What do you think is the cause of this

[blacky]

I have tried to turn 5 pieces of this laminated wood and each one has broke exactly like this one. I started out at 1800 rpm and after breaking a couple cut the speed back to 1280 and still had problems. I have reduced the tail stock pressure, adjusted the tool rest height and sharpened my tools before each one. I sanded the corners off one piece to see if that would help but it didn't.

Any comments and advice would be appreciated.

I even thought it may be me but have turned 3 strikers from different woods with no problem at all.

[Hawks Feather]

Gene,

I have had some "faults" in the glue, but that was running with the grain and your break is across the grain.  I would check for cracks to see if there was one there that is giving way when you start turning.  What is the diameter of the piece and also the length?  If it is too long and too narrow you might need to add some support (your hand will work) on the back side to keep it from starting to bow or whip - causing a break.

Just a thought, possibly not a good one, but a thought.

Jerry

[HaMeR]

Ever notice how often you gotta sharpen tools when turning that stuff? I think it's too hard & brittle for smaller diameter stuff like that & it breaks instead of flexing. Maybe a steady rest will keep the vibration out of it. Just a thought.

[blacky]

I have cut the wood 1 x 1 x 10 and the first one I tuned did alright. I am going to try and remove the corners on my band saw to see if that helps. Here is a picture of the one I managed to complete. You can see why I want this to work.

[HaMeR]

Understandably so Gene!! She's a looker for sure.