ornamental turning

[John Stevenson]

Alistair,
Go a google search using the words "Geometric chuck"
This brings up some good info.

John S.

[Paul Gauthier]

Ok, I call that engine turning and I do it rifle bolts. Its good looking and helps hold lubrication.

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Paul G.

[Alistair Hosie]

thanks john for the info much hereas far as engine turning goes there is some confusion about what is and is not engine turning read this small exert from Roland Murphy
Sometimes in other trades such as automotive restoration or aviation the term "engine-turning" is used to describe the shiny circular finish that is put on metal. This is done by putting an abrasive on the end of a rod or dowel, then spinning it in a drill press or drill. You might see this on a firewall of a antique car or the cowling of a airplane. In watchmaking you see this type of finishing on the base-plate of a movement or on the bridges. We call this finishing "pearling" or "perlage". In the gunsmith trade it is called "jeweling". In watchmaking this is definitely not engine-turning.

Note: Engine-Turning in French is referred to as Guilloche or Guillochage. Guilloche sounds like: (ghe - O - shay).

Written by Roland Murphy

[Alistair Hosie]

one of theseengines along with a brief description can be found on ebay at moment article #1756225761 Alistair

[Thrud]

Paul

They can turn either wood or metal. Basically it puts a complex tool path cut into the plate, cylinder, sphere, etc. using application of analog automation - much like a complicated spirograph. Only it can be cut into a curved surface as well as a flat one. An outstanding application of brain dust in a pre-CNC age.