I have a small problem.

Around 17 years ago I invested in the bits and pieces I thought I needed to set up a small woodwork shop. I had a good job and with the support of my wife i purchased those bits over a period of 2 years. No sooner had I got it all together and ready to start setting everything up I fell ill. It seems Agent Orange poisoning from Vietnam after sitting dormant for some time decided to create havoc with my body. Rather than explain in Gory detail, I'm now missing a number of bodily parts (No not that one)

After a couple of very major operations and more than a couple of years (7) I was announced clean and almost fit for duty. My first day attempting to finally set up my small woodwork shop ended in misery, I'd purchased a used Triton work bench, it was shipped to collapsed and heavily taped to hold it all together. Rather than wait for number one Grandson to help I decided to lift it myself and the next thing I knew I was on the floor in agony. I burst two vertebrae and ruptured another, they are now fused together

Long story short, up until today I've had 32 trips with Air Ambulance and another 4 operations to get my spine working again, I arrived home from hospital visit 16 this morning. I'm now determined to finish the job before it finishes me. I want that shop sorted out and running and I'm praying everything hasn't turned to rust in the meantime.

The one thing I'm determined to tackle is a lathe my grandchildren and my wife brought for me and this is where my problem arises, remember that? I can no longer stand at a lathe for longer than a few minutes so I'd like to be able to sit whilst using it. I saw a photo of a guy's lathe which was mounted on a table which tilted forward and locked in place. I have no idea how to build or design such a beast and wondered if anyone has seen something similar or knows where I may be able to find one. Unfortunately my finances aren't the best owing to the DVA waiting so long to grant me a Gold Card my wife and I had to sell up most of our assets to pay the bills whilst I wasn't working. Plus they only granted me an 80% pension which we are only just surviving on.

The thing is I have all that equipment going to waste and I desperately want to use it, (better than laying in bed and bored to tears) One final matter, one thing I don't have is a set of turning chisels, well I do have a really cheap and nasty set of Chinese chisels but they really are as soft as butter. I'd like to buy one of those Robert Sorby cutters with the changeable blades, I've been told I'd have more luck using it in a sitting position, exactly why I'm not sure. But it seems they're manufactured with a filling of 22 carat gold. OK I've heard they are good and I guess like all things "good" they're expensive. But if anyone has a used unit I could purchase I'd really appreciate it. I don't care if it's knocked around, I can always put a new blade in it.

Sorry for the rambling post, but it's been a long story. I'm just approaching 70 and I haven't been given a healthy report card by my doctor. I've just returned from Newcastle where I had a 13 x 8 cm lump removed which was only removed 11 weeks ago. As fast as they find them and cut them out they're coming back. Anyway that's more than enough. You get the picture I'm sure. My wife just told me to ask if there's anyone living in the Narrabri Shire area who can also sell me some timber? I have some for pens but wouldn't mind something for the inevitable attempts at goblets and bowls. I don't expect freebies, I'm willing to pay a fair price, being stuck in a small town a 400k round trip to Tamworth makes it bloody hard to get anything needed.

OK thanks guys, you're probably glad to have me shut up so all the best and happy woodworking. Stu :)Attachment 411578I actually found those photos, amazing.Attachment 411579

I can't help you with chisels but I admire your determination and spirit

G`day Stu,
If you don`t mind paying post ($20 for 5Kg bag) I can send some nice Sheoak your way to get you going.

Hi Stu?,
Sorry to hear of your situation. If you were closer I'd make a stand similar to the pics for you. What lathe and model is it?
Kryn

Contact Mobyturns who is in the process of helping to clear out a turner's shed.
If you are willing to pay a fair price, Moby might b able to set you up with a set of good chisels.


If this is your first taste of turning, please arrange some instruction.


Another contact worth cultivating will be Wheelinround

I too can't stand. I been finding the use of drafting chair is my best freind. Gets me up near the lathe. Wheels freely to get me away if in trouble but i am only sticking with small items for me from now on. So solved that issue now to work out how to make my lathe easier to change speed as spine can't lift the motor to change speed is next anymore is the next hiccup. i found to beat.

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Hi,

I may not be able to help you but just wanted to drop and say that your are very inspirational.
You never let your condition bring you down. Salute to you.