finally turning again
john lucas
The shop is a long way from complete but most of the tools are roughly in place. I found out the Governors wife saw my ornaments at the Craft Center and want's 16 to put on one of the trees in the Governors mansion. fortunately the lathe and the tools I need to do that is ready, other than the dust collector. I hooked up the shop vac and use it.
The Craft center had 10 of mine already so I told them I would turn 10 more and they can select. Got 8 spheres turned this afternoon. I have to be out of town tomorrow. I'll start on the finials on Sunday but have commitments that day also so won't get more than a few done.
It sure feels good to be turning again. I blew up every other one until I got my hollowing skills back. A few were just crappy wood and it took a trial to learn how thin I could go and not have them blow up. One I simply got too aggresive and got a catch with a curved tool. It spun the tool in my hand and took some hide off one finger. I think what I did was let the tip get below center on the piece. got through the next 6 without getting a catch or blowing any up.
My skills at turning the outside came back very quickly. turned all the globes and only had to sand one at 180. The rest were 220. I felt a little awkward at first but that went away after the first globe or two.
I'll post photos when I get them done.
