>My new Jet Mini Lathe is being delivered today! Never done any woodturning before. The only thing I've ever turned in my life is a corner. :) I have a grinder and will be picking up some chisels today! I checked out some books at the library to help figure out what I'm doing but I still have some questions:
1. What can I turn with this mini-lathe right out of the box with only a standard set of chisels? What's good to practice for a rank beginner? One day I'd like to make bowls, vases, cups, boxes, and pens if that's any help.
2. Where do I get turning blanks/stock? I live in Austin, TX. Anybody know any good sources in Central Texas?
3. Any other tips/advice?
I'm sure I'll have more questions once I actually get started but this is a good start. I'm excited!
Congrats on your new JET! I've had one for a few years and love it.
I recall the first thing I turned was a spindle of poplar wood. It was the ugliest thing I'd seen but it got me use to using the tool rest, setting the speeds....and holding a tool (roughing gouge) against a piece of spinning wood.
I would recommend stopping by your local library and see if they have any videos. This really helped me out a lot. Also try to find a turner in your area or a local turning club. A turning friend is a valuable friend! As far as where to find wood? I'd start in your firewood pile. You won't believe what you've been burning! You can spend lots of money on turning blanks, but I would start off with the cheep/free stuff first. My local park maintenance workers dump all cuttings and tree removal material in one location and it's like a gold mine. Find a tree company that you can ask for material. It's literally everywhere.
I would also recommend a book called "Woodturning-Two Books in One" by Phil Irons. It's great for all levels of turners and has great photos and step by step procedures for lots of projects.
>I'm an almost-rank beginnner (does that make me a Subtotal Newbie), but one piece of advice I can offer right off is to get a full face shield (ANSI Z87 rated or better). It's awkward at first, but (much like wearing a seat belt) I've gotten used to it quickly, and I feel naked without it.
For stock, I'd say grab whatever scrap you have around and start with some spindles. Even just turning a 2x2 into a toothpick will help to get a feel for the tools, practice sharpening, and enjoy the feel of a gentle shower of shavings.
For your first "real projects," how about some holiday ornaments? They're free-form, and there are no critical dimensions or design requirements... if it can hang from a string, it's an ornament! Check out recent postings for some nice examples.
>The first thing I would play around with is short straight sections of recently cut tree limbs between centers. They are free, already mostly round (don't have to learn how to safely round stock immediately), don't cause dust and if you get a catch (you will get several) the spur won't hold and the wood will just stop. Make mushrooms and tops or just turn what looks like part of a candlestick.
>Thank you, Jennifer. One problem though: I don't have a firewood pile. :) Those are optional in Central Texas and unnecessary in South Texas. I'll look into the tree service/park service options though.
I did take a look at the book you recommended. It looks good for a beginner. I'll probably pick it up soon.
Remember practice does not makes perfect it makes permenant. I am sure there are turners there that will help you learn the proper way of turning. That said there is no correct way to turn.
2. there is no #2
As others have said turn on local firewood. I was in Austin about a month ago and if I remember corectly ther are a lot of Oak there. These are great for turning and you should be able to get it free or close to.
You have a local source of great wood and sold by a very friendly guy. He is also a turner. E-Mail to:
djborek@zeecon.com
Go buy and see him. You will need a gate code to get in to see him.
Welcome to a great adictive activity. Remember there are no dumb questions and we are here to help.
>Welcome, Dan. I am also a rank beginner. I got my Jet mini about two weeks ago and like you, the only thing I had turned before was a corner! I got the basic set of Henry Taylor tools and I use the 1/2" (or is it 3/8? I forget)spindle gouge 99% of the time. The other 1% is trying to learn to use that silly skew chisel! Within 5 minutes of setting up my lathe, I started turning a 2x12 piece of scrap walnut...just playing with the tools and getting a feel for how to make cuts. The next thing I did was get a Wolverine grinding jig since I was not too good at free hand grinding. After a couple of spindles, I started on pens and was hooked. After Christmas, I am going to try my first bowl. I don't have a club in this area so I am learning on my own through books, videos and the net. You have landed smack dab in the middle of a great resource right here at WC! Come to the turning chats on Wednesday nights. One thing...be prepared for a seemingly neverending outlay of $$$ at the start (maybe forever!) The lathe itself is just the beginning, but you sure will have fun!
>If you turn long enough you will ave a fire wood pile. Hopefully cut offs and not blown up bowls and the like.
A tree service is a great place to start looking for wood.
Try not to smile when you hear of a big storm comming your direction. Your firends will think you have gone nuts but storms are a good resorce of wood.
>Thanks, Dick. I just got a whole batch of kits in the mail yesterday (slimlines and others) and some higher grade (not black!) sandpaper. Unfortunately I had to take my Mom back to the hospital this morning so time in the shop is going to be limited. :-(
