In article ,
Hall Family wrote:

Also I'd like to know the best way to cut blanks from stock. I have a
scroll saw, a band saw ( with tons of blades ), a compound miter saw,
table saw (still in storage ) and a floor model drill press (yes, I know
I can't cut with that )
I'm thinking right now of primarily making pens and other small
turnings, like flashlights, magnifiying glasses, letter openers, but
since I'm a brand new woodworker I could easily wind up making something
totally different.

All of them ('cept maybe the scroll saw) but band saw wins, hands down,
as most frequently used and most versatile. Just be careful about round
stock rolling into or out of the blade - in other words, "chock" it so
it doesn't roll.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Tips fer Turnin': Place a sign, easily seen as you switch on your lathe, warning you to remove any and all rings from your fingers. Called degloving, extended hardware can grab your ring and rip it off your finger. A pic for the strong of stomach: www.itim.nsw.gov.au/go/objectid/2A3AC703-1321-1C29-70B067DC88E16BFC/index.cfm

Besides, rings can easily mar the surface of a turning as you check for finished smoothness.