I earlier asked about why some people want to Go BIG and questioned the need for a lathe in the Stubby range, capable of turning 600 pound chunks of wood into enormous objects. I understand better now.
Tonight I saw a demonstration of the other extreme, GOING small - I mean REALLY small. I watched as a bowl, maybe 3/8" in diameter by 3/16th deep was turned on a little metal lathe with a shop made tool rest and an odd combination of turning tools made by adapting a few small carving tools, a dental tool ground for parting, etc.. In fifteen minutes it was turned AND finished. Could've been done in even less time, but when you do a demonstration you have interruptions to answer questions and you need to slow down and describe what you're doing.
Now I can imagine making doll furniture at 1/12th scale or maybe even 1/24th scale though working at 1/48th scale remains unimagineable. But to do vases and bowls and cups and goblets at that scale?
Though it seems crazy, I think I may break out the little Unimat, make some little tools and have a try at GOING small.
That's the great thing about turning - so many ways to go and so many ways to get there.
Fun this wood working thing.
charlie b