jefferson
10th May 2009, 07:32 PM
was up here a few weeks back for some more lessons. A mix of spindle work and bowls. Or more correctly, tool control and confidence. Day 2 didn't go too well. Advanced sheer cuts on a hard lump of redgum that 2 valium and 8 beers barely took the edge off!
One thing above all that has helped has been the practice. Aside from today - Mother's Day - I have turned each and every day since, not matter what my mood. Some days, some tiny redgum bowls, others, honey dippers and dibblers. I've got 19 little redgum bowls ready to go, seeking a home in one of the local craft shops. Is $30 too much to ask for a little bowl? I'd post some pics but Shrink Pic and I are still negotiating.
This turning caper is addictive. I used to make furniture but not any more. Kitchens yes, under sufferance. But oh the pleasure in learning something new. ( insists I have office worker's hand but I intend to change that over the next year or so!).
Expensive? Most definitely. Turning recycled / KD redgum for the most part, I regret all my cheap chisel acquisitions. The best two I have - a 1 inch skew and a 1/2 inch bowl gouge are both Hamlets of the more expensive variety. ASP 2020 or something. They do indeed stay sharper for longer. No more skimping on tools! I have quite a collection now - Calm says you only need six chisels but I beg to differ. I have 5 skews and they all get a workout at some stage.
Next big projects are to get the cyclone and the VL100 up and running, complete with decent ducting. Bob L from Perth, thanks a million for your advice. I soon should have an almost dust-free lathe workshop and less dust up the nose.
So for all those budding turners out there, watch out.
I suggest lessons, then lots of practice. Start on pine, then progress to the hard stuff. Think small, not big. Honey dippers and tops are great practice.
And make some contacts! The guys on this forum have not only helped immensely but great friendships have developed.
In time, I hope to return some of the many favours that have come my way.
Stay tuned for Learning to Turn Part 4 as I intend to tackle the platters this week. No promises though!
regards Jeff
One thing above all that has helped has been the practice. Aside from today - Mother's Day - I have turned each and every day since, not matter what my mood. Some days, some tiny redgum bowls, others, honey dippers and dibblers. I've got 19 little redgum bowls ready to go, seeking a home in one of the local craft shops. Is $30 too much to ask for a little bowl? I'd post some pics but Shrink Pic and I are still negotiating.
This turning caper is addictive. I used to make furniture but not any more. Kitchens yes, under sufferance. But oh the pleasure in learning something new. ( insists I have office worker's hand but I intend to change that over the next year or so!).
Expensive? Most definitely. Turning recycled / KD redgum for the most part, I regret all my cheap chisel acquisitions. The best two I have - a 1 inch skew and a 1/2 inch bowl gouge are both Hamlets of the more expensive variety. ASP 2020 or something. They do indeed stay sharper for longer. No more skimping on tools! I have quite a collection now - Calm says you only need six chisels but I beg to differ. I have 5 skews and they all get a workout at some stage.
Next big projects are to get the cyclone and the VL100 up and running, complete with decent ducting. Bob L from Perth, thanks a million for your advice. I soon should have an almost dust-free lathe workshop and less dust up the nose.
So for all those budding turners out there, watch out.
I suggest lessons, then lots of practice. Start on pine, then progress to the hard stuff. Think small, not big. Honey dippers and tops are great practice.
And make some contacts! The guys on this forum have not only helped immensely but great friendships have developed.
In time, I hope to return some of the many favours that have come my way.
Stay tuned for Learning to Turn Part 4 as I intend to tackle the platters this week. No promises though!
regards Jeff