After mounting the face plate and work piece onto the head stock, it's time to switch the machine on and get busy.
The first operation is to turn the piece into a cylinder that is slightly larger than the final diameter.
A sharp wood turning gouge is used here.
Since balsa wood is very soft and splintery, this operation must be done in a series of very light passes.
Next, a medium grit sanding block is used to bring the diameter of the blank down fairly close to final.
Now, shaping of the first tail piece can be started, again using the medium grit block. Note that the tool rest is moved perpendicular to the end of the work piece. This helps steady and guide the sanding block as it is worked around the end of the stock. The machine is stopped frequently so that shaping progress can be checked against the template.
Finally, the shape is well-established.
Next a pencil mark defining the base is applied while the machine is turning.
The shoulder is turned to the proper diameter using files. The dimension is monitored by a caliper set to the inside diameter of the plastic part in which this piece will fit.
Finally, the location for the part cutoff is marked, and an application of a razor saw while the machine is turning makes short work of removing the part.
The finished tail piece in hand....
....and a near-perfect fit on the mating pod....
Now to make two more just like it.
Because I am making three of the parts in series from the same piece of stock, I opted not to seal and finish the parts on the lathe, due to the time constraints involved. I will finish the parts individually after they are glued in place on the pods.
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