newbie

Re: newbie

Lan Brady

>Lucas,

I have been turning for a year. Being Left handed, I ran into the same problem that you are seeing. Fortunately your turning tools are ambidextrous(sp?). But your lathe was built for right hand turning. You will, in short term learn to turn with both hands. Until then, just perform the mirror image of anyone you watch. i spent several weeks working toward the tail stock instead of the headstock. All that does is make you comfortable with tools, then you will use both hands.

Some advantages do exist. When turning bowls, most of your shaping can be performed left handed. Just spend as much time as you can making shavings.

Good Luck, Lan

Re: newbie

Spence in Rhode Island

>Hey Lucas! Welcome aboard Bro. If that right handed guy acualtly knew what he was doing you might get some where! LOL {;P

Re: newbie

john Lucas

>Lucas

You have your name backwards or we would be related. Welcome aboard. Being left handed doesn't matter. You quickly learn to turn with both hands. In trying to turn down hill with the grain you simply can't hold the tool in one hand all the time. In spindle turning it's very easy to turn left handed most of the time and then right handed when needed.

bowl turning is a little different. Depending on which direction you mount the bowl you may be able to turn the outside left or right but since the lathe is built with the headstock to the left you will always be hollowing the bowl right handed.

Re: newbie

Richard Allen

>Sounds like you need a lathe that goes in reverse and then work on the "correct" side (headstock to your right) of the lathe. Make sure you lock the chuck or faceplate on the spindle or you might get an accidental dismount.

Good Luck and welcome to the addiction.

Re: newbie

Ron in Drums PA

>I've seen lefties turn (I'm a rightie). I tried it myself. I honestly think it is easier for a lefty to turn because the headstock does not get in the way.