Lathe lessons

Max

Two suggestions:

1 Go to the web site for the AAW and look for chapters near you.

one problem with youtube, there is a lot of misinformation out there. i saw one video of a man turning a bowl using nothing but a roughing gouge!

"Russ Stanton" wrote

Thank you. I've Googled the subject and picked up any number of tips but I'm really interested in a book or video (preferably) that might be available. I've located a local chapter of Woodturners and I will be contacting them. A neighbor, whose husband passed away a few months ago, *gave* me a Craftsman lathe that's seen very little use. It's about 25 years old. If I find myself enjoying the craft, I'll be willing to invest in a much higher quality machine. I have a fairly well equipped woodworking shop but have never attempted woodturning.

Thanks again, Max

A woodturners club is probably one of your best bets for learning. Most will have a library so you can check out books. They have monthly demonstrations, and some have workshops, and mentors. There are so many different types of things to turn, it is difficult to recommend any one book, but Craft Supplies USA has a great library,or if there is a Woodcraft store near by, they have a good library as well.

I did a lot of flat work till I got my lathe.

robo hippy

Hello Max,

When I started turning 21 year ago, I bought a copy of Richard Raffan's book Turning Wood. Richard has revised that book since I originally purchased my copy. Craft Supplies USA lists the book and a video for $33.99. I would consider this a good purchase to introduce you to woodturning. I recently did a book, The Turning Process, which is available as a download from my web site or as a CD-ROM called Two Books in One, which has The Turning Process and Making the Chinese Ball, both on one CD-ROM.

Fred Holder

That's not misinformation - it's simply an extreme example of the rule that there are no rules :-).

If it resulted in a bowl, it simply serves as proof that the people who say you can't turn a bowl with a roughing gouge are the ones spreading misinformation.

They also usually have lots of tools they'd like you to buy, and are making a lot more money selling tools than they are turning. There are a goodly number of people guilty of misinforming new turners with an eye towards selling new turners stuff they don't actually need, and mostly won't use. Beware of them.

Proper safety gear (web search should make clear, or just ask here - full faceshield, with or without hard-hat depending on what you are taking on, and avoid things that get caught in rotating parts, like long hair and loose sleeves, or ties)

A pile of firewood.

Something to burn the results in for a while.

No book or video will do you half the good that turning will. But you can't reasonably expect to learn if you are worrying about a $20 blank - thus the firewood. If you get something that you want to keep, great - otherwise, it was going to burn anyway.

Thanks, I've ordered the CD

Max

As a retired Fire Chief I'm highly conscious of safety measures. I use either safety glasses or a face shield depending on the task. I also use a dust mask and employ the power of a Oneida Super Dust Gorilla. I do appreciate your reminders though.

Max No cats, decaffeinated coffee and everything in moderation except chocolate and woodturning blanks.

I would strongly back the Raffan recommendation:

I suggest getting both as they are complemetary. Also buy rather than borrow/rent. I find myself repeatedly going back to both. I have watched the DVD many times and every time I find something new that I did not understand before.

As someone else mentioned, Raffan does not suffer from prejudices and uses tools and techniques that work for him even if they are contrary to the accepted wisdom.

I have watched others but this is my go-to set.

> >

> > I suggest getting both as they are complemetary. Also buy rather than > borrow/rent. I find myself repeatedly going back to both. I have watched > the DVD many times and every time I find something new that I did not > understand before. >

I just placed an order for the DVD. I put the book on my wish list. Thanks,

Max

I prefer a face shield over glasses for turning. I'm missing a largish scar on my forehead due to wearing a face shield. A bowl blew up on me and a chunk caught square on the shield - directly over my forehead. Still knocked me silly for a bit, but took the hit and kept me out of the ER.

"LDosser" wrote

Yikes!! That's why I noted, "depending on the task". Any time I use a grinder, bench, disk, die, etc. (sparks) I use a face shield, not just to protect my face but to protect my *glasses*. I would say that, other than wood splinters, I've never had an accident in the shop but if I said that surely tomorrow.......................... so forget I said that.

Max

My #1 book recommendation is Woodturning: A Foundation Course, by Keith Rowley

I have that, and Richard Rafan's books and videos, and, and, and.... You know I go back a re-watch or re-read them still (5 years of turning)

Thanks, Ralph. I'll make a note of that. I've already ordered a couple of DVDs and a book.

Max (of RORT)

That's the one the resident turning guru at the local Woodcraft store recommends.

Ecnerwal wrote

Here here! I had the wood prior to the lathe - a nice large piece (the stump) of rock/stone maple. Such beautiful grain patterns and color. I found a few pieces of it the other day and had enough to make a small bowl with a lid and 3 or 4 pens. I truly wish I had that stump now that I am 'slightly' better.

I too will second the Raffan suggestion. Buy the DVDs, you'll be reviewing them often.