Abstract: An improved carving blank and mandrel for mounting the blank in a carving machine enables accurate carving of prosthetic and orthotic positive shapes. The blanks are simple to mount and dismount and means are provided enabling a repeatable mounting position in one angular orientation only to be achieved. The blanks are firmly fixed in place on the mandrel during the carving operation, and they are simple and inexpensive to manufacture thus reducing manufacturing costs while achieving high shape accuracy.

Abstract: A faceplate for lathes and the like is fabricated of a polymeric material and having a body with a cylindrical surface of substantial depth and indicia marks on the cylindrical surface. The body is turnable just like workpieces on the lathe. The faceplate has a planar front face which is turnable to provide recesses for chucking a workpiece. In one embodiment designed to employ fasteners such as screws to hold the workpiece in place, the body is of one color and the fasteners are located in inserts of contrasting color. The faceplate is intended to be turned. If any chips of the contrasting color appear, the user knows instantly that further turning will cause the chisel to strike the fasteners.