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How to Keep a Cedar Turning Lathe From Splitting

Wood turning is a method of using lathe machinery to cut and shape blocks of wood into finished pieces such as bowls, pots, cups and other works that can be both decorative and ornamental. Successfully turning cedar on a lathe without having cracks or splitting occur in the process requires previous wood turning experience and a knowledge of the tools involved. You must also be vigilant as you turn cedar in order to correct any splits that may form because of the dry, weak nature of the unfinished wood, which is called a blank in wood turning.

Things You'll Need

Safety goggles
Cedar blank
Wax sealant
Brush
Turning lathe
Superglue
Sandpaper
Wood finish or sealant

Instructions

- 1
  Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust and wood chips as you work.
- 2
  Coat the sides of the cedar blank with a wax sealant with a brush. Apply a layer evenly to the ends and each side of the blank. This will discourage the cedar's inherent dryness from forming cracks as it is turned on the lathe.
- 3
  Begin turning the cedar blank on the lathe. Stop once you have formed the rough shape of your finished product.
- 4
  Examine your cedar piece for signs of splitting. Fill in any cracks with superglue so that it fills the cracks entirely, spreading from the bottom of the split and reaching to the surface level.
- 5
  Continue working with the cedar and lathe until the piece is finished. Stop periodically to check for and correct any more signs of splitting.

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