Any tips on getting the surface of a platter flat? Ruffles have Ridges and so do my platters. Thanks
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Flat Platter
- Thread starter Dave Fritz
- Start date
Neg rake scraper to smooth/flatten, then I’ll use a firm pad for drill sanding, working on remaining high spots. I find that my fingers are very good at judging flatness, as well as a raking light. Wiping down with naptha or ms can give enough surface shine to see ripples etc.
Perfectly flat platters, plates and trays have been problematic for me in the past. Sound advice and that advice put into practice has helped the most. Richard Raffan recently started posting some YouTube videos that are wonderful. Doug's advice is certainly sound and applicable. Additionally, here is a video of Mr. Raffan turning a serving tray and he addresses the need to have a perfectly flat surface:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCnQIn-iT2Q
Scott
Scott
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The best instruction on getting a flat, smooth platter/plate I have had was a Rocky Mountain Symposium demo by Tom Wirsing, who specializes in large platters. Unfortunately, I've been unable to find any articles or videos by Tom on this subject. He does travel some to demonstrate.
His 'secret', other than lots of practice and a commitment to perfection, is a large negative rake scraper with a slightly radiused edge, refreshed often. As best I can recall, his NRS is 1.5" wide X 5/16" (or more) thick. (Tom is also a past president of the AAW)
His 'secret', other than lots of practice and a commitment to perfection, is a large negative rake scraper with a slightly radiused edge, refreshed often. As best I can recall, his NRS is 1.5" wide X 5/16" (or more) thick. (Tom is also a past president of the AAW)
Thats what I use.
Tom uses several types of NRS. Stuart Batty shares shop space with Tom. Stuart calls Tom the best platter maker in the world. His work is flawless. Stu changed the grind in a few of my NRS, we did a nice curly Koa platter for his picture collection, which will be in a new poster wall edition, like his old poster of bowls. Leave the grinder running, sharpen every 20 to 30 seconds. Patience pays off with NRS.
I'm enjoying watching the new Richard Raffan videos. I remember watching his videos on VHS when I started. I used to think this guy is superhuman!
If you are sanding a surface that is, or is supposed to be, flat, then I suggest using a sanding block with very low (or no) rpm's.
Your first tip using the scraper will work great for me. Moving with a gouge like you show is history due to arthritis and hip and back issues. Richard Raffin's announcement about his physical limitations made me wonder, how about a special forum for seated turners? It's a matter of time as none of us are getting any younger.