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Vernier calipers, but maybe that's because I'm a bit obsessive about measurements. Otherwise centre finder for all those odd shaped pieces of timber.

Thanks , I'm relieved that it's not a major concern. The original wood was 100x100 mm. Not sure what it is now, but it's not too thin yet (it is pine). I will check all the things you suggested,...

There's a lot of good information on the net, try googling sharpening videos. Failing that, there's a Mike Darlow DVD which comes with templates to set your tool rest to the right angle. High speed...

Thanks for your suggestions. I've been woodturning for a long time, so I understand the principles of finding the centres and spindle turning, although it's not a bad suggestion, as I offer turn...

ok, I'll try that. I did try another piece from the same length but try from something else. Thanks Jock.

If you don't mind the travel, Mike Darlow is in Exeter, long drive but great teacher. You could bring your chucks to show him. He teaches on a vicmark lathe. I've also found heaps of tutorial videos...

just be careful of this technique, I've had camphor laurel burn inside the wood, which I couldn't see until I started turning. I imagine it could've started a fire if I'd left it in the shed instead...

I would be careful of offers of advice to teach you at the Bowral club - I found everyone helpful, but people tried to teach me different techniques which other people said were plain wrong. I was...

What are you doing wasting such beautiful wood on practice?? Go to your local hardware store and ask for some dunnage to practice on.

According to Mike Darlow, once you master spindle turning, the...

Thanks, that at least eliminates one possibility :)

I have a Carba-tec lathe, bought October last year, which has been great up until today. I have some dunnage, cut into 30 cm lengths, I put a piece into the lathe and roughed it at a reasonable slow...