Preparing a blank for turning to reduce vibration

from: Rob Smith

Here is a quick tip for turning between centers. If you set your table saw blade to a 45 degree angle and rip the corners off your blank, you will have less vibration on the lathe when you first start turning the blank. Plus you will have less material to remove to get your rough shape.

If your turning a bowl, plate, platter, or box, you can take a compass and find your circle, then use your band saw to cut the blank's corners off. Again, this helps reduce vibration, and excess material to remove.