Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
First Turnings
TheHeretic
>Just finished my first turnings today. (OK the first couple are in the round file but these are the first finished turnings)
for only having turned about 5 days I have learned a lot and now realize how addicting turning can indeed be.
wood is poplar. The bowls are about 2 1/2" accros and about 1 1/2" tall. figured I'd try the little things before I tackle the larger and more pricey wood blanks.
Re: First Turnings
Mike Schwing from Maryland
>Good job! What did you find you were best at? Worst? How did you finish them? What did you enjoy most/least?
Re: First Turnings
Chuck Ludwigsen
>You've entered the vortex! Welcome.
Great job for your first turnings. I still refuse to show my first bowl.
Chuck in Memphis, TN.
Re: First Turnings
Earl
>You're hooked now. There is no end in sight! Great first turnings.
Earl
Re: First Turnings
George Van
>Nice first turnings. As others said you are hooked.
You will never look at a piece of wood the same again. They all contain bowls or platters!
Look for free log and branch pieces rather than limiting yourself to purchased blanks.
Have fun, George
Re: First Turnings
TheHeretic
>Thanks for the compliments. I found that after I traded up to a Crown 3/4" roughing gouge from the 3/8" roughing gouge from an economy set I did much better at the initial roughing and shaping. I still use the economy set for everything else. I can only afford to replace one tool at a time from the economy set. I also cut a better shape on the included scraper to suit me and the shape I wanted on the inside of the bowl. (Thanks to the book "WoodTurning; A Foundation Course" by Rowley.)
I sanded from 60 through 400 and than used Hut Crystal Coat for the finish.
Had a few troubles getting the bowl to stay in the jaws of a cheapie chuck (ok I know better now) and finally just made a face plate with a mortise to take the tenon on the bottom of the bowl. That was the frusterating part.
Most enjoyable was to sit back as I pull it from the lathe done and realize its not destined for the trash.
Yeah its an addiction.... One I dont really mind!
Dean
Columbus, OH