Turning newbies and wannabes - please read

Authentic Novice Here.

Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida

>Hello Carol,

I am new enough at turning that I have not turned on my lathe yet. (maybe later today, after chores are done)

I think the questions so far for me have been:

1.) What tasks do I want to do with a lathe?

2.) How do I select a lathe that will perform those tasks?

3.) What tools and accessories are needed, and how do I select them, to suit the aforementioned tasks?

4.) What knowledge or accessories do I need to use the lathe safely?

5.) Where can I obtain the raw materials to turn?

6.) How do I learn to use all of this stuff?

Re: Authentic Novice Here. *LINK*

Russ Fairfield

>Don,

I know they are important to you, but every one of your questions has been answered over, and over again in magazine articles, books, videos, and on this forum. Take some time to look around.

I recommend two (2) sources:

Keith Rowleys book, "The Fundamentals of Woodturning." It doesn't get any better than this, in my opinion. Ernie Conover's book, "The Lathe Book", is also an excellent source for answers to your questions.

For an On-Line source, Brian Cliffords basic turning course is a good one. Follow the link to his HomePage and the link to the e-course is in the middle of the page.


An Introduction to Woodturning, by Brian Clifford

Re: Authentic Novice Here.

Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida

>Thank you for the pointers, Russ. I was not actually asking the questions in my reply to Carol - those were the questions I have had over the past month or so.

I read many, many of the current and archived messages here, and asked some questions here and by email, and got what seem (who am I to judge?) like good answers, including the recommendation of the Rowley book, which I am just finishing. Folks here have been very helpful. Also, upon recommendation, a stack of DVDs and tapes.

BTW, I just received your two pen-making tapes. ;-)