OK so here is the story of the Gizmo adventure so far.....on day 1 I learned my lathe wasn't level, probably 3/8" off, as the Gizmo kept drifting away from the lathe. So, now my lathe is level. With the 5/8" bar I could go over the tool rest about 7" without much chatter, raise the tool rest up a scoosh and that cut the chatter a bit at that distance. The first practice piece I consistently got the wall thickness to between 1/16 - 1/32", that was the goal, nothing more nothing less.
On day 2, I learned how to hog wood with the Gizmo. I was really concerned about being too aggressive and getting a catch, but finally realized the regardless of where you set the cutter, you were always in a negative rake. The only catch which occasionally occurred was when I wasn't watching as closely and I would catch the back end of the cutter, kinda going backwards, uphill...if that makes any sense. Easily resolved though, just pay attention to what you are doing.
Lining the cutter up on center is a breeze. Put a drive center in the headstock spindle, bring the cutter up and set it to center height. Sooooo simple.
On day 3, working with the Gizmo is becoming a breeze. Went to a little smaller opening with a bit of a shoulder, nothing too dramatic, I will save that for day 5/6.
So far all, this is one sweetheart of a tool. I don't believe I could have made a better purchase.
I am telling you all, the tool is a real sweetheart. Any vague tinge of buyers worry on day 1 was pretty much abolished by day 2 and at the end of day3.....This is a dream tool. You are going to love it.
Now if I can post some pics....... Scott and Dave.....note the SWAT hat!
So the pics are 1) Walnut vessel for wall consistency, 2) Maple hollow form, day3, 3) The Gizmo, Steady Rest, 4) inside the maple vessel, 5) The Gizmo, Steady Rest, and Tailstock Manager or otherwise known as the JT Turning Tool Collection.
Terry
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Originally Posted by Scott Hackler
Laugh at least once daily, even if at yourself!