Student Material 001: Faceplate & Chuck Work Reference Guide

Material ID: U7M4-MAT-001 Purpose: Quick reference for faceplate mounting, chuck operation, and bowl turning procedures

Faceplate Mounting Checklist

• [ ] Blank inspected for cracks, metal, loose bark
• [ ] Center marked on bowl bottom face
• [ ] Pilot holes drilled (7/64" for #10 screws)
• [ ] Hardened screws installed (#10 x 3/4" minimum)
• [ ] Blank seated flat against faceplate—no gaps
• [ ] Faceplate threaded firmly onto spindle
• [ ] Tailstock brought up for initial support
• [ ] Speed set for blank diameter (6000/diameter RPM)
• [ ] Hand-rotated for clearance check
• [ ] PPE: glasses, face shield, dust mask, hearing protection

Scroll Chuck Quick Reference

Feature	Compression (Tenon)	Expansion (Recess)
Jaw action	Jaws close around tenon	Jaws expand into recess
Tenon/recess height	3/8" to 1/2"	1/8" to 3/16"
Profile	Dovetail (10° undercut)	Dovetail walls
Strength	Stronger	Moderate
Base finish	Tenon must be removed	Cleaner base
Best for	Most bowl work	Shallow bowls, platters

Common Chuck Jaw Sizes

Chuck Model	Small Jaws	Standard Jaws	Large Jaws
Nova G3	1-3/8" - 2"	2" - 3"	Pin jaws, Cole jaws
Vicmarc VM100	1-3/8" - 2"	2" - 3"	Shark jaws
Axminster SK100	1-1/2" - 2"	2" - 3"	Various

Always verify your specific jaw set's gripping range before turning a tenon.

Bowl Turning Sequence

Exterior (Faceplate Mounted)

1. True outside to round — bowl gouge
2. Flatten face — bowl gouge
3. Shape exterior curve — bowl gouge, rim to base
4. Turn tenon at base — parting tool + gouge
5. Sand exterior — 150 → 220 → 320
6. Remove from faceplate

Interior (Chuck Mounted by Tenon)

1. True rim face — light bowl gouge cut
2. Open center — bowl gouge, center outward
3. Progressive hollowing — 1/2" depth per pass layer
4. Refine wall thickness — 3/8" to 1/2" target
5. Smooth interior — round-nose scraper
6. Sand interior — 150 → 220 → 320
7. Apply finish

Base (Reverse Mounted)

1. Mount on jam chuck, vacuum chuck, or Cole jaws
2. Remove tenon — bowl gouge or scraper
3. Create slight concavity — ensures flat sitting
4. Sand and finish base

Wall Thickness Guide

Bowl Size	Beginner Target	Intermediate	Advanced
6" diameter	1/2" (12mm)	3/8" (10mm)	1/4" (6mm)
8" diameter	1/2" (12mm)	3/8" (10mm)	5/16" (8mm)
10" diameter	5/8" (16mm)	1/2" (12mm)	3/8" (10mm)
12"+ diameter	3/4" (19mm)	5/8" (16mm)	1/2" (12mm)

Reverse Mounting Methods Comparison

Method	Equipment Needed	Holding Strength	Marks Left	Difficulty
Jam chuck	Waste block, lathe	Moderate (friction)	None	Easy
Vacuum chuck	Pump, rotary adapter	Good (suction)	None	Moderate
Cole jaws	Chuck accessory jaws	Good (compression)	Possible pad marks	Easy
Tape + tailstock	Double-sided tape	Light	None	Easy (light cuts only)

Speed Reference for Faceplate Work

Blank Diameter	Roughing (Unbalanced)	Turning (Balanced)	Sanding
6"	800-1000	1000-1500	500-800
8"	600-800	800-1100	500-700
10"	500-600	600-900	400-600
12"	400-500	500-750	400-500
14"+	300-400	400-600	300-400

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Last Updated: 2026-03-19