A few questions about turning and inlaying

[rookee]

Hello,

I'm new to this, and I'm wondering if there is a small power tool that is available to turn wood with. Something that can fit on a desk, the size of a hmm, desktop computer.

Also, I'm interested in inlaying turquoise and abalone. Can anyone recommend some good instructional books for turning, carving, and inlaying. For inlaying, it would be great to find a book with instructions for cutting the stones and abalone properly.

Any additional information for a newbie would be helpful.

Thanks.

[CameronPotter]

There are small lathes, look for "mini lathe" or maybe pen-turning lathe at a local supplier.

As for inlay, can't help sorry.

Cam

[hughie]

Also, I'm interested in inlaying turquoise and abalone. Can anyone recommend some good instructional books for turning, carving, and inlaying. For inlaying, it would be great to find a book with instructions for cutting the stones and abalone properly.

Rookee, here you go and for the most part they are in your neck of the woods, have fun!

A few links related to your request.Have a good look through the sites as they provide addiotnal info on working with this medium


http://www.aquabluemaui.com/aqarchi.html
http://www.inlayusa.com/
http://www.mopsupplies.com/mop_pricelist.html

the NZ shell has some of the deepest colours due to, I am told the low water temps
http://www.pauamana.com/

stone stuff
http://www.inlay.com/stone_inlay/
http://www.arizonasilhouette.com/Crushed_Stone.htm
http://www.stephenhatcher.com/Basic%20Stone%20Inlay%20(Ver%201.0).PDF
http://www.marbleemporium.com/

and this one maybe a bit out of your range. But its got some amazing pics of waterjet cut tile work.
http://www.cec-waterjet.com/index.html

hughie

[rookee]

Thanks for the great links and info. That's exactly what I'm looking for. One last thing, if anyone can recommend an affordable and versatile mini lathe (i don't plan on turning large peices of wood and have a very small working space) that would be great. I read a post on this forum about an attachment that allows you to carve obscure shapes

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=10707&page=2

http://www.token.crwoodturner.com/ecc/

http://tinypic.com/e0les2.jpg

Something that can use these adaptors would be perfect. I'm hoping to spend $200-400 on a mini lathe that would work.

[CameronPotter]

SkewChiDAMN really likes the Leda mini lathe.

Other than that I can't help.

Cam

[rookee]

Thanks. This one looks similar and quite less expensive. Is the Leda a better product?

http://cgi.ebay.com/5-SPEED-10-X-18-MINI-WOOD-LATHE-BED-EXTENSION-18-39_W0QQitemZ6061238395QQcategoryZ42282QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[CameronPotter]

Usually the price is justified by machining and bearings (but I am not an expert).

Cam

[hughie]

]Usually the price is justified by machining and bearings

Rookee, Cameron is pretty well on the money. Look also for quality of finish, overall weight of the lathe ie the heavier the better. If you stick to well know brands it'll cost more. But you will have far better quality.
I know cos a I got a cheapee :D and have spent some time and effort getting to sit still on the floor :eek: and to stop damn thing wobbling around like a pea stick in a hurricane.
Failing that look around for your local Wood Turners chapter, Theres gotta be one near by
http://www.woodturner.org//community/chapters/members.pl?submit=Chapter+List
hughie

[Gil Jones]

Rookee, I cannot speak for the EBay lathe. The Jet mini, and General International Maxi- Lathes are good ones. I have the General. The eccentric chuck adapter made by Ken Grunke up in Wisconsin is a fine tool. I own one, and I like it! http://www.token.crwoodturner.com/ecc

[rookee]

I just bought the Jet mini for $260 with free shipping. The Leda I could only find in AUS and shipping was really expensive. Thanks for the help. I'll probably have more ?'s when I start working on my first project.

[CameronPotter]

Fair enough. I think that the Jet was a good purchase.

Please ask questions when they arise. :)

Cam