metal spinning:  Metal spinning is a centuries old technique used by crafts-men to create  a cylindrical  shape, without seams, from a flat sheet of metal.  Most often a spinning lathe is used,  whereby a "chuck" is designed or patterned to the shape of the hollow piece to be created.  A  flat sheet of  metal is cut into a round disk,  and placed between the chuck and a holding device called the follower or chaser.  While turning or spinning in the lathe,  the metal disk is folded over the chuck using a blunt tool, often made of wood or steel.  The spun metal takes on the exact shape as the chuck it is being folded against.
 
To visualize better:  imagine a baby cup.  The shape of the interior of the cup will be the shape of the chuck, designed for the spinning lathe.  It will be a round solid cylinder made of steal, hard polymer plastic, or very hard wood, measuring about two and a half inches or approximately six cm. in diameter, and having a flat bottom.  (you could take this shape and slide it into the inside area of the completed baby cup.)  The metal disk will then be placed in the lathe, held to the chuck and locked into place with the chaser.  While the lathe is in motion, the disk is then pushed or "spun" onto the chuck by the crafts-men, with the metal moving in a very similar manner as a potter throwing clay on a wheel,  except in the potters' case, there wouldn't be a chuck to throw the clay onto.

Metal Spinning is a craft that has been around for many centuries.  Spinners have created beautiful hollowware, such as plates, bowls, and cups, etc.,  using the same basic unchanged principles as their forefathers.  Technology. has changed very little over the centuries, except perhaps changing the drive mechanism for the lathe operation. (Instead of the large water wheels of colonial times....we now use sophisticated energy efficient electric motors as a drive to turn the lathes.)  In industry, there are also some very powerful, automated machines, that do the job of the craftsmen,  spinning items in just seconds or less.

Cylindrical shapes made by spinners were important additions to airplane manufacturers, who needed nose cones and props containing no seams, which could possibly fracture under stress.

Some well known Spinners in history would include Thomas Jefferson and Paul Revere.

Today, there are very few people who know how to spin metal,  and sadly, many fewer who actively spin.  In the state of Maine,  it is estimated that there are only about 12 people who can spin metal,  and of those 12, maybe 4 who are active spinners.  (note: these figures are only estimates.)

Metal spinning is a dying craft.

Any spinners wishing to connect, and talk shop, should send e-mail to this site.  I would like to hear from you.

Steve
Send E-Mail