A Course in Wood Turning Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

In 1919, what was a common method used to educate people in valuable skills like woodturning?

  • An online course
  • A hands-on, practical approach in industrial arts education
  • A televised demonstration
  • An in-home tutor

Correct Answer: A hands-on, practical approach in industrial arts education

Correct Answer Explanation: The text “A Course In Wood Turning” was written in 1919, which reflected the era’s strong emphasis on industrial arts education. This method promoted practical skills development, and woodturning was a core component of this educational movement.

What does the text emphasize as the most crucial factor for success in woodturning?

  • Using the highest quality wood
  • Selecting the right tools
  • Understanding the historical context of woodturning
  • Mastering tool control and precision

Correct Answer: Mastering tool control and precision

Correct Answer Explanation: “A Course In Wood Turning” focuses on developing proficiency and precision in tool manipulation. It highlights the importance of honing these skills to achieve successful results in woodturning.

According to the text, how does woodturning appeal to students and help them learn?

  • It is a fun and easy hobby that anyone can pick up quickly.
  • It teaches valuable hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
  • It promotes an appreciation for traditional crafts and techniques.
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: It teaches valuable hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

Correct Answer Explanation: The authors of the text advocate for woodturning as a beneficial learning activity, emphasizing its role in developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

What is the significance of the “live center” in spindle turning?

  • It provides the power for the lathe.
  • It keeps the wood spinning at a consistent rate.
  • It holds the wood securely in place while it is being turned.
  • It guides the tools as they shape the wood.

Correct Answer: It holds the wood securely in place while it is being turned.

Correct Answer Explanation: The “live center” is a crucial component in spindle turning. It acts as a rotating point that holds the wood steady, enabling precise shaping by the tools.

What does the text suggest for adjusting the “tool rest” in spindle turning?

  • It should be positioned far away from the wood to avoid contact.
  • It should be placed directly below the wood to create a stable platform.
  • It should be adjusted to a specific distance depending on the shape and size of the wood.
  • It is not necessary to adjust the tool rest during the turning process.

Correct Answer: It should be adjusted to a specific distance depending on the shape and size of the wood.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text emphasizes the importance of adjusting the tool rest based on the wood’s dimensions. It should be close enough to support the wood but not too close to interfere with tool movement.

What is the purpose of the “roughing cut” in spindle turning?

  • To create the final smooth finish for the wood.
  • To shape the wood to its precise dimensions.
  • To remove most of the unwanted material from the wood.
  • To add decorative details to the wood.

Correct Answer: To remove most of the unwanted material from the wood.

Correct Answer Explanation: The roughing cut is the initial step in spindle turning, where a large gouge removes a significant amount of material, shaping the wood roughly to its desired form.

What is the best method to determine if a piece of turned wood is perfectly smooth?

  • Using a fine-grit sandpaper to check for imperfections.
  • Holding the wood up to the light to look for any surface irregularities.
  • Placing the palm of your hand on the surface and feeling for bumps or uneven areas.
  • Using a measuring tool to check the consistency of the diameter.

Correct Answer: Placing the palm of your hand on the surface and feeling for bumps or uneven areas.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text emphasizes the importance of testing for smoothness by feeling the turned wood. It suggests using the palm of the hand to check for any irregularities, ensuring a safe and effective method.

How does the text suggest sharpening a “skew chisel”?

  • Sharpening on one side only, with a 20-degree angle.
  • Sharpening on both sides, with a 20-degree angle for each side.
  • Sharpening on both sides, with a 40-degree angle for each side.
  • Sharpening on one side, with a 40-degree angle.

Correct Answer: Sharpening on both sides, with a 20-degree angle for each side.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text specifically explains that a skew chisel is sharpened on both sides, creating a 20-degree angle on each side. This ensures the tool can cut effectively in both directions.

What is the purpose of “hollow grinding” when sharpening tools?

  • It creates a stronger, more durable edge.
  • It helps to reduce the amount of metal that needs to be removed when sharpening.
  • It helps to prevent the tool from overheating during sharpening.
  • It helps to keep the tool sharp for longer.

Correct Answer: It helps to reduce the amount of metal that needs to be removed when sharpening.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text explains that hollow grinding leaves a slight concave shape on the bevel, which minimizes metal removal during sharpening. This method results in faster and more efficient sharpening.

What is the main difference between “spindle turning” and “face-plate turning”?

  • Spindle turning involves turning a piece of wood between two centers, while face-plate turning involves turning a piece of wood attached to a face-plate.
  • Spindle turning is used to create simple shapes, while face-plate turning is used to create more complex shapes.
  • Spindle turning requires specialized tools, while face-plate turning uses common woodworking tools.
  • Spindle turning is a beginner-friendly technique, while face-plate turning is more advanced.

Correct Answer: Spindle turning involves turning a piece of wood between two centers, while face-plate turning involves turning a piece of wood attached to a face-plate.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text outlines the two main methods of woodturning: spindle turning, where wood is held between centers, and face-plate turning, where wood is attached to a face-plate for shaping.

What is the purpose of a “parting tool” in woodturning?

  • To create smooth, rounded shapes on the wood.
  • To remove large sections of wood quickly.
  • To cut off a piece of wood at a specific point.
  • To create detailed patterns and designs on the wood.

Correct Answer: To cut off a piece of wood at a specific point.

Correct Answer Explanation: A parting tool is specifically designed for making precise cuts, creating shoulders, or separating a piece of wood from the main stock.

What is the purpose of a “scraping tool” in woodturning?

  • To shape the wood roughly to its desired form.
  • To create a smooth, even surface on the wood.
  • To add decorative details and patterns to the wood.
  • To remove large sections of wood quickly.

Correct Answer: To add decorative details and patterns to the wood.

Correct Answer Explanation: Scraping tools are primarily used for intricate shaping and pattern work, allowing for detailed and precise cuts that add decorative elements to woodturning projects.

What is “oval turning”?

  • It involves turning a perfectly round shape on the lathe.
  • It involves turning a shape with two different diameters, creating an oval.
  • It involves turning two identical pieces of wood simultaneously.
  • It involves turning a piece of wood using a template to guide the tools.

Correct Answer: It involves turning a shape with two different diameters, creating an oval.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text explains that oval turning involves creating an oval shape on the lathe using two off-center points as the turning centers, resulting in a shape with two different diameters.

What is “duplicate turning”?

  • It involves turning a piece of wood using a template to guide the tools.
  • It involves turning two or more identical pieces of wood simultaneously.
  • It involves turning a piece of wood with a special tool that creates a unique pattern.
  • It involves turning a piece of wood that has been previously turned and shaped.

Correct Answer: It involves turning two or more identical pieces of wood simultaneously.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text describes duplicate turning as the process of creating multiple identical pieces of wood using measuring sticks and templates to ensure consistency in shape and size.

What is a “templet” used for in woodturning?

  • It is a tool used to sharpen the turning tools.
  • It is a device used to measure the diameter of the wood being turned.
  • It is a pattern or template used to ensure consistent shape and size in turning.
  • It is a type of wood used for specific turning projects.

Correct Answer: It is a pattern or template used to ensure consistent shape and size in turning.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text defines a templet as a pattern or template used to guide the turner in achieving accurate and consistent shapes for duplicate turning projects.

Why does the text recommend starting the roughing cut about ¾” from the dead center end?

  • To avoid damaging the dead center.
  • To ensure a more even and consistent cut.
  • To avoid placing unnecessary stress on the lathe.
  • To create a smoother finish on the wood.

Correct Answer: To avoid damaging the dead center.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text advises starting the roughing cut a safe distance from the dead center end to prevent damage to the center point during the turning process.

What is the purpose of the “sizing cut” in spindle turning?

  • To add decorative details to the wood.
  • To shape the wood to its precise dimensions.
  • To remove most of the unwanted material from the wood.
  • To create a smooth, even surface on the wood.

Correct Answer: To shape the wood to its precise dimensions.

Correct Answer Explanation: The sizing cut follows the roughing cut and utilizes a smaller gouge to bring the wood to its exact desired diameter, ensuring accurate shaping.

What is the primary function of a “gouge” in woodturning?

  • To create a smooth, even finish on the wood.
  • To add decorative details and patterns to the wood.
  • To remove large sections of wood quickly and efficiently.
  • To make precise cuts and create shoulders.

Correct Answer: To remove large sections of wood quickly and efficiently.

Correct Answer Explanation: Gouges, with their concave blades, are designed for roughing cuts and removing significant amounts of material from the wood during the shaping process.

What is the main purpose of a “skew chisel” in woodturning?

  • To remove large sections of wood quickly and efficiently.
  • To make precise cuts and create shoulders.
  • To create smooth, even surfaces on the wood.
  • To add decorative details and patterns to the wood.

Correct Answer: To create smooth, even surfaces on the wood.

Correct Answer Explanation: Skew chisels, with their beveled blades sharpened on both sides, are primarily used for smoothing and finishing the surface of the wood after roughing and sizing cuts.

What is the recommended bevel angle for a “parting tool”?

  • 20 degrees
  • 30 degrees
  • 40 degrees
  • 50 degrees

Correct Answer: 50 degrees

Correct Answer Explanation: The text outlines that the bevel angle for a parting tool should be around 50 degrees. This angle ensures that the bevels meet precisely at the center, minimizing rubbing against the wood during cutting.

What is the recommended thickness and width for a “parting tool”?

  • Thickness: ½” to ¾”, Width: ⅛”
  • Thickness: ⅝” to ¾”, Width: ⅛”
  • Thickness: ¼” to ½”, Width: ¼”
  • Thickness: ¾” to 1″, Width: ¼”

Correct Answer: Thickness: ⅝” to ¾”, Width: ⅛”

Correct Answer Explanation: The text recommends a specific thickness and width for parting tools: ⅝” to ¾” in thickness and ⅛” in width at its widest point. This dimension allows for clean and precise cutting.

How does the text recommend creating a “spiral design” on a turned piece?

  • By using a specialized tool that creates spirals automatically.
  • By hand, using a series of small cuts to create the spiral.
  • By using a template to guide the tools.
  • By using a specific type of wood that naturally creates spirals.

Correct Answer: By hand, using a series of small cuts to create the spiral.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text describes the creation of spiral designs on turned pieces as a manual process involving a series of cuts, carefully executed by hand. It emphasizes the importance of precise control and technique.

What is the recommended spacing between the “circles” in a “double groove spiral”?

  • Equal to the cylinder’s diameter.
  • Half the cylinder’s diameter.
  • One-third the cylinder’s diameter.
  • One-quarter the cylinder’s diameter.

Correct Answer: Half the cylinder’s diameter.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text suggests that the spacing between the circles in a double groove spiral should be one-half the diameter of the cylinder. This proportion creates a visually balanced and harmonious spiral design.

What is the recommended depth of the “saw cut” for a “double groove spiral”?

  • ¼” less than half the shaft’s diameter.
  • ½” less than half the shaft’s diameter.
  • ¾” less than half the shaft’s diameter.
  • 1″ less than half the shaft’s diameter.

Correct Answer: ¼” less than half the shaft’s diameter.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text recommends that the depth of the saw cut for a double groove spiral should be ¼” less than half the shaft’s diameter at the point where the cut is made. This ensures that the grooves are symmetrical and balanced.

What is the recommended distance between the “off-centering points” when turning an oval shape?

  • ½”
  • ¾”
  • 1″
  • 1 ¼”

Correct Answer: ¾”

Correct Answer Explanation: The text suggests that the off-centering points for oval turning should be positioned ¾” apart. This specific distance helps achieve a visually appealing oval shape.

What is the recommended depth for the holes drilled for the “off-centering points” in oval turning?

  • ⅛”
  • ¼”
  • ½”
  • ¾”

Correct Answer: ¼”

Correct Answer Explanation: The text recommends drilling holes ¼” deep for the off-centering points in oval turning. This depth allows for secure attachment of the wood to the lathe.

What is the recommended size for a lathe that can turn pieces up to 3″ in diameter?

  • 6″ lathe
  • 8″ lathe
  • 10″ lathe
  • 12″ lathe

Correct Answer: 10″ lathe

Correct Answer Explanation: The text explains that the size of a lathe is measured in inches, representing the maximum diameter that can be turned. Thus, a 10″ lathe can handle pieces up to 10″ in diameter, including those up to 3″.

What is the recommended speed for a lathe when turning pieces up to 3″ in diameter?

  • 2400 to 3000 revolutions per minute
  • 1800 to 2400 revolutions per minute
  • 1200 to 1800 revolutions per minute
  • 600 to 1200 revolutions per minute

Correct Answer: 2400 to 3000 revolutions per minute

Correct Answer Explanation: The text specifies that a speed of 2400 to 3000 revolutions per minute is suitable for turning pieces up to 3″ in diameter.

What is the recommended speed for a lathe when turning pieces between 3″ and 6″ in diameter?

  • 2400 to 3000 revolutions per minute
  • 1800 to 2400 revolutions per minute
  • 1200 to 1800 revolutions per minute
  • 600 to 1200 revolutions per minute

Correct Answer: 1800 to 2400 revolutions per minute

Correct Answer Explanation: The text suggests using a lower speed for larger diameters, recommending 1800 to 2400 revolutions per minute for pieces between 3″ and 6″.

What is the recommended speed for a lathe when turning pieces larger than 6″ in diameter?

  • 2400 to 3000 revolutions per minute
  • 1800 to 2400 revolutions per minute
  • 1200 to 1800 revolutions per minute
  • 600 to 1200 revolutions per minute

Correct Answer: 1200 to 1800 revolutions per minute

Correct Answer Explanation: The text advises further reduction in speed for pieces exceeding 6″, suggesting a range of 1200 to 1800 revolutions per minute.

What is the recommended distance between the center of the lathe’s spindle and the center of the counter shaft?

  • 4′
  • 5′
  • 6′
  • 7′

Correct Answer: 6′

Correct Answer Explanation: The text recommends that the counter shaft should be positioned approximately 7′ above the lathe, with a distance of 6′ between the center of the shaft and the center of the spindle.

What is the recommended height of the counter shaft above the lathe?

  • 4′
  • 5′
  • 6′
  • 7′

Correct Answer: 7′

Correct Answer Explanation: The text suggests that the counter shaft should be placed roughly 7′ above the lathe, with a distance of 6′ between the center of the shaft and the center of the spindle.

How many revolutions per minute (RPM) should the main shaft of the lathe run at?

  • 600 RPM
  • 1500 RPM
  • 2200 RPM
  • 300 RPM

Correct Answer: 300 RPM

Correct Answer Explanation: The text suggests that the main shaft of the lathe should run at 300 RPM, which is achieved through the appropriate pulley ratios.

What is the recommended size for the motor pulley used to achieve a 300 RPM speed on the main shaft?

  • 4″
  • 8″
  • 11″
  • 20″

Correct Answer: 20″

Correct Answer Explanation: The text states that to maintain a speed of 300 RPM on the main shaft, a 20″ pulley is required, given a 4″ motor pulley running at 1500 RPM.

What is the recommended size for the counter shaft pulley used to achieve a 300 RPM speed on the line shaft?

  • 4″
  • 8″
  • 11″
  • 20″

Correct Answer: 8″

Correct Answer Explanation: The text explains that to achieve 300 RPM on the line shaft with a counter shaft running at 600 RPM and a 4″ pulley, an 8″ pulley is necessary.

What is the recommended size for the lathe spindle’s cone pulley that will achieve a speed of 2200 RPM?

  • 4″
  • 8″
  • 11″
  • 20″

Correct Answer: 11″

Correct Answer Explanation: The text suggests that an 11″ cone pulley on the lathe spindle is required to achieve 2200 RPM, given a counter shaft cone pulley running at 600 RPM and a small cone pulley with a 3″ diameter.

What is the purpose of “French polishing”?

  • To create a smooth, even finish on the wood.
  • To add a glossy sheen to the wood.
  • To create a protective layer on the wood.
  • All of the above.

Correct Answer: All of the above.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions French polishing as a finishing technique that achieves a smooth, even surface, adds a glossy sheen, and provides a protective layer for the wood.

What is the recommended bevel length for a skew chisel?

  • Equal to the chisel’s thickness.
  • Twice the chisel’s thickness.
  • Three times the chisel’s thickness.
  • Four times the chisel’s thickness.

Correct Answer: Twice the chisel’s thickness.

Correct Answer Explanation: The text recommends that the bevel length for a skew chisel should be about twice the thickness of the blade. This ensures a well-balanced sharpening, leading to optimal performance.

What is the purpose of the “dead center” in spindle turning?

  • To hold the wood securely in place.
  • To provide power to the lathe.
  • To guide the tools as they shape the wood.
  • To create a smooth finish on the wood.

Correct Answer: To hold the wood securely in place.

Correct Answer Explanation: The dead center acts as a stationary point that holds the wood in place while it is being turned on the lathe. It ensures stability and prevents the wood from shifting during the turning process.

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Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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