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How To: Turning a Bell Casting on a Lathe

Bells large and small are created using a metal casting process that forms the initial shape and structure of the bell. When a bell is cast from steel or some other metal type, it typically has rough edges and surface imperfections. Lathes are used to create a smooth bell surface during a process called skirting. If a bell is not smoothed and skirted on a lathe, its tone could be compromised because of the excess metal on its surface.

Things You'll Need

Finishing lathe tool bit
Wire brush

Instructions

- 1
  Clamp the bell casting into your lathe. The bell will lie on its side, not upright. One clamp will fit inside of the bell, applying pressure to the underside of the top. The other clamp will press against the top of the bell from the other side.
- 2
  Place the finishing bit in the bit holder on the lathe carriage. The bit should screw or clamp into place. It should nearly touch the bell but not actually do so.
- 3
  Turn your lathe on and adjust the speed so the machine is at its lowest setting. Higher rotation speeds could cause damage to the bell and a possibly an injury.
- 4
  Move the lathe carriage so the bit makes contact with the surface of the bell casting. As it makes contact, metal shavings will fall from the bell's surface. Move the carriage back and forth, up and down the length of the bell. This will allow the bit to remove excess metal from the bell casting. Once an area of the bell is nearly smooth, focus on a rougher area of the metal.
- 5
  Turn the lathe off once you have removed the imperfections on the bell's surface. Use the wire brush to remove any metal shavings that have accumulated on the metal.

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