Fig. 12 illustrates a good position at the lathe. Put the weight of the body on the left foot; place the right foot one step forward. In this position the operator has freedom of motion to rock back and forth, thus obtaining the flexibility necessary at the lathe.

Fig. 12. Position at the Lathe.

The left hand should slide along the tee-rest, gripping the tool as illustrated, Fig. 13. The right hand is held near the end of the handle and is kept against the hip bone.

When possible work from the center out, to avoid hitting the corners and splitting the entire piece.

The gouge, you will notice, Fig. 14, is tilted slightly so as to throw the shavings away from the face of the operator. In order to cut a shaving, care must be taken to hold the handle of the gouge low, Fig. 13 and 14; if held horizontally a scraping cut will result, which will tear the fibres of the wood.

Fig. 13. Holding a Gouge.

Fig. 14.