Thread: changing hands

As this is a hobby and time is not so critical I have used both right and left hands to turn. I am prominently right handed so moving to the left hand is not always quick. I have to stop and pause before continuing to cut.

If you do practice using both hands I believe that you will not notice it becoming easier.

Originally Posted by Christos

If you do practice using both hands I believe that you will not notice it becoming easier.

It has become easier, Christos. Not only easier but second nature. In fact, I am now very comfortable with changing hands when I reverse direction, and feel uncomfortable when leading with the 'wrong' hand - wrong hand for me, that is. I appreciate you interest and taking the time to reply to my post.

Originally Posted by Gassy

For spindle turning a relevant question is why turn with left hand forward when the chuck is on the left? Surely safer and better visually to do right hand forward. I was taught that way and I like being comfortable with both. Perhaps bowl turning throws that though.

I don't follow your meaning, Gassy. Everyone has their left-hand forward when moving the chisel from right to left - right-hand on hip, left hand on tool rest (except for 'lefties' perhaps). Most people still have their left-hand forward when they change direction and come back from left to right, and right hand still on their hip, or as close to as they can manage.

When turning one-handed, right-handed, using a skew in a planing cut:
planing right-to-left - the left hand is on the tool rest but with the chisel between it and the spindle/chuck - so it is safe;
planing left-to-right involves twisting the body and wrist towards the chuck, to get the angle - not so safe. As you say, it is better to change hands so the left hand is on the handle, left elbow against the hip, and right hand is leading on the tool rest, with, once again, the chisel between it and the chuck or spindle.

Originally Posted by Christos

..... If you do practice using both hands I believe that you will not notice it becoming easier.

Opps I mucked it up by having an extra word in the previous sentence.

Originally Posted by Christos

..... If you do practice using both hands I believe that you will not notice it becoming easier.

Originally Posted by Christos

Opps I mucked it up by having an extra word in the previous sentence.

lol - the "not" makes all the difference, and you are quite correct

Much depends on who you are and what you prefer and can do. If you're ambidextrous then it's easy, if not it, may well be impossible.
Also to some extent what you're turning has a bearing as well.
For me I do but then I am ambidextrous, so I make use of it. It's horses for courses .