Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

information

Mike Gonzalez

>I would like to read an article that comtains information on: Chisel selection which tool for what job, RPM choice, wood selection which woods might be easy to turn and which might be better after I turn a few projects. Chuck's and faceplates explaination and the differences which are better for what projects. Shortcuts and tips for any type of turning.

Mike Gonzalez

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

JL

>Available classes and locations.

Lathe selection made easy.

Tuning your lathe for best performance.

Discussion of the various grinds (and how to get them).

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Mike Schwing from Md.

>I'd liked to have had some real clue as to what I was going to wind up buying over my first year of turning. Everyone says "a lathe, some sharpening equipment, and some tools". But everyone soon learns that they need or really could use a bandsaw, a chainsaw, videos, finishes, sandpaper, dust collection, lighting, etc.. I'd have also liked to know what tools to buy and the answer would not have been "a basic starter set should do you fine". I never used more than half of the tools in my basic starter set(s). I would have also liked to see some "goofs" from some real turners to make me feel better when I had them.

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

DWFII

>As a newbie...sort of...I have to differ with my betters here....

Yes, I would have liked some guidance as to what was required in the way of tools, etc.. But I would not have wanted a list or litany of everything. It would have scared me out of even getting started. Had I known what it was gonna cost me and how readily one tool leads to another, as infinitum, I probably would have been so daunted that I would have thought about taking a vacation instead--for my health and relaxation, you understand.

But speaking of health, I think the most important thing that could or should be said is to stress the importance of good dust collection or a respirator. My dust collector was my first major investment, after the lathe and some basic tools. And I think it was the wisest thing I did.

Just another two cents for the kitty...

DWFII

In the High Desert of Central Oregon

Great question

Dustmaker Mike Northfield OH Almost

>I think I would want to learn how to turn things with the tools that came with the lathe. Like:

face plate turning

turning between centers

what is a glue block and how to use it

selecting the type of wood for a glue block.

I could spend a lot of money on tools for turning but I still need the basics.

Next the tools what style gouges do I need? Well that depends on what you want to make! So how do I figure out what I want to make?

So a few gouges a parting tool a scraper would make great tools for a start.

Last is how do I do a good finish? What do I need?

I am a beginer compared to most of the folks that post here. But right here we have bowl turners, pen turners, artistic turners etc. We all started off the same way what makes me want to come back to the lathe and turn this hunk of wood into something? Do I want to make pens, bowls palters etc. Until I see how to do it and if I like it I don't know what type of tools to buy. So where can I find local classes on the different styles of turning.

I will have to sleep on it tonight before I can think of a few more things.

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

TomW in SouthJersey

>Another part of woodturning that hasn't been mentioned yet is finishing. I've been woodworking for a several years but soon found that turned wood finishing is quite different.

Also, if I were writing the article I'd recommend new turners find a website like this one and soak up all the information like a sponge. Its helped me a lot.

My 2 cents.

Tom

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Andy in Raleigh

>Mostly how to on a simple starter project or two, like mushrooms from branches. I would only gloss over the big picture in very general terms because there is way too much information. I would stick to turning between centers with a single spindle gouge. Prep the stock, mount it between centers, safety sermon, speed selection, tool rest postion, first place to touch the chisel to the wood and how to present the edge. Basic cuts to complete. How to sharpen the gouge as a sidebar.

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Scott Greaves, Blackfoot Idaho

>Hi Carol,

Boy, you've gotten some wonderful suggestions! Here's my entry:

In addition to the safety warnings, and lists of tools and materials, if there is any way you can convey the absolute joy involved in woodturning, you'd have a winner! This thing we do - is FUN!

Scott.

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Russ Fairfield

>There are two types of beginners, those who are beginners to woodturning, and those who are really beginners with no background in woodworking, modeling, art, craft, nothing.

Beginner's articles are always written for those who have some background in woodworking because they are an easier audience.

Those with no background are a more difficult audience, but they are a large group that has been totally ignored by the woodturning press. Maybe they are just too dificult to talk to in the print medium, but isn't it time that someone tried. You would find an appreciative audience.

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Carole in VA

>I would want the article to assume that I have a small lathe to begin with (like a Jet Mini)and that I know nothing. I would want it to show me how to get started with minimal tools and equipment (no expensive chucks and stuff) using wood that I could find from a branch off a tree or in the firewood pile. Maybe a step by step for a goblet or ornament. I would also want it to address safety. This is from definite newbie who just got a Mini and does not have access to a local turning club for instruction. :)

Totally agree with Andy!

Fred in NC

>Too much abstract information will be bypassed by newbies who want to get their hands on the lathe and turn something. A magazine is not a school textbook.

Just my opinion... or Andy's, it does not matter which!

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Keith Tompkins

>Hi Carol, I think your article should explain the reason WHY we turn in the first place... the sense of creativity, the sense of accomplishment, and yes, the joy of turning.

I think an article that inspires the reader will be remembered for years to come, and may even start a new turning career or two.

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Russ Fairfield

>I would agree with what Scott and Keith said about conveying a message of inspiration and the joy of woodturning. Everything else that has been suggested are technical and "how to" articles that have been done before, many times.

I would say.......

W.C. Turner

>not only tell me how a certain procedure should be done, but, more importantly, tell me why I should be doing it that way.

W.C.

Turning newbies and wannabes - please read Part 2

Carol Reed, Strawberry, AZ

>Gees, guys and gals, you answered my second question, which I hadn't asked yet. That being, how about some 20-20 hiindsight. What did you wish you knew when you started?

Any real newbies out there brave enough to post?

Or e-mail me directly.

Thanks.

carol@routerlady.com

BTW, folks, you've given me enough stuff to inspire a BOOK and I am patently unqualified to write a book on turning. But it would be a heck of sequel to my router joinery book, wouldn't it? ;-)

Re: I would say.......

Jim Rutten

>I always had (and have) trouble with where and how high to put the tool rest for the different tools.

Turning WIth a Router WOW

Dustmaker Mike Northfield OH almost

>What a a book(-;

JR you are up early

Dustmaker Mike Northfield OH almost

>So how is it going? You wouldn't beleave the price they get for Alder and Big Leaf Maple out here. It is almost worth a drive back to see my buddie with the saw mill and get a load. Hum maybe this summer visit Sophies the Lees BBQ.

Mike Planing a road trip(-;

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Brad Vietje

>I agree, as usual, with Russ, though it depends on the magazine, and the target audience of the mag.

If it was in a magazine that had a broad, general appeal, and not a woodworking mag., I would like to see an article showing what woodturning is, and an attempt to inspire people to either give it a try, or at least give it a look (link to AAW site for contact information on local clubs, and a suggestion to write for info. on any upcoming demo's).

An article in a woodshop magazine might also be a very useful tool to attract new people to the sport, so I wouldn't assume they have a small lathe, I'd want it to inspire them to go out and get one.

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Darryl Hansen

>Here are some thoughts I'm new. There will be frustrations, catches (how come) split bowls (why what causes it), punky woods that splinter. Keep the first decent pen, bowl, candle stick whatever that you make. Where to find out what "ridingthe bevel" and other jargon means (newsgroups). Just don't expect perfection that will only come from some disasters dokeep at it.

Laugh at your failures. Remember the Ark was made by an amature the Titanic by professionals.

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read Par

Arch

>Hi Carol, If your article is for true newbies, avoid another ho hum recitation of techniques, tools and dust, but do list with some discussion, the major sources for information about these things. Particularly emphasize the associations, such as AAW, and their satallite clubs as well as the major forums with their different flavors; direct the readers to them. Generate and pique reader's diverse interests. Show woodturning as the unique craft/art that it is, extolling its wide appeal with something for everyone. Amplify a bit about the variety of avenues for designing, toolmaking, teaching, merchandising, inventing and so on. Emphasize our special attitudes toward the sharing of knowledge by turners of all ages and levels. Mention the pleasures of socializing with other turners in their shops, our demo system and symposia.

Wow! what a fantastic hobby. Think I'll take it up. Meanwhile....

Turn to Safety, Arch

You mean sorta like

David Sophusson, Custer Wa.

>How much we have to pay for Cherry and Oak out here? :-(

Hey hitch up that trailer and I'll make you a swap!

Sophie, in lurk mode with big brother watching

Hum lurkning

Dustmaker Mike Northfield OH almost

>I could do that I will have to see how the summer pans out. Ya never know when I may show up.

Re: Turning newbies and wannabes - please read Par

Pascal Oudet

>I fully agree with Arch. if you have to write all what we can also find in books, but in a 2 or 4 pages article, you won't succeed.

so you need to tell us what we won't find in books. easy no ? ;-)

Pascal