Fomrhi Comm 1950: A Fixture For Cutting Wind-ways On A Metal Working Lathe Sid Jones

With the exception of tuning and voicing, the greatest problem for the amateur recorder maker is the cutting of the wind-way. This article describes a relatively simple and inexpensive fixture, which, when used in conjunction with a lathe, will enable tapered wind-ways to be cut. All references to recorder sizes refer to an alto.

Figure 1

The fixture is mounted onto a platform, Fig 1, which is fixed to the lathe bed between the head-stock and the carriage and must be a good location fit between the inner faces of the lathe bed, ensuring accurate re-location. The platform is clamped to the bed in the same way as the tail-stock.

A vertical slide with a vice attached (Myford) is mounted onto the cross slide, and a cutter bar held in the vice. Fig 2 & Fig 3.

Figure 2

Figure 3

Using the cross slide, vertical slide and carriage movements, the cutter bar can be positioned into the wind-way bore and the wind-way cut to the required step dimension.

Figure 4

I have left the method of clamping the head in the V block to the friend for whom I made the fixture, but suggest going to and clicking GH-101-A for a very nice clamp.

The beak of the head joint, when clamped in the V block, points towards the tail-stock.

The base plate is fixed to the platform, and the top plate attached to the base plate but allowed to pivot on it about the pivot axis. See Fig 4, Schematic. This allows the top plate to be set either in line with the lathe axis, allowing the initial wind-way channel to be cut, typically 12mm wide, or swung at an angle to it, so as to cut the wind-way taper, typically 12mm to 14mm.

Note that the base plate and therefore the holes in it must be in line with the lathe axis, establishing the accurate mounting and alignment of the top plate assembly.

Fig 5 shows two methods of fixing the base plate to the platform.

Figure 5

Figure 7

A stepped locating pin is used to set the head joint at the required angle for cutting the taper in the wind-way. The lower portion of the pin's diameter is reduced such that when it contacts the edge of the 10mm diameter hole in the base plate, the top plate will have moved through the required angle. Fig 8, Fig 9 & Fig 10.

Figure 10

The machined wing-end on the pivot screw and the 2 Allen screws in the radial slots are used to tighten the top plate to the base plate. Do not over tighten.

Location and re-location of the head joint in the V block is by means of a 6mm diameter hole drilled in the waste material under the beak, and locating the hole onto the pin mounted in front of the V block. Fig 11 & Fig 12. This location hole must be in line with the window.

It is essential that the pivot pin hole, 6mm locating pin, V block axis and 10mm diameter setting holes are on the same axis and in line with the lathe axis. If not, the wind-way may start in the centre of the north end of the wind-way bore but will not line up with the window.

Figure 13

Fig 13 shows all the component parts of the fixture.

Anyone seeking further details can to contact me at

One last picture kindly sent by Jim Lymham can be seen below.

Sid Jones

Republic of South Africa