Turned Winged Box

This winged box is turned fast, and the end result will leave people asking how you did that.

- Jimmy Clewes

Before beginning this project, I want to warn you that this woodturning project is not for the faint hearted. I would recommend that you not only have the confidence but also tool technique and ability to attempt it. The speed you are ability to turn makes a huge difference given the fact that the base of the box is 10" long, 4" wide, and a 21/2" thick piece of maple. Also, given the fact that it is a rectangle rather than round or square, there will be a lot of cutting and missing effect as it is turning. That's where the speed comes in, the faster the piece is turning, the more "solid" it becomes as the time between cuts are lessened.

Prepare

For accuracy, make sure that the blank is accurately cut and square before marking the center of the face and using a center pop to allow for accurate drilling for the screw chuck. I prefer to use the screw chuck because as you are turning, the resistance is actually tightening the piece onto the chuck. I'm using a Vicmarc VM 100 chuck. A little wax on the screw and in the hole will help to take the piece on and off the screw chuck. After mounting the base onto the screw chuck and making sure that the piece is tight against the face of the screw chuck, you can begin turning.

Few Notes Before

Turning Before we begin, I want to point out the noise that you will hear as you turn. As you turn the speed up, the sound the wings make as they catch the air will also increase. Don't worry, it's only a noise! Had the piece been a round bowl blank, there would be very little noise at the same speed.