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  1. #1
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    Default Amateur Turning issues

    Hey guys I’m having an issue with my lathe only just started using it and I’m not sure if the problem is speed, dodgy tools or just the type of wood it’s just treated pine and it’s coming out really rough any ideas? Much appreciated Brent



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  3. #2
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    I'd say a combination of timber and tool sharpness.

    are you practising? Hence using treated pine? Are you masking up?

  4. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brena-450 View Post
    Hey guys I’m having an issue with my lathe only just started using it and I’m not sure if the problem is speed, dodgy tools or just the type of wood it’s just treated pine and it’s coming out really rough any ideas? Much appreciated Bren
    It's most likely a combination of all three. Rather than dodgy tools I'd say its more likely to be sharpness of tools. Your best bet is to find a local wood turners club and join up and get some expert instruction - it wi save you a lot of time and wasted timber.

  5. #4
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    Yeah the tools I found at an op shop and probably arnt the best quality I have sharpened them but the angles may be incorrect as I just copied what the last person had done. I might get a decent set of tools and some quality wood and give it a go.
    Fumbler what is it I am supposed to mask up?
    Cheers


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  6. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fumbler View Post
    I'd say a combination of timber and tool sharpness.

    are you practising? Hence using treated pine? Are you masking up?
    What Fumbler said. Pine is soft and will tear and dent easily - sharp tools are the go.
    Masking your face will keep nasty chemical-treated wood particles out of your lungs.

  7. #6
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    Ahh mask up as in face mask haha yeah I did I was thinking he meant masking tape and I was super confused haha cheers guys will have to invest in some decent tools as I know the angles are all stuffed on at least one of the ones I have.


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  8. #7
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    I think most things have been covered.

    Tools need to be sharp.

    Presentation of the tool to the wood.

    Type of wood.

    Direction of cut cutting down hill rather than up against the grain.

    What tools are you trying to use on this piece do you have a photo of them.

    If you can get the above points sorted then turning becomes a pleasure. and as stated try joining a club or find a turner close by who is willing to show you what you are doing wrong

  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brena-450 View Post
    Hey guys I’m having an issue with my lathe only just started using it and I’m not sure if the problem is speed, dodgy tools or just the type of wood it’s just treated pine and it’s coming out really rough any ideas? Much appreciated Brent



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    If you did the finished part on the extreme right of the piece in the photo, keep doing that. That is how it is supposed to look. If the rough part is done with a roughing gouge on half rotten timber, that is normal. Get it down to round then use a skew and spindle gouge.

    As above, get some instruction on sharpening and use of tools. An hour of instruction will save 10 - 20 hours of experimentation and trial and error.
    So much timber, so little time.

    Paul

  10. #9
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    The following is just in way of some explanation... the best advice has already been given; find a tame woodturner to spend an hour or three with you and show you the ropes. A little demonstration beats words, words, words hands down!

    As has also already been said, Pine really isn't the best timber to begin with. (Treated is even less so, for health reasons.)

    When I was teaching young turners I generally started 'em with pieces of 4x4 KDHW fence post and didn't introduce 'em to pine until they were feeling cocky and needed a reminder of reality...

    At first glance I'd guess that you've turned the rough area with a gouge... in scraper mode. Meaning only the cutting edge is touching the timber. No matter how sharp the gouge is, it'll tend to tear out the grain like that because the cutting angles are wrong. Way too shallow.

    Instead, the bevel should be rubbing; One approach to learn this is to angle the tool upwards on the tool rest and lower the tip until the middle of the bevel makes contact with the blank. Then slowly lower the tip, keeping the bevel rubbing, until it starts to cut. So, the end of the handle should be lower than the tool rest with the tool pointing slightly upwards when cutting.

    (Of course, my guess could easily be wrong. )

    Scrapers are different and only the cutting edge touches the blank, with the end of the handle higher than the tool rest and the tool pointing downwards when cutting. But a scraper's bevel is at a much larger angle, generally closer to 70-80° than a gouge's 45°.

    Here's a fair guide to desired angles per tool types. This is a guide, not gospel: most turners adjust 'em to suit themselves.
    I may be weird, but I'm saving up to become eccentric.

    - Andy Mc

  11. #10
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    Hmm, I reckon stick with the pine. When you have mastered the pine two things will have occurred
    [1] you will have a better knowledge than most on how to sharpen, whats a good angle for you and when to sharpen
    [2] You will have developed skills and knowledge of woodturning that will stay with you for life

    In other words, you will be a damn good turner. Pine is disliked by most turners as its soft and prone to tear out, demands good technique and razor-sharp tools.
    Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working. — Pablo Picasso


  12. #11
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    crowie is offline Life's Good, Enjoy each new day & try to encourage
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    G'Day Brent, "PM" sent with the contact details of a local Melbourne Master Woodturning [top bloke] along with his youtube channel details, Cheers, crowie

  13. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by crowie View Post
    G'Day Brent, "PM" sent with the contact details of a local Melbourne Master Woodturning [top bloke] along with his youtube channel details, Cheers, crowie
    Might be an idea to put his YouTube channel details here, that might help others who're reading this too, including those of us who've been doing it for a while.


    edit the apostrophe in who're is quite important...

  14. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by hughie View Post
    Hmm, I reckon stick with the pine. When you have mastered the pine two things will have occurred
    [1] you will have a better knowledge than most on how to sharpen, whats a good angle for you and when to sharpen
    [2] You will have developed skills and knowledge of woodturning that will stay with you for life

    In other words, you will be a damn good turner. Pine is disliked by most turners as its soft and prone to tear out, demands good technique and razor-sharp tools.
    This is very true, but may cause a beginner to give up prematurely because of discouragement. I started with bowls on a 7 X 12 inch Chinese metal lathe, with a sharpened screwdriver and bench chisel. Several lathes and many tools later I was having difficulties with the Accursed Skew. With the encouragement of Retired and 20 hours in front of the lathe with the skew, I now make a tool handle for entertainment, out of everything from 100 year old Black Locust fence posts to Southern Yellow Pine.

    The secret seems to be about 20 hours in front of the lathe, 1 - 2 hours at a time. Assuming some instruction so you are using proper technique.
    So much timber, so little time.

    Paul

  15. #14
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    Be VERY CAREFUL of treated pine.

    Im not sure what precautions you need, but its nasty stuff, especially if you are inhale, or the dust is going in your eyes.

    And make sure you wash your hands afterwards.

    I would go so far as to say, its probably better not to use treated pine. Turning it releases all sort of nasties for example Copper, Chromium and Arsenic treatment.

  16. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Paul39 View Post
    This is very true, but may cause a beginner to give up prematurely because of discouragement. I started with bowls on a 7 X 12 inch Chinese metal lathe, with a sharpened screwdriver and bench chisel. Several lathes and many tools later I was having difficulties with the Accursed Skew. With the encouragement of Retired and 20 hours in front of the lathe with the skew, I now make a tool handle for entertainment, out of everything from 100 year old Black Locust fence posts to Southern Yellow Pine.

    The secret seems to be about 20 hours in front of the lathe, 1 - 2 hours at a time. Assuming some instruction so you are using proper technique.
    So very true Paul its about experience guided by wisdom. Experience of time spent and the wisdom of an experienced turner.
    Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working. — Pablo Picasso


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