Just had 2 AYC blanks explode on me while turning. Thank God I always wear a full face shield. I think this particular batch of AYC is defective. I have turned hundreds of plugs and this is the first time 2 in a row blew up.
Anybody got any thoughts?

check the ends very closley for cracks you see a crack it probably goes all the way through and will usually blow up. aren't ya glad ya wear a faceshield? mine has a few scars.

Keep sharp tools, dont get too aggressive with diggin in the tools man! Its supposed to be relaxing Paul, not work. ;)

i assuned you were using sharp tools correctly like vic said.

Crack is whacked

On a serious note glad you had the shield. I never spin without it after getting blasted a few times

Tail stock pressure and the shape of your center (a live center with a flat face is best) are also factors.

Thanks guys. I think Scott hit the problem. I have been turning spooks or Hodys. Not a lot of wood left when I taped down at the head. Also these are pre-drilled. Going to re-evaluate my process. Probably not pre-drill.