Turners

[tonylumps]

I too am a turner but stick with small items such as pens, birdhouse ornaments, and clocks. It is all that I want and need to do. I have 2 jet lathes 1014 an 1220 both VS. Fine tools. Yes the lathe is the cheapest part of that hobby because buying all the tools, grinders for sharpening and pen kits it does get costly but it is a hobby and keeps the mind active. I was away from my shop for close to 3 years due to health issues and family issues and just recently got back and I really missed doing what I do. Good to be able to create things again.  

I understand what you are saying I am having health issues now .I don't know what I would do if i didn't have my shop.i just spent 1000.00 and finished my first pen.I practiced making making skinny wood out of fat wood for awhile.Talk about chips flying .And of course getting a wake up call with Catches.

[Rockytime]

I have a 10" Woodtek midi lathe. Having been a hobby machinist for years I sold my large machinery. At 78 I no longer had the energy and patience to do larger and long term projects. Along came pen turning a nice inexpensive hobby with quick satisfaction. NOT! The lathe is only the beginning. Gouges, chucks, centers, mandrels and the list goes on and on. Also pen kits are expensive along with blanks, adhesives, polishes, buffing and sharpening items. I have to turn sitting down so a midi lathe is good for me. Soooooo, I'm attempting to do some scrolling which is infinitely cheaper to get started in. I still like to turn small items and scrolling is just another thing to keep and my mind occupied.

[Terry]

Two years ago for my birthday, my wife surprised me by enrolling me in a 5 day class at Marc Adams School of Woodworking. The class was a beginners class taught by Alan Lacer. I was wanting to learn about woodturning but had zero experience, zero tools and no lathe. There was a minimum tool list that we were to bring or we could borrow the schools tools. So...I went to the class and was hooked. When I returned home I watched Craigslist and contacted two different sellers. Each time I was about an hour to late. So...I ended up ordering a Oneway 12/24 and got the additional extension making it a 12/48. This was the same lathe used at the school and I though that if the lathe could hold up to repeated classes year after year, it would probably serve me well. Since that original visit to the school, I've gone back two more times and intend to go next year. I've had the lathe for about 3 years now and am very satisfied with it.

 

I knew that there would probably be a steep learning curve and that is the main reason why I attend the school. Why not learn from people who know what they are doing, been through all of the beginners mistakes, able to teach the proper methods and show you how to do something safely.

 

I agree that buying the lathe was the cheaper part of the hobby because the tools, chucks and various accessories can really add up. But what a fun hobby. I've made my share of mistakes, had catches with the tools that ended throwing what I was making across the room, telling myself that just one more light pass across the bottom will finish the bowl off nicely only to cut through the bottom entirely. Other experienced turners talk about making expensive firewood and I've done my share.

 

Don't get discouraged. If you have a catch remember what caused it and try to avoid it. If you ruin something you're making, put it on a shelf as a reminder of what not to do. There is a learning curve to turning so keep after it. Talk to other turners, find a turning club, read books, attend classes. There are a multitude of things an aspiring turner can do to improve skills and technique. Just don't give up.

 

Terry

Edited September 4, 2016 by Terry

[SCROLLSAW703]

i'm a self taught turner, as I am a self taught wood worker. I just took up the lathe a couple years ago. I own two.  A HF 12" x 33 5/8" w/ a reversible head. And a 67" lathe I bought a few years ago that is put together completely with square headed bolts. Its a hand built machine by a farmer, but, I've made some modifications to it, along w/a 3 hp motor, & works great! The swing on it isn't all that big. About 8" at the very most. 

 

 

I've just kept workin at it, making different projects, chair legs & rungs, spindle work. My idea with the lathe is to incorporate it  into some of my of scroll work. Create different projects. And maybe some platters & dinner plates. This woodworkin started when I my health was in the toilet, & I'm havin health issues agiain. My back has decided to act up, & my surgeon says surgery. He just ain't set a date yet. So, I'll keep srollin' & learnin' the lathe til he puts me in the hospital for surgery.:( The one sure thing I've found with woodworking, is the brotherhood & friendship that goes with it. If you get yourself in a tight, someone always has the experience & patience to help you out of that tight. I've learned more from reading, & spending time on these different forums that I frequent, than I could anyplace else. I sincerely appreciate the help, gentlemen,

[Bubbala]

 

The last time i used my old delta lathe.a few weeks ago. Just got some carbide cutters from easy tools. The starter set.Used them and some homemade ones for this. When it was done i made some bigger holders and handles for them. Designer saw it in a magazine. It ended up with a wire brushed blue top. I don't have a pic of that yet.

[SCROLLSAW703]

looks good, bubba! Work I'd be proud of were I you! Turning has been a long time interest of mine, but 23 years scrolling, & learning other wood working has been a  step at a time. I get wrapped up in some of my scroll saw projects, & the time that's involved with those, I don't get time to turn like I'd like to. I've just taken it up in the last couple years, & added it to our wood shop. I don't have many tools yet, but am learning. I do alot of research & reading. Keep up the good work, brother!

[tonylumps]

Lin's table.jpg

 

The last time i used my old delta lathe.a few weeks ago. Just got some carbide cutters from easy tools. The starter set.Used them and some homemade ones for this. When it was done i made some bigger holders and handles for them. Designer saw it in a magazine. It ended up with a wire brushed blue top. I don't have a pic of that yet.

Legs really came out nice.I am not that far advanced. I am still learning.But I have no problems doing pens so far.

[tonylumps]

I think I need to see somebody about my Pen addiction

[Rolf]

Congratulations Tony! We are looking forward to pictures of your projects and a review of the lathe. 

[Rolf]

Congratulations Tony! We are looking forward to pictures of your projects and a review of the lathe. 

[meflick]

Beautiful pens Tony.  Will keep family and friends or customers well stocked!  Nice work as well Bubbala.

Edited September 13, 2016 by meflick

[tonylumps]

I really can't compare it to any other.But it is quiet.no vibration.Wait it is not a scroll saw.But it seems to work ok.Pretty hefty I bought the Extension for it,Don't know why.Maybe I should have bought the VS. But doing Pens I only have to move the belt once.And that is up top, pretty easy to do.I am still in training

Edited September 13, 2016 by tonylumps