This exercise is based on the same principle as is given for the one-inch bead. The curves are

Fig. 34. Half-inch Bead.

somewhat steeper, and should be turned with greater care. These beads should be turned evenly, and without any roughness or mark between them. When the exercise is finished, the beads should be of the same size. If some are of greater diameter than others, cut them down, but do not cut them entirely off. Then try again.

There is quite a tendency in making these beads, to make some much wider than others. Test them often with the rule. If you are careful to cut a shaving of equal thickness from each side of the line, the beads will be of the same size.

As the beads decrease in size, the swinging of the chisel by the right hand is less, yet you must not hold it in the same line and simply turn it. The large curves are given to teach this swinging motion of the right hand, and if you are to become able to do good and rapid turning, you must continue to use this motion. It is the same in kind, though differing in degree, no matter what size of curve you are turning. Without this swinging motion or changing of the angle which the tool makes to the line of the lathe centers, the end of the chisel is not properly balanced between the work and the shaving, and must catch and injure the piece, unless the chisel is held in position by main force. To apply so much strength is often quite difficult or impossible. Even if you are able to do so on these practice pieces, you will find great difficulty in applying so much strength in turning things for use.

Do not make the mistake of attempting to do the turning by taking so very fine a shaving that the chisel will not catch, although it is not held at the proper angle. Such work is only a kind of scraping and can never result in doing good work or in learning to turn.

The peculiar conditions of grain, etc., are certain to make trouble for you, unless you learn the correct method of using the chisel. When the chisel is used correctly, you will find it quite an easy matter to turn cross-grain, knots, and almost any sort of a piece.