This is what I start with. 3/4 X 3/4 inch by four inch long (oak) glued (with epoxy in this case) to a 2.5 X 2.5 inch by 3/4 inch thick (maple) piece. The grain on both pieces runs along the axis of the lathe. The chuck is an Apprentice brand 4 jaw with pin jaws.
Using a wide flat spindle gouge the bottom of the top is shaped.
After removing the tail stock support...
..complete the point on the bottom of the top.
Replace the tailstock and attack the top and handle. Using a smaller but thicker spindle gouge.See the next post for completion of the project.
