Module 3: Assessment Quiz

Module: U7M3 - Spindle Turning Techniques Duration: 20-30 minutes Passing Score: 70%

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What is the first operation performed when turning a square spindle blank on the lathe?

Cutting a decorative bead

Sanding the surface smooth

Roughing the square blank to a cylinder using the spindle roughing gouge

Cutting a tenon on one end

Submit

Explanation: Roughing is always the first operation. The spindle roughing gouge removes the corners of the square blank to create a round cylinder, which is the starting point for all subsequent shaping operations.

When roughing a square blank to round, where on the tool rest should the roughing gouge be positioned?

At the tailstock end only

Start at one end and work progressively along the full length

Only at the center of the blank

At the widest diameter point

Submit

Explanation: Begin roughing at one end of the blank and work along its length in overlapping passes. This ensures even material removal and prevents the tool from catching on a corner that has not yet been rounded.

What is a "cove" in spindle turning?

A raised, rounded bump on the surface

A concave, U-shaped depression cut into the spindle

A V-shaped groove

A flat section between two beads

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Explanation: A cove is a concave (hollowed) curve cut into the spindle surface, typically created with a spindle gouge. It is one of the fundamental decorative shapes in spindle turning, often combined with beads and fillets.

Which tool is traditionally used to cut beads on a spindle?

Bowl gouge

Parting tool

Skew chisel

Round-nose scraper

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Explanation: The skew chisel is the traditional bead-cutting tool. The long point (toe) of the skew is used to define the bead edges, and the blade is rolled to form the convex curve. A spindle gouge can also cut beads but with less precision.

What is a "planing cut" with the skew chisel?

Cutting a V-groove at the end of a spindle

A smooth finishing cut using the lower third of the skew edge to produce a glass-smooth surface

Roughing a square blank

Cutting into end grain

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Explanation: The planing cut uses the lower portion of the skew edge (near the heel) with the bevel riding the wood surface. The tool is held at approximately 45° to the axis and moved along the spindle. It produces the smoothest possible surface directly from the tool, often eliminating the need for sanding.

When cutting a cove with a spindle gouge, where should the cut begin?

At the bottom of the cove and push outward

At the rim (top edge) of the cove and roll downward toward the bottom

From outside the cove cutting inward

Anywhere—direction does not matter

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Explanation: Coves are always cut from the rim down to the bottom. Starting at the top and rolling the gouge as you descend ensures you are cutting with the grain (downhill) and the bevel supports the cut. Cutting uphill from the bottom causes tearout.

What is the purpose of using a parting tool to establish reference diameters before shaping a spindle?

To make the spindle look decorative

To remove waste material quickly

To set precise depth marks at key points so that features are turned to the correct size

To separate the spindle from the waste

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Explanation: Before shaping beads, coves, and other features, the turner uses the parting tool with calipers to cut grooves to specific diameters at key reference points. This ensures the finished piece matches the design dimensions.

What does "cutting downhill" mean in spindle turning?

Cutting from left to right only

Cutting toward the floor

Cutting from larger diameter to smaller diameter, which follows the wood grain direction

Cutting with the lathe speed decreasing

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Explanation: In spindle turning, "downhill" means cutting from a larger diameter toward a smaller diameter. This direction follows the grain fibers and produces a clean cut. Cutting "uphill" (from smaller to larger diameter) tears the fibers and leaves a rough surface.

What is a "pommel" in spindle turning?

A type of turning tool

A round finial at the end of a spindle

The transition point where a round turned section meets a square (unturned) section

The center point of a spindle

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Explanation: A pommel is the shoulder where round turning meets a square section, commonly seen on furniture legs where the square section provides a flat mortise surface. Pommels are typically cut with a skew chisel or parting tool and require careful technique to avoid splitting the corners.

When sanding on the lathe, what is the safe technique for holding sandpaper?

Wrap it around your fingers for grip

Hold it in a folded pad or use a sanding block, keeping fingers away from the spinning surface

Use both hands to press firmly

Wear gloves for better grip

Submit

Explanation: Never wrap sandpaper around your fingers—it can catch and pull fingers into the spinning workpiece. Hold a folded pad of sandpaper against the workpiece with light pressure, or use a dedicated sanding block. Never wear gloves near the lathe.

What grit sequence is recommended for sanding a turned spindle?

Start at 400 grit and work down

Use only 220 grit

Start at 120-150 grit and progress through 180, 220, 320, and optionally 400 grit

Start at 60 grit for fastest material removal

Submit

Explanation: Sanding progresses from coarser to finer grits, with each grit removing the scratches from the previous one. Starting at 120-150 removes tool marks efficiently without being so coarse it creates deep scratches. Each successive grit should be approximately 1.5x finer than the previous.