Like I said, I may be going daffy. I’ve had people warn me about getting into turning. They’ve said you’ll be sorry. They’ve said you’ll get hooked. Well, we’ll see. I just ordered, two chucks, a drill chuck for my tailstock, a faceplate, a couple of books, and a DVD, and a set of turning tools. It will all be here tomorrow. I just have a small 10 inch Delta Midi lathe. However, I figure I can at least give turning a try with the lathe that I have and if I like it I’ll get a bigger lathe and some more equipment. What do you think about those apples? Do you people have any advice about what I’m getting myself into?
-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
aka Charles: What you are getting yourself into is a whole bunch of addiction to making a lotta “toothpicks”. Have fun! Just remember – new tools and a bigger lathe are part of it.
-- *Arachnoleptic*: The frantic dance performed just after you've accidently walked through a spider web.
Randy, that won’t be a problem for a while. I like to make boxes, and do a lot of carving. I like making small things. I really don’t have any interest in bowls. If I like it this lathe will work for me a while.
-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
Druid and Jay, what you’re basically saying is that I was already daffy in the first place because I’m a woodworker. You actually probably have the handle on it right there.
-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
well from what you have said, your on the road…your already hooked, and it will just get worse, i dont think i would call it daffy, but your certainly into the world of wood working madness…..after the tools and a larger lathe you start looking at all the trees trying to find burls or anything that would turn into a bowl or a vase or who knows, but if you get into turning like you do regular wood work, then you should be opening a gallery for your work in a year or 2…i expect big things from this charles..your the man…
Grizz, I haven’t been doing much in the shop for months. I’ve been a little low. However, I’m planning on changing all that. I’m officially retired now and have plenty of time. We’re moving to a house with a little acreage and I’m going to build me a stand alone shop where nobody has to come through my shop to get into the house. I’d love to build it 30×30 but I may have to settle for 25×25. Take care, Grizz.
-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
helluvawreck—If you have the current model Delta midi lathe (46-460) you are in good shape! I put an extension bed on mine so I can turn pieces up to 42” long. I do some bowls, but haven’t found the 12” limit to be a problem, and the 1hp motor delivers plenty of oomph for the stuff I do.
Happy turning!
—Gerry
-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"
It seems like mine is model LA200. Tailstock has a #2 morse taper and the the spindle has 1 inch x 8 threads per in inch. There’s several larger lathes that have that configuration so if I just wanted to bump the lathe up a little the tooling would still work. Take care and thanks, Gerry.
-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
Congratulations Charles. I think you will enjoy turning A lot. I know I do. I would suggest you carve some of your finished turned pieces to get double enjoyment and to make your turnings more unique and creative.
I learned a lot about turning by subscribing to the American Woodturners Association bi-monthly magazine. There are also lots of turning clubs almost everywhere where you could learn a lot of new and interesting things and also AWA symposiums around the country which look like fun.
I bought my son a midi-lathe with a 12” swing and I doubt he will ever need anything bigger, but that depends on what you want to turn. You can buy bed extensions for your midi to turn longer things like legs, etc. sRemember bigger turnings require bigger blanks. Personally I am pretty happy to stick with 12” max even though I can turn much larger pieces with the special tool rest extension that I have and the swivel headstock. Also I rarely turn anything long even though my lathe capacity is 36”. You will know after awhile if you need a larger lathe.
I appreciate that, Mike. I think that I will enjoy it and I like all kinds of woodwork so I don’t think I will go crazy about it. Mike, I just want you to know that I’ve been keeping my eye on some of the things that you are doing now and whether you know it or not you are becoming a fine craftsman so keep up the good work and thanks for the advice.
-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
Charles good choice, it is best to have everything at hand when your turning. It is great fun though and Very time using, You think you have been at it for an hour only to discover that 4 hours has passed. Have great fun Jamie
-- Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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