally, the blank i mounted centered. You can use all four jaws again and verify the position using the live centre.
    The candlestick is parted off and sanded by hand, finished with oil or what you like and the candle holder is mounted.


Second method

A variation is not to tilt the blank, only to offset the axis as the leftmost candlestick in the photo above. Most is the same as above and not described in detail again.

1. The blank is mounted, turned to a cylinder and bowl shape with recess and screw hole is made at the end and centre and bottom sections are turned. All three finished parts are sanded.

2. The blank is removed and two opposite jaws are removed from the chuck. The blank is mounted in the chuck but now it isn't tilted but offset to one side.
    The upper thin part of the candlestick is turned.

3. The chuck is opened and the blank is offset to the opposite side. The lower part of the candlestick is turned.

4. Finally, the blank is mounted with four jaws and centered using the live centre. The candlestick is parted off, sanded by hand, finished and the candle holder is mounted.


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