Thread: First Hollow Form

G'day Todd,
Good on you for having a go. The C.L. is nice to turn isn't it?
If you don't mind some constructive critisism there are couple of things you can work on:
Try to get symetry with your profile - the coves you have cut are different sizes and shapes - work on getting them the same to give your work "balance".
There is some tear-out (the grain is ripped rather than cut) in your top cove, try having your sharp chisel cutting at an angle rather than at 90 deg to the piece.
Inside I can see the inevitable "catches" that happens when the angle of the chisel is too aggresive and the chisel "takes a bite" out of your work.
Right down the bottom , you can see where your pilot hole has stopped and your hollowing hasn't been able to make it all the way - a couple of things you could try - stick the end of your tool rest into the hollow and use the rest to reduce the leverage that's working against you or try "pull cuts" with your gouge (Google/ youtube that one).
See if you can get hold of "Woodturning, a Foundation Course" by Kieth Rowley at your local library , he does explain the mechanics of turning very well.

I doubt there is one person on this forum that hasn't commited all of the above mistakes at least 21 dozen times so don't think you haven't done well - it's all part of the learning process, as Corbs rightly says on his avitar "It's only a mistake if you don't learn from it".
Keep turning !!
Regards,
Bruce.

Originally Posted by bellyup

G'day Todd,
Good on you for having a go. The C.L. is nice to turn isn't it?
If you don't mind some constructive critisism there are couple of things you can work on:
Try to get symetry with your profile - the coves you have cut are different sizes and shapes - work on getting them the same to give your work "balance".
There is some tear-out (the grain is ripped rather than cut) in your top cove, try having your sharp chisel cutting at an angle rather than at 90 deg to the piece.
Inside I can see the inevitable "catches" that happens when the angle of the chisel is too aggresive and the chisel "takes a bite" out of your work.
Right down the bottom , you can see where your pilot hole has stopped and your hollowing hasn't been able to make it all the way - a couple of things you could try - stick the end of your tool rest into the hollow and use the rest to reduce the leverage that's working against you or try "pull cuts" with your gouge (Google/ youtube that one).
See if you can get hold of "Woodturning, a Foundation Course" by Kieth Rowley at your local library , he does explain the mechanics of turning very well.

I doubt there is one person on this forum that hasn't commited all of the above mistakes at least 21 dozen times so don't think you haven't done well - it's all part of the learning process, as Corbs rightly says on his avitar "It's only a mistake if you don't learn from it".
Keep turning !!
Regards,
Bruce.

Thanks Bellyup,

I love constructive criticism. I have to learn a couple of things, in addition to what you said. I have to learn to sharpen chisels. I have to learn to take time with what I make. I also need to buy a roughing gouge as I am using what I would call a detail gouge as a roughing gouge. Good thing is I will be going to civilisation soon and will acquire some extra tools. There is a little shop in Toowoomba called Toowoomba Wood Working supplies who gets stuff from Carbatec, H & F and Timbecon in addition to other small places. Not much markup and always has good advice. What I really need is to find a club or another turner to get tips from in person. But that is not always possible - Will just have to keep practicing. Good excuse with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Have to make good use of the investment.

I really like this forum. Always have people willing to help and provide advice that is does not ridicule.

I will keep turning. I personally like the look of the piece - especially the character edge.

Thanks for your help.

Todd

And it looks a lot better than my first attempt at a box ( i think I managed to rip it out of the chuck at least 3 times)
It is a shame you are so far away from a club or group as this is the best way to learn
but keep on...... and you will be amazed at what your lathe can produce
Regards
Bowl-Basher

Todd,
Yep, this is a great forum and I can relate to your circumstance.I learnt to turn on my own out here so all the mistakes you made, I made as well - still do. The advice the guys here gave me when I started was invaluable - still is.
See if you can get the blokes at the shop to give you a quick lesson when you go - maybe ring beforehand and arrange a time.Can't beat hands on!!
Regards sharpening - buy or make a jig so you can re-create the same (sharp)shape every time you sharpen - it really does increase your enjoyment tenfold! you'll probably need a special wheel for your grinder to get the best result though they arn't too expensive.
Check out Carrolls Woodcraft Supplies for a good range of specialised turning stuff - ohhh the money you can spend - as you're probably coming to realise - the lathe is the cheapest thing you buy

Good first attempt. Things can only get better.

Goodonya Todd for your first try and no doubt it was probably
a learning experience with a few anxious moments.

Keep the piece exactly how it is, do not discard it and have a
look at it in a couple of years time. By then you will have read
a lot, learned a lot and hopefully turned a lot. You will then see
how far you have progressed in such a short time.

Old adage: Someone once said, "Rome was not built in a day".
My wife says, "True, but if I was the supervisor it could have been".

Allan

Originally Posted by Allan at Wallan

Goodonya Todd for your first try and no doubt it was probably
a learning experience with a few anxious moments.

Keep the piece exactly how it is, do not discard it and have a
look at it in a couple of years time. By then you will have read
a lot, learned a lot and hopefully turned a lot. You will then see
how far you have progressed in such a short time.

Old adage: Someone once said, "Rome was not built in a day".
My wife says, "True, but if I was the supervisor it could have been".

Allan

Hi Allan,

Perchance your wife is related to mine!! Or could just be females. Good tips.

Todd

Hi Mate,

Good effort , There are various books available from the Library system, also Videos, either on U-TUBE or from the library's.

What tools are u using?? Carbon steel or HIspeed steel it will make a difference, especially as to how often you have to sharpen them.

Practice makes perfect , take your time and remember that a sharp tools cut better, do not need to be forced and leaves a better finish.

If you have to Push a tool to make it cut IT'S BLUNT.
Work with softer timbers to get the hang of turning before you move on to the likes of Iron Bark .

Best wishes ,

Jeff

All that needs to be said has been.

Great effort Todd!!

Take note of the critiques and keep at it!

The piece sure has character and Camphor is a really nice timber to work with. Can't add anything to what has already been said and far be it for me to criticise your work when I am only a beginner in the true sense of the word. Been turning for a couple of years or so but still learning.

Originally Posted by toddbron

Hi Allan,

Perchance your wife is related to mine!! Or could just be females. Good tips.

Todd

They all are the same breed SWMBO (she what must be obeyed )

Todd
A good first effort . Others have given you all the pointers .
See if you can pick up some green timber to practice on . It costs nothing and is easier to turn than dry timber and will enable you to hone your turning skills even if you throw it away at the finish .
Ted