sjm
22nd March 2011, 04:09 PM
Well I've had my lathe for one month now, and have tried to turn as often as possible - most weekends, and some nights after work. I reckon I'm getting the hang of it, and have knocked out some reasonable efforts. It was quite a learning curve, and I was pretty tentative in the beginning, particularly with the dreaded skew, but it's all coming together nicely. I'm still getting catches with end grain, mainly on knots, but it's down to about once per hour, versus once per minute when I first started :U
So, after a month I'll summarise the most important things I've learned:
1. Keep the tools sharp! A sharp tool peels off lovely long shavings and is a joy to work with. At the slightest hint of resistance, re-sharpen!
2. Don't be afraid to re-shape the cutting edge - out of the box, my chisels cut like crap, re-grinding to fingernails made a massive difference, and reduced the catches almost instantly.
3. Keep the bevel rubbing - reduces chatter, catches and results in a smoother finish.
4. Re-adjust the tool rest position as required - higher, lower, in, out - it makes a big difference.
5. When done right, a skew produces a lovely smooth planing cut - it's so much nicer than sanding or scraping. I am determined to master it.
I've attached a few snapshots of some experimental learning pieces. Nothing fancy, just basic shapes and curves, coming to grips with different techniques and methods. A variety of scrap offcuts and fallen branches.
So one month later, I reckon I've got the basics under my belt, but there's still so much more I want to experiment with...
So, after a month I'll summarise the most important things I've learned:
1. Keep the tools sharp! A sharp tool peels off lovely long shavings and is a joy to work with. At the slightest hint of resistance, re-sharpen!
2. Don't be afraid to re-shape the cutting edge - out of the box, my chisels cut like crap, re-grinding to fingernails made a massive difference, and reduced the catches almost instantly.
3. Keep the bevel rubbing - reduces chatter, catches and results in a smoother finish.
4. Re-adjust the tool rest position as required - higher, lower, in, out - it makes a big difference.
5. When done right, a skew produces a lovely smooth planing cut - it's so much nicer than sanding or scraping. I am determined to master it.
I've attached a few snapshots of some experimental learning pieces. Nothing fancy, just basic shapes and curves, coming to grips with different techniques and methods. A variety of scrap offcuts and fallen branches.
So one month later, I reckon I've got the basics under my belt, but there's still so much more I want to experiment with...