Hi -

First post - going to be fun setting up the kill filter!

Been a wrecker for years and am just getting back into turning. MANY years
ago I had an old Shopsmith which I used as a lathe to make legs and spindles
for various projects. So turning isn't completely foreign but I have a lot
to learn. Bought an inexpensive mini lathe from Rockler and a few tools that
I didn't have from my old turning adventures.

I plan on making cups, boxes, knobs - maybe eventually I'll try a bowl. Not
much interested in pens.

Bought a few books but frankly they weren't too good - more into listing the
parts of the lathe and the names of the tools and basically what they are
used for.

The questions I have are many but a few for starters -

Where can I find out what kind of wood is good for turning? I have oak,
walnut, maple, mahogany and some expensive unusual woods. I guess what
puzzles me is should I use soft woods, hard woods, close grain or open grain
and what are the benefits and pitfalls of same.

Another - is there a guide for size of turning vs speed?

unfortunately I do not have the time to go to a turner's class so I have to
rely on reading, you tube, Usenet and practice.

What books/dvd's would you suggest for a slightly experienced beginner?

Thanx,

Vic

--
There are 10 kinds of people - those who understand binary and those who
don't