I've raised this question in another turning forum and figure there are some here who might want to think about this one.
As newbie turners most of us started out turning between centers and eventually graduated to face plate turning, then bought a chuck and started turning all sorts of hollowed out things.
Somewhere along the line we found something that was both interesting and fun to turn - and may have gotten stuck with that - even after most of the fun had been wrung out of it. Seriously, how many variations of a plate or bowl or hollow form can we turn before repetition sets in. Sure, we can improve techniques with turning tools and we can refine a shape or form ?til the cows come home.
At some point it?s going to become Auto Pilot Mode - I Do This, then This, then This - and I?ve Got - another bowl, or lidded box, or plate or platter or vase or . . .
After a while, it becomes just so easy - to do basically the same thing
- over and over and over again. We feel like turning - so we turn what we?re comfortable with. It?s so EASY to stay with the familiar, to remain in our Comfort Zone - which may, in fact, have become a RUT - as in ?stuck in a rut?.
But there are so many other possibilities, so many other tools and techniques, shapes and forms - that aren?t familiar - that aren?t The Same Old Thing.
Think about it. Are YOU in a rut? Have you thought about trying something new - to you - but, for one reason or another (we?re all good at excuses), haven?t tried it - yet?
Remember back when you first started turning? Remember the anxiety - and the anticipation - when everything was out there to discover, and explore? Remember that AH! Feeling when you figured out how to use a technique or keep tuning a shape ?til it looked just right? Remember when you took a piece off the lathe and said ?Damn! Did I actually just make THAT?!?
That feeling is still out there - waiting for us to step out of our Comfort Zone - out into the new and unfamiliar - where that BUZZ sits waiting for us.
What?s on your Someday I?m Gonna Try ____ List?
The BUZZ is waiting for you. You going to go for it - today?