Woodturning A-Z

Mandrel.
This word is mostly used for holding device which grips the workpiece internally - such as the special mandrels for pen making. In the old days the mandrel was the lathe spindle - the rotating shaft in the headstock.

Masterchuck.
A multipurpose chuck designed by yours truly.

Molybdenum high speed steel.
The most common type of HSS used for woodturning tools. E.G. M2

Morse taper socket.
A tapered hole in the spindle end, also found in the tailstock barrel. Small accessories such as centres and drill chucks are held by just friction in the socket. They are removed by knocking them out with a rod fed through the hole in the spindle/tailstock barrel. Mr Morse gained fame by devising the exact angle of taper required to give reliable retention but easy ejection.

Moulding.
A decorative turned detail such as bead or ovolo or ogee.

Multi groove belt.
Modern lathes use these belts which employ several small vees on a flattish belt. The advantage is that the belt can curve round a much smaller pulley diameter giving a more compact drive for a given horsepower and speed ratio.

Microcrystalline abrasive.
Each particle of grit is made up of many tiny crystals with sharp edges, all sintered together into little clumps. Grinding wheels made of this abrasive cut much cooler and quicker than conventional wheels and give a better edge.

Myford.
A famous English maker of lathes.