Greetings fellow turners: Here's the problem: I don't know how to turn a terribly thin, can't possibly be done, that is crazy, spindle to adorn a hollow form.
Inspired by certain Kenny Rogers look alikes, and other very talented turners, I'm pushing my envelop to get away from bowls and boxes and use the Jamison Hollowing System to actually make some hollow forms. The form is easy, relatively speaking, but the spindle topper is driving me crazy.
So: how is it done? Do you size the base of the spindle top to the vessel and then reverse the work and turn the spindle from right to left, (base of the spindle, properly sized, at the tailstock end; tiny, delicate point, eventually, at the headstock end?)
I've broken several so far in the turning process, so I know what I'm doing is not right! Are you turning the really fine stem coming out of the teardrop base or sanding it to that fine dimension.
Finally, are you gluing the spindle top into the vessel or using a tight friction fit? I do know that a lose friction fit will allow gravity to bring that beautiful, delicate, Ah I did it, spindle top crashing to the floor....in multiple pieces.
So, what say you?
Thanks,
Tom, in Douglasville, cheering for the Rangers and waiting patiently for instruction.