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Scott
2nd December 2011, 09:49 AM
Hi all,

I've been turning for nearly a year now without any guidance or anyone knocking me on the head telling me what to do. I figure that I've picked up some dirty habits which need rectifying.

I need a recommendation for someone reliable and patient, who is willing to be paid and someone to impart their extensive knowledge. Melbourne or Victorian country is okay.

Thanks in advance!

issatree
2nd December 2011, 10:20 AM
Hi Scott,
Have a bit of a Google on Woodwork Clubs, as you may find someone there.
Just because they are WW Clubs, most of them do Turning.

Scott
2nd December 2011, 10:29 AM
Thanks for your reply issatree, I'm in a woodwork club and all the turners there, although helpful, all have their own acknowledged bad habits. Most didn't have the time to spend with me one on one, or in a small (2 or 3) to go through the basics and beyond. Hence my request.

jefferson
2nd December 2011, 11:23 AM
If you join the Northern Club, you'll have access to Ken Wraight for free lessons. He's one of the best around.

Otherwise, try with a PM. He's down at Tooradin and is where I started.

old pete
2nd December 2011, 11:24 AM
Hi SJT,

If you are going for instruction then you will get best value by first compiling a list of the things with which you have difficulty and you can then focus on those with the instructor to effect some real improvement.

Apart from safety and OH&S considerations re dust I'm not sure there are right and wrong ways to turn something. If your technique and tool selection get the shavings on the floor,the dust up the pipe, the job completed quickly and efficiently with a minimum of sanding and the well pleased customers' money transferred to your pocket in respectable quantities then your are on the right track.

You can assume that you are progressing well when you suddenly realize that you haven't experienced a dig in, a catch, or a run back for several months.A student recently asked me when I was fixing up his efforts with run backs on beads when I myself had last had a run back when turning spindles. I had to say "honestly, I don't know". That comes from spending weeks and months learning to use the tools, sharpen the tools and practice turn many hundreds of the common profiles before trying to actually make a product. I don't think there is a quick way to learn turning, it's more about learning the basics and then putting in the long hours over the years. They have been hours that have given me much pleasure.

Good Luck
Old Pete

Sturdee
2nd December 2011, 11:29 AM
If you join the Northern Club, you'll have access to Ken Wraight for free lessons. He's one of the best around.

Otherwise, try with a PM. He's down at Tooradin and is where I started.

:whs:



Peter.

Scott
2nd December 2011, 02:24 PM
Thank you Pete, Jefferson and Sturdee, this is sage advice.

On the whole Pete, I am getting the job done and I'm thoroughly enjoying what I'm doing. I haven't had a catch or anything like that for ages. I'm slowly working out what tools to use and how to use them. However I feel that I need something formal from someone who has had years of experience and from someone who will give me a clip across the ear when I need it. I don't want to know how to turn a bowl or whatever, I want to know how to use my tools correctly, safely and how to sharpen them. For all I know I could be already doing this (doubt it).

I've just had a brief discussion with who has kindly offered up his time which I took without hesitation. was adamant that he will only teach me how to use my tools and doubts if we'll make anything. This is exactly what I was after and I'm looking forward to spending some time learning from a person who is eminent in the woodturning fraternity.

Treecycle
2nd December 2011, 02:33 PM
If you want a weekend in the fresh country air you could try this bloke (http://www.brendanstemp.com.au/wood-turning-workshops.php).

rsser
2nd December 2011, 03:31 PM
Scott, is a darn good teacher and travelling down to Antarctica is well worth while (just joking).

If after that you want to do a bowl or semi-enclosed form together I can help. I'm in Reservoir.

Can take you through mounting methods, a range of tool types (gouges, scrapers, deep hollowing tools) and sanding and finishing methods.

Sturdee
2nd December 2011, 04:01 PM
Scott, is a darn good teacher and travelling down to Antarctica is well worth while (just joking).

If after that you want to do a bowl or semi-enclosed form together I can help. I'm in Reservoir.

Can take you through mounting methods, a range of tool types (gouges, scrapers, deep hollowing tools) and sanding and finishing methods.

And how to sharpen tools as well.

Peter.

rsser
2nd December 2011, 04:42 PM
Yes, that too but I'm sure would cover the essentials.

I have a wide range of tools that my students benefit from trying out; they all have their pros and cons, in terms of maintenance, application and cost. I teach methods of bevel shaping and honing, freehand and with jigs.

And bowl design. Simple, critical but often poorly done.

issatree
2nd December 2011, 05:56 PM
Hi Again Scott,
I'm very Disappointed In that Wood Club, & I think they may need a bit of Shake up.
Have you left them or are you still persisting.
Maybe you should let them know by a Letter.
It is certainly not what most Clubs would do to a Newbie Turner.
I sincerely hope it is not one that I know of.
As has been said, Join The Northern Club, & with rrser, that is also a Go.
Brendan Stemp is a very good Teacher, but he is awhile away.
Like wise . You could not go wrong with anyone mentioned in these Threads.

Allan at Wallan
2nd December 2011, 07:19 PM
Hi Scott,

I won't ask what club you belong to as it may cause
embarrassment to both you and the club concerned.

Please be assured that if you pay us a visit at Northern Woodturners
Club we would make you welcome. We have a structured approach
to training with each member of the club having to display their
abilities in sharpening, use of chisels, design, safety etc. They get
marked off a ratings sheet by me and progress to the next level
after consultation, agreement or further tuition by Ken Wraight.

It is up to each member to decide if they wish to progress further up
the ratings chart. Assistance is always there providing the member
is willing to participate. The system works well for everyone.

Allan.
(Vice-President)
Northern Woodturners Club
(Kingsbury Scout Hall, Browning St, Kingsbury)
Meet Tues. nights 7-10p. and Wed. mornings 8a-12n.

Enquiries: Secretary Bob: 9459-7781.

Scott
2nd December 2011, 09:05 PM
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, I now feel less lost and heading in the right direction. This is a very addictive hobby and one I want to get right considering the investment I've made already.

Thanks once again, I feel very humble and thankful for all the offers.

Cheers!

Buggy13
19th March 2021, 09:18 PM
Hi I'm interested in learning woodturning, maybe you can help me I'm located in Glenroy so close to
Reservoir

Allan at Wallan
25th March 2021, 12:01 PM
Hi Buggy13,
Northern Woodturning Club meet Tuesdays 7.00pm to 10.00pm, Wednesdays 8.00am till noon, Thursdays 7.00pm to 10.00pm.
Venue is the old scout hall in Browning St, Kingsbury (near Reservoir) about 100 metres from Plenty Rd. Come along and meet
the gang - you will be made welcome.