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Abingdon, VA – Tree Cutting & Portable Sawmill

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Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998

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newbie

#1

newbie

LaDell

>I just started learning how to use the lathe, problem is I can use the big hogger and plough the wood off and shape pieces pretty much the way I want to, but I havent yet figured out how to use the knives. The machine is my dads so I dont get much practice, but I really am frustrated. When I try to cut with the knives they jump back, or flip up or tear huge gouges in the wood, where I then begin to cuss and generally throw things, especially if it has taken me awhile to find center of wood(which it usually does)

Help , anyone?????

Newbie

Re: newbie

#2

Dick Hines

Re: newbie

Dick Hines

>Are you talking about skew chisels or spindle gouges? When you are talking about the big hogger is that in refference to a bowl gouge?

Need more info.

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#3

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Roly (So Cal)

>Hello Newbie, La Dell (?)

Boy have you come to the right place to get answers to your lathe frustrations. We have all been there at one time or another, and the day will come when you will look back and wonder why you thought it was so difficult. Perhaps others will respond to your plight, but I might make some recommendations that will help.

Probably the most informative thing you can do is to attend a wood turners meeting in your area, if there is one, ask questions and learn from a bunch of experienced turners anxious to pass on their skills. Next, try to find a local turner that can give you some demonstrations of the correct use of the various turning tools. There are many books available, and they are very helpful to beguiners.

Those of us who have been turning for years, occasionaly have a catch now and then, and the result if not repairable, is usually wood for the fire. Don't give up, it is a very rewarding hobby and good luck on your efforts in getting the help you need. I found that turning small pieces were more forgiving in my unskilled hands, and taught me a lot about tool use, easiest wood to turn and headstock speeds.

Now sit back and listen what others have to offer. We will look forward to you posting pics of your completed turnings in the future. Keep in touch and let us know how you are progressing.

Roly, remembering how it was years ago, and still learning. ~~

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#4

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J L

>Look at the AAW (American Association for Woodturning) website for a local chapter. Read Keith Rowley's book "Woodturning: A Foundation Course". You don't say where you live, but courses are available countrywide. Sign up for a weekend course to get confident and capable instruction.

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#5

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Carole in VA

>Hi Newbie from another newbie,

I assume by "hogger" you mean the roughing gouge and by knives, you mean the chisels? I have found that the skew chisel is the toughest one to learn. I just watched Raffian's video, in which he wields a skew like a magic wand! Incredible! I then went to my shop for the few minutes I had, centered up a spindle and tried some of the things the way he did it. I still am far from accomplished with the skew, but it was much, much better! A video or watching someone who knows what they are doing is worht a thousand words!

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#6

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Don Johnson

>Hi LaDell,

I too am a beginner trying to learn the use of the the skew. I have just recently been able to cut beads, being successful about 1/2 of the time before grabbing. I have no problems with cutting straight, and am actually quite good at it. I find that the "secret" is that no matter what you're trying to cut make sure the bevel is riding the wood, when you get the cutter up and unsupported is when it catches.

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#7

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Don Henthorn Smithville, Texas

>Right on, Don