Richard Raffan turns a spillikin stick

[@todds4101]

It's always fun watching the master turn. Between Cindy Drozda and her finials, and Raffan with his...............just about everything, it's always fun to watch the pros.

[@s10m0t10n]

When I started wood turning, I made my fair share of lace bobbin blanks, so I have no real desire to turn thin stuff these days. I do, however, appreciate the skill you display and understand the countless hours of practice it has taken to develop. I'm relieved that I wasn't reliant on my turning skills - or lack thereof - to pay the mortgage. Thank you for sharing these videos.

[@TimJohnsonBizNet3]

I married a bobbin lace maker (and now teacher) so I have a ready market and demand - along with a free pass to the garage.

[@DiemenDesign]

Another useful, and informative video, thanks Richard, for reminding me to watch it again, there's always something to pick up in all your videos. And if one pays attention, there are tips along the way.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

I"m aware there are all sorts of things I do that I'm barely aware of they're so engrained in the way I go about things.

[@brianhawes3115]

Those spillikins are fantastic, thanks for the video!

[@bradbyers7505]

I'm always impressed by the precision you have. Spindles, especially thin ones, will make an honest turner out of a person.

[@jackthompson5092]

Very good turning Richard.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you for showing the technic on something so thin, great video 😀

[@bertdelisle393]

Great video Richard. I have used your thin spindle support technique many times while making Drop Spindles for fibre spinners. It is a zen moment turning these so thin, (when it works), it takes practice and “SHARP” skews, such a rewarding and confidence building project. Not sure if todays younger generation appreciates the fine motor skill building effects playing the “Pick up sticks” game that I fondly remember challenging my friends with 60 years ago.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

It continues to be a good game right up to the time you start trembling thanks to age or alchol. I hope you've turned a set.

[@dtork47]

Truly amazing craftsmanship! Inspirational as always! Thanks Richard.

[@tallerpinocho]

very usefull video for me, I have a lot of african blackwood, a heritage from one of my mentors, and its very beatifull wood and expensive, but very disgusting for me to turning. Breaks, noises, etc. Seeing videos of pipebag makers, that make its easy, is very discorageus but seeing you I understand that is normal for the turners that dont expend all the day with this wood. Also increased with this diameter. But these sticks are a good idea, Im blocked to figure how to use the stock I have also for the waste that suposes make a box o bowl with expensive woods. Thanks for all Richard

[@johnkriplean1148]

It me nervous just watching you. Don't know how it can be relaxing. Enjoy watching you demo. thanks.

[@AllanForrest-Winchester]

Many thanks for your efforts in producing these wonderful educational videos. I keep returning time and time again to learn a little more each time. With the spillikins, I assume the oil that you use on them is your favorite boiled linseed oil. With your ego sticks, I understand that you turn them to 1/8 of an inch in diameter, with the spillikins do you aim for the same diameter or a little bigger? I have taken your advice and have started turning a set in Australian red cedar.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

As you suspect, boiled linseed is the finish, but they often get U-beaut Traditional Wax as well. Around 3mm for the spillikins sounds about right. The essential is straight grain for maximum strength. I've made several sets of spillikins in Aussie red cedar and they came out well and nice to play with.

[@AllanForrest-Winchester]

Thanks for lowering the target. I think I will practice at 4mm diameter until I am proficient before moving to 3mm. I do appreciate your advice. @@RichardRaffanwoodturning

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

@@AllanForrest-Winchester Don't forget you'll lose up to 1mm sanding and that you also lose quite a bit of bulk in a set when creating paddles/propellors.

[@tricolorturners]

Great skew control and counter-pressure practice for sure. That jumping around can get stressful. Thank you!

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

It was a bit stressful, Matt. I'm out of practice.

[@sethwarner2540]

you've spent so much time on that little bobble, I wish you would close up with your camera so we could see what YOU are seeing!

[@Cancun771]

All kidding aside, another great video, not just for the skill but because it is filmed in a manner so you can actually see and understand what is going on. Apart from the catch. 6:46 I keep rewatching it on low speed and can't figure out why that happened. The cut seems textbook on the low end of the skew and should have been safe.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

The catch was probably carelessness but I claim lack of practice on my part.

[@evanloeffler2291]

I learn so much watching your videos. What speed do you use to turn such thin stock?

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

1800-2000 rpm. I have the lathe set at 2000rpm maximum to guard against inadvertently running a large blank at 3600.

[@SirBenJamin_]

When using your fingers for support with the skew, have you ever had a catch and the skew dug into your flesh?

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

Never adn I"ve never seen anyone else cutting themselves in that situation. The dynamics are such that that's unlikely to happen.

[@jansteinaryjord5683]

How about you make the box?😊

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

Turning a 50mm diameter spillikins box is the same process as in the Huon pine box video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4GUY3aggspjl9U using the boring techniques you see in the Pencil Pot video kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2fTomWVmLZ0q6c.

[@sweetlandsheatingcooling9039]

Thanks for the video. What height is the tool rest? It looks to be just slightly below the center of the blank.

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

It probably is, but would likely be different to the height you'd require. The rest needs to be at a height that's comfortable for the turner on the lathe being used. Anyone taller than myself using this lathe would have the rest higher on this diameter, if shorter the rest would be lower. Ideally the centre height of your lathe is at your elbow height. Tools are usually most comfortably held tilted up a few degrees, so consequently the larger the diameter being turned, the higher the rest.

[@sweetlandsheatingcooling9039]

@@RichardRaffanwoodturning thank you. I had no idea! been told and read differing answers, skewed answers really 😁, the ensuing confusion caused me more “skew anxiety” than usual.

[@Cancun771]

"These days of course, for relaxation, I cut bitches in GTA like everybody else!"

[@robertcornelius3514]

How many sticks are usually in a set?

[@RichardRaffanwoodturning]

I have 35 sticks in a set with six groupd of five, plus five pickers. My early sets had 50 sticks but it was too many on the pile when playing.

[@robertcornelius3514]

@@RichardRaffanwoodturning , I had to go back and watch the video again. Thanks for the reply.