First Hollow Form

[toddbron]

Hi,

Photos attached of a pencil holder made out of camphor laurel. It wasn't the best piece of material as it had a piece missing at the top. You could call it a character defect.

Tell me what you think. Any suggestions welcome.

Todd

[bellyup]

G'day Todd,
Good on you for having a go. The C.L. is nice to turn isn't it?
If you don't mind some constructive critisism there are couple of things you can work on:
Try to get symetry with your profile - the coves you have cut are different sizes and shapes - work on getting them the same to give your work "balance".
There is some tear-out (the grain is ripped rather than cut) in your top cove, try having your sharp chisel cutting at an angle rather than at 90 deg to the piece.
Inside I can see the inevitable "catches" that happens when the angle of the chisel is too aggresive and the chisel "takes a bite" out of your work.
Right down the bottom , you can see where your pilot hole has stopped and your hollowing hasn't been able to make it all the way - a couple of things you could try - stick the end of your tool rest into the hollow and use the rest to reduce the leverage that's working against you or try "pull cuts" with your gouge (Google/ youtube that one).
See if you can get hold of "Woodturning, a Foundation Course" by Kieth Rowley at your local library , he does explain the mechanics of turning very well.

I doubt there is one person on this forum that hasn't commited all of the above mistakes at least 21 dozen times so don't think you haven't done well - it's all part of the learning process, as Corbs rightly says on his avitar "It's only a mistake if you don't learn from it".
Keep turning !!
Regards,
Bruce.

[toddbron]

G'day Todd,
Good on you for having a go. The C.L. is nice to turn isn't it?
If you don't mind some constructive critisism there are couple of things you can work on:
Try to get symetry with your profile - the coves you have cut are different sizes and shapes - work on getting them the same to give your work "balance".
There is some tear-out (the grain is ripped rather than cut) in your top cove, try having your sharp chisel cutting at an angle rather than at 90 deg to the piece.
Inside I can see the inevitable "catches" that happens when the angle of the chisel is too aggresive and the chisel "takes a bite" out of your work.
Right down the bottom , you can see where your pilot hole has stopped and your hollowing hasn't been able to make it all the way - a couple of things you could try - stick the end of your tool rest into the hollow and use the rest to reduce the leverage that's working against you or try "pull cuts" with your gouge (Google/ youtube that one).
See if you can get hold of "Woodturning, a Foundation Course" by Kieth Rowley at your local library , he does explain the mechanics of turning very well.

I doubt there is one person on this forum that hasn't commited all of the above mistakes at least 21 dozen times so don't think you haven't done well - it's all part of the learning process, as Corbs rightly says on his avitar "It's only a mistake if you don't learn from it".
Keep turning !!
Regards,
Bruce.
Thanks Bellyup,

I love constructive criticism. I have to learn a couple of things, in addition to what you said. I have to learn to sharpen chisels. I have to learn to take time with what I make. I also need to buy a roughing gouge as I am using what I would call a detail gouge as a roughing gouge. Good thing is I will be going to civilisation soon and will acquire some extra tools. There is a little shop in Toowoomba called Toowoomba Wood Working supplies who gets stuff from Carbatec, H & F and Timbecon in addition to other small places. Not much markup and always has good advice. What I really need is to find a club or another turner to get tips from in person. But that is not always possible - Will just have to keep practicing. Good excuse with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Have to make good use of the investment.

I really like this forum. Always have people willing to help and provide advice that is does not ridicule.

I will keep turning. I personally like the look of the piece - especially the character edge.

Thanks for your help.

Todd

[bowl-basher]

:whs:

And it looks a lot better than my first attempt at a box ( i think I managed to rip it out of the chuck at least 3 times)
It is a shame you are so far away from a club or group as this is the best way to learn
but keep on...... and you will be amazed at what your lathe can produce
Regards
Bowl-Basher

[bellyup]

Todd,
Yep, this is a great forum and I can relate to your circumstance.I learnt to turn on my own out here so all the mistakes you made, I made as well - still do. The advice the guys here gave me when I started was invaluable - still is.
See if you can get the blokes at the shop to give you a quick lesson when you go - maybe ring beforehand and arrange a time.Can't beat hands on!!
Regards sharpening - buy or make a jig so you can re-create the same (sharp)shape every time you sharpen - it really does increase your enjoyment tenfold! you'll probably need a special wheel for your grinder to get the best result though they arn't too expensive.
Check out Carrolls Woodcraft Supplies for a good range of specialised turning stuff - ohhh the money you can spend - as you're probably coming to realise - the lathe is the cheapest thing you buy :C

[man from uncle]

Good first attempt. Things can only get better.

[Allan at Wallan]

Goodonya Todd for your first try and no doubt it was probably
a learning experience with a few anxious moments.

Keep the piece exactly how it is, do not discard it and have a
look at it in a couple of years time. By then you will have read
a lot, learned a lot and hopefully turned a lot. You will then see
how far you have progressed in such a short time.

Old adage: Someone once said, "Rome was not built in a day".
My wife says, "True, but if I was the supervisor it could have been".

Allan

[toddbron]

Goodonya Todd for your first try and no doubt it was probably
a learning experience with a few anxious moments.

Keep the piece exactly how it is, do not discard it and have a
look at it in a couple of years time. By then you will have read
a lot, learned a lot and hopefully turned a lot. You will then see
how far you have progressed in such a short time.

Old adage: Someone once said, "Rome was not built in a day".
My wife says, "True, but if I was the supervisor it could have been".

Allan
Hi Allan,

Perchance your wife is related to mine!! Or could just be females. Good tips.

Todd

[vk4]

Hi Mate,

Good effort , There are various books available from the Library system, also Videos, either on U-TUBE or from the library's.

What tools are u using?? Carbon steel or HIspeed steel it will make a difference, especially as to how often you have to sharpen them.:D

Practice makes perfect:2tsup::2tsup: , take your time and remember that a sharp tools cut better, do not need to be forced and leaves a better finish.

If you have to Push a tool to make it cut IT'S BLUNT.:doh::doh:
Work with softer timbers to get the hang of turning before you move on to the likes of Iron Bark .

Best wishes ,

Jeff

[artme]

All that needs to be said has been.

Great effort Todd!!:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

Take note of the critiques and keep at it!

[munruben]

The piece sure has character and Camphor is a really nice timber to work with. Can't add anything to what has already been said and far be it for me to criticise your work when I am only a beginner in the true sense of the word. Been turning for a couple of years or so but still learning. :2tsup:

[bowl-basher]

Hi Allan,

Perchance your wife is related to mine!! Or could just be females. Good tips.

Todd
They all are the same breed SWMBO (she what must be obeyed ):rolleyes::rolleyes:

[turnerted]

Todd
A good first effort . Others have given you all the pointers .
See if you can pick up some green timber to practice on . It costs nothing and is easier to turn than dry timber and will enable you to hone your turning skills even if you throw it away at the finish .
Ted