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Jerry Behlmann found a lot of interest with his class on Segmented Turning Preparation. There were lots of questions and even some visitors who came specifically for this class. Segmented turning implies creating turned objects created from multiple pieces rather than just one piece of wood. Most often it refers to a process of creating rings of multiple segments. The rings are then combined in various forms to make a turned bowl, vase, ball, pen, golf tee or other objects.
Jerry covered some of the tools you will want to use (lathe, table saw, drum sander), some you might want to make (table saw angle cutting sled and centering cone), some you might want to buy (Segmented Project Planner software). There are various information sources on segmented turning, but Jerry recommended most people start with these: Kevin Neelley's TurnedWood.com, Bill Kandler's Segmented Project Planner at "VerifiedSoftware.com/goodturns/software.htm", and the Lamination Pro software for feature rings at WoodTurnerPro.com/software/lamPro.html.
Several key points were made in Jerry's presentation. Planning is essential. For those who like puzzles the design phase can be a lot of fun. Accuracy in cutting the angles is critical to a quality finished product. The joints need to be accurate not only for visual appeal, but a better glue joint means better integrity of the piece while it is being turned on the lathe. Weak glue joints can be dangerous. Clamping rings is a challenge that can be overcome in various ways using hose clamps, band clamps, tape, inner tubes, etc. Make sure to take time to carefully align the pieces while gluing the segmented rings and try to make sure at least one face (top or bottom) of the ring is flat. Flattening the other face can be done with a drum sander or on the lathe. Never try to run a glued up ring through your planer. Also use a higher rather than a lower speed on the lathe to start roughing the outside shape to reduce tear out and use very sharp tools.
Thanks Jerry for a very interesting and informative class and all those wonderful example pieces.
Paul Proffitt - President