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adaptive device for a student with one arm

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2K views 7 replies 8 participants last post by  runswithscissors 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have a student in my high school wood shop that only has one arm. He really wants to use the lathe to turn small projects, for example pens, segmented bowls, but he has trouble using the chisels with just one hand. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for building a jig to hold the chisel in place while he worked. We do not have access to a metal lathe, we only have a couple of small lathes and one large Powermatic. He is a smart kid with lots of ambition and I don't want him to miss out on a learning experience.
Thank you,
Eddie
 
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
I would look at contacting a dedicated turning organization, local turning groups, and perhaps a disability organization.

https://www.woodturner.org/

A jig likely could help stabilize the tool. I would assume side to side stability is the issue. Maybe finding something that would allow some resistance in that horizontal plane but is not fixed. A bungee or similar around the shaft of the tool near the handle and then have it hook onto a fixed place on the stand to pull the tool down on the rest. May allow him to concentrate then on side to side movement. I would try a few variations yourself in the shop to see if you find it safe and a benefit or not. Cords however would make me nervous about getting caught and wrapped onto the piece. Personally wouldn't go that route and would look more into just figuring it out one armed.

He will be best be served just practicing a lot and maybe make a fake set up that mimics the motion and just learn one armed. Ideally if resistance can be added so he strengthens those muscle used in the side motion it would help him keep things in control. Maybe contact a physical therapist and see if they could come up with some ideas that might help train muscle.
 
#3 ·

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#4 ·
You say "one arm". Does he have a partial arm, say a stump of a forearm? If so, a cuff over the stump end with an extension and a clamp to old the tool might work.
 
#5 ·

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