Turning Learning

there are some really good lathe basics videos by jet
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JETTOOLSUSA&view=videos

this is also a good website for some project ideas
http://www.woodturningonline.com/Turning/Turning_projects.html

go to your local library and have alook around theres usually lots of good books there

-- BRODY. NSW AUSTRALIA -arguments with turnings are rarely productive-

I’m new to turning as well, and I find that the most fun is discovering things on my own. I have done some research, but nothing beats actually doing it. A good book I have found is “The complete illustrated guide to turning.” It has some good projects and shows you how to make a number of different cuts.

find a rockler or woodcraft in your area and find out if they have class,plus its a good way to meet other turners. have fun and be safe.

-- Roper - Master of sawdust-

I think Charles Neil just came out with a vidio about turning either on his web site or you tube

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

see if there’s a woodturning club in your area. They usually meet once a month, it might be when your schedule allows. I can’t always go to these because of my schedule. The club meets where I do the majority of my shopping so there’s usually someone around. Also the new manager was the one who did all the sharpening demos and he was a great help. Learn how to sharpen your tools, start with projects you’re interested in. I started with small projects, just got my mini lathe last year. I’ve been away from the lathe for a few months now hoping that it will be like bicycle riding when I go back to it…try this link

” http://aroundthewoods.com“

-- Elaine, Conover, NC

Jim, Marc Spagnolo posted a review of this DVD yesterday, if you did not see it. This looks like a pretty good tutorial for furniture makers. And if you leave a comment on The WoodWhisperer about it you will be entered into a random drawing for the DVD.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Thanks everyone for your input. Jim I’ll check it our…hadn’t seen Charles doing a turning video, must have missed that e-mail.

Scott, thanks for the heads up, guess I’ve been bad about keeping up with my usual web sites, which Marc’s is one I most frequent.

Brody & Elaine, Great sites, and I’m going to check to see if woodcraft has any classes scheduled when I get back from my next business trip…that’s one reason the DVDs might work better…loll

Thanks

-- Jim Hallada, Chesterfield, VA

Heck Jim come on over I’ll spend a weekend learning ya ever thang I know about turning!

-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)

i like those little videos on youtube that jet put out. also Charles Neil just put out some new turning dvds but they are furniture turning dvds and not bowl and craft turning dvds. i would really recommend them. i dont have them but i am sure that like all of Charles’s other videos they are great quality

There is so many good turning information out there….it would be hard to tie down to only a few.

It also depends on what items you would like to turn. You also need to determine the capacity of your lathe. Most mini lathes will not turn anything bigger then 10-12 inches in diameter. That means bowls, plates, etc must be kept within that range.

There are millions of videos and items on turning pens….but unless you have an unquenchable thirst for stocking up on pen sets….you might find that too limiting. You can make spindles for furniture…decorative columns and stands….I turned out a mighty fine coat rack from my jet…..and you can try turning out walking sticks, bats….handles…..the list is quite long…...make sure you get quality cutters and shappers….and keep them sharp…..a good solid apron is needed to keep all the chips off you….and a good respirator/dust mask is esential as lathes kick off a ton of dust and chips…and you should wear a faceshield instead of just goggles as the waste is being thrown at you with a bit of velocity.

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!

Les, it’s good I’m so far away or I’d be knockin on your door first thing in the morning…couldn’t do better than learning from a true master :>) I will be flying over your head this week on the way to CA maybe I’ll parachute in for a while…LOL

teenagewoodworker: True enough, I need to find some time to search thru Youtube and see what is there, and Jim also mentioned about Charles having a new turning DVD I’ll check it out.

reggiek, I’m not real sure where I want to go, not too interested in the furniture parts, but I would really like to try bowls, I think that is very cool. There are other crafty things I’ve seen I also want to try. And yes, I went down and bought a face shield today, have the rest and always were hearing, dust, and eye protection. Thanks for the tips.

-- Jim Hallada, Chesterfield, VA

I’ll get some red paint and mark the top of my shop for ya!

-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)

For free – here’s something I found useful when I started with my lathe.

Go to Project Gutenberg and search for a book called A Course In Wood Turning by Archie S. Milton and Otto K. Wohlers. It was written in 1919 but, you know what, the basics haven’t changed a bit!

-- "Find out what you cannot do and then go do it!"