Best of all, if you have time, you should see if you have a local
turning club. For several years out club was a great place to learn
from each other about techniques and methods as well as hearing about
practical experience with certain tools.

A good club could really help you learn faster and better, and really
cut down on your frustration.

That is an entirely reasonable idea; it is certainly easier to give advice
when you can hold the problem in your hands and show a solution.
I may have to do it...