Module 4: Assessment Quiz

Module: U7M4 - Faceplate & Chuck Work Duration: 20-30 minutes Passing Score: 70%

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What is the fundamental difference between faceplate turning and spindle turning?

Faceplate turning uses faster speeds

Faceplate turning uses different tools

In faceplate turning, the grain runs perpendicular to the lathe axis; in spindle turning, the grain runs parallel

Faceplate turning does not use a tool rest

Submit

Explanation: The defining characteristic of faceplate turning is grain orientation. The grain runs across the face of the workpiece (perpendicular to the lathe axis), meaning the tool encounters alternating end grain and face grain with every revolution. This affects cutting technique, tool selection, and surface finish.

What is the minimum recommended screw size for mounting a bowl blank to a faceplate?

#6 x 1/2" wood screws

#8 x 5/8" drywall screws

#10 x 3/4" or larger hardened wood screws

Any screw that fits the faceplate holes

Submit

Explanation: Faceplate screws must withstand the centrifugal force of a heavy, spinning blank. #10 x 3/4" minimum hardened wood screws provide adequate shear strength. Drywall screws are brittle and can snap. The screws must penetrate solid wood—not end grain if possible.

What is a "tenon" in the context of chuck work?

A hole drilled in the bottom of the bowl

A cylindrical projection turned on the base of the workpiece that the scroll chuck jaws grip in compression mode

A type of glue joint for faceplate mounting

The thread on the chuck body

Submit

Explanation: A tenon is a short cylindrical projection (typically 3/8" to 1/2" tall) turned on the base of a bowl blank. The scroll chuck jaws close around the tenon to grip it. The tenon diameter must match the chuck jaw range, and it should have a slight dovetail angle matching the jaw profile for maximum grip.

Why is a spindle roughing gouge NEVER used for faceplate/bowl turning?

It is too wide for bowl interiors

It cannot reach inside a bowl

Its thin cross-section and tang construction cannot withstand the lateral forces of faceplate work, risking catastrophic blade failure

It leaves a rough surface on bowls

Submit

Explanation: This is a critical safety rule. The spindle roughing gouge has a thin cross-section and is attached via a tang. The lateral cutting forces in faceplate work—where the grain orientation changes every half-revolution—can snap the blade at the tang, sending a sharp steel fragment at the operator.

When turning the outside of a bowl, what is the correct cutting direction?

From the base toward the rim

From the rim toward the base (large diameter to small diameter)

Direction does not matter for bowl exteriors

Always cut from left to right

Submit

Explanation: The rule of cutting downhill (large to small diameter) applies to bowl exteriors just as it does in spindle work. Cutting from the rim toward the base follows the grain direction and produces a clean surface. Cutting from base to rim tears the grain.

What is a "recess" used for in chuck work?

A decorative feature on the bowl rim

A shallow groove turned into the base of the workpiece that the scroll chuck jaws expand into for grip

A waste section to be removed later

A mounting hole for a screw chuck

Submit

Explanation: A recess is the alternative to a tenon for chuck mounting. Instead of gripping around a projection, the chuck jaws expand into a shallow circular groove cut in the base. This leaves a cleaner base on the finished piece since no tenon protrudes.

What is the recommended wall thickness for a beginner's first bowl project?

1/8" (3mm) — as thin as possible

1/16" (1.5mm) — artistic thin-wall turning

3/8" to 1/2" (10-12mm) — safe learning thickness

1" (25mm) — maximum strength

Submit

Explanation: A 3/8" to 1/2" wall provides enough material to absorb tool catches without breaking through, gives the bowl structural integrity during turning, and is achievable by beginners without advanced tool control. Thinner walls require advanced skill and can result in dangerous blowouts.

When hollowing a bowl interior, in what direction should you cut?

From the center outward to the rim

From the rim inward toward the center (or from the center outward, maintaining downhill cutting)

From the bottom of the bowl upward

Any direction—interior cuts are all the same

Submit

Explanation: Bowl hollowing typically proceeds from the rim toward the center in a series of sweeping cuts, maintaining the downhill (large to small) principle. Some turners prefer center-outward cuts. The key is always cutting with supported grain—never scraping across unsupported end grain areas.

What is the purpose of a jam chuck (friction chuck)?

To drive the workpiece during initial roughing

To replace a damaged scroll chuck

To reverse-mount a bowl so the bottom can be finished and the tenon/recess removed

To mount square blanks for faceplate work

Submit

Explanation: A jam chuck is a turned wooden cylinder that friction-fits into the bowl opening, allowing the bowl to be reversed on the lathe. This exposes the bottom so the turner can remove the tenon or recess and finish the base. The friction fit is often supplemented with tailstock pressure or a non-marring pad.

What speed range is appropriate for roughing a 10" diameter bowl blank?

1500-2000 RPM

1000-1200 RPM

600-800 RPM

200-300 RPM

Submit

Explanation: Using the roughing speed formula (6000/diameter): 6000/10 = 600 RPM. A 10" blank should start at 600 RPM and can be increased slightly (to ~800) once round and balanced. Bowl blanks are often unbalanced and heavy, making conservative speed selection critical.

What feature should a tenon have to maximize chuck grip?

A perfectly flat top surface

A rounded profile

A slight dovetail angle (undercut) matching the chuck jaw profile

A rough, textured surface for friction

Submit

Explanation: Most scroll chuck jaws have a dovetail profile. When the tenon has a matching dovetail angle (typically about 10° undercut on the shoulder), the jaws mechanically lock onto the tenon rather than relying on friction alone. This dramatically increases holding strength and safety.