Thread: New to wood turning

Originally Posted by Ashes

Jeff,
good point about sharpening.

As a beginner myself I don't think I really understood what sharp was until I got some skew lessons off a member of my club.

One thing that I think hasn't been stressed enough - if at all - when we tell new turner's "buy this chisel" or "buy that chisel" is... whatever chisel they buy, whether top o' the line HSS or a cheap chaiwanese set, it will be blunt and will need sharpening before they use it for the first time.

Many actually need a fair bit of attention before they're truly usable... such as honing/polishing the flute.

I wonder how many just "buy & try?" (I know I did... )

Andy,

I don't know whether Cubjo is still in hiding or not.

I tried to sharpen the gouge I promised him on the Tormek - no good though, as it developed a snout at the point. It must be the flute shape, as the P & N works fine on exactly the same setting.

I re-did the grind on the True-Grind and polished the flute on the Tormek. I think it's sharp enough.

Anyway, it's in the post and hopefully off to a good Forum member's home.

Jeff

Hey all

I am back from Sunny Melbourne....got back in a few hours ago. Really loves it there. The kids had heaps of fun...We spent heaps of money but I think I have earnt enough brownie points to buy myself a lathe tomorrow

I have just finished reading through the discussion here and seems I have started a little debate. Firstly I understand exactly where JLH is coming from. This is a new hobby for me and while I am excited I am also a little nervous of laying out this kind of money on something which will be a passing fad for me in 6 months. I have decided to take on the advice of other members (as well as generous offers) and will be getting some P&N tools when I buy my lathe. I will also be hopefully be getting the Tru-Grind Sharpening system.

I would love to come on over and do grab an impromptu lessons with ya (I would even bring the tea) but alas I was only in Melbourne for 4 days and had no net access so didnt see this offer till I was back in Tassie.

Anyhow I am off to bed to make sure the browny points dont diminish and hope to chat soon.

Thanks to all
Rob

Rob,

I urge you to take up on his offer of tuition. He's a great teacher and is very patient. (Don't watch him turn though, he's too/ very aggressive with the chisels for novices. Watch the tea breaks too).

As others have said elsewhere, join a club. Buy some books and DVDs (I have some you can borrow).

Or better still, develop some close friendships with the Victorian Chapter on the Board. Ern, Calm, DJ (now DJ's Wood), (the Axe Wielder) and Ken W. And buy from someone who won't do you wrong - thanks Jim C., great service and better advice.

I have a couple of spare chisels here too Rob that I can send over. Let me know how you're going. If you give the game away, just send them back. PS Don't buy any scrapers, I have a few spare.)

If you have any problems, just get onto the Board. Help is not far away.

PPS Start on something soft. Turn 20 or 30 honey dippers and another 30 little 3 by 5 (75mm by 100mm) bowls and then start asking questions.....

PPPS Don't forget dust control. Get a mask if nothing else.

You have a journey ahead of you that I hope will change your life for the better.

Jeff