Trouble Turning Osage

[Castor River Calls]

I have been playing with Osage this winter and am really liking the sound I get from the strikers. The trouble comes when I start decreasing the size of the striker. The wood seems to want to grab my tool and pull it between the tool rest and the wood resulting in broken strikers at the last minute. I'm using a new carbide tipped tool and it seems like a very good and sharp tool. And suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, CRC

[mmclain]

set the depth w/ a parting tool.........the carbide tipped tools are not the best tools for all turning applications on the lathe..........you'll find that a well sharpened roughing gouge will offer a more controlled cut w/ small diameters............ also support the back side of your work with your fingers....a well sharpened skew will cut and scrape nicely too....

[callmakerman]

It may sound stupid but when it starts to go that way I use a file to take the shaft down to the finish size and sand it from there and as Matt said support it with your fingers.

[M,Yingling]

Sharp tools and 60  grit paper for rods lol