"tom koehler" wrote in
message net.net...
On Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:10:06 -0500, Vic Baron wrote
(in message ):

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



As lawrencE said, all the woods you listed are good. The cheaper stuff is
good for learning and practicing. You will notice that each kind of wood
will
have its own rules, too, regarding speeds, tool sharpness and technique.
I have been amazed at the amount of turning videos I have seen on youtube.
All you need is the right search terms, and you're good. One good turning
video will lead to another, as well.
tom koehler


You bet! I've been watching a bunch, including the one where the guy made a
bowl from a cut off log using a foot powered lathe. Great!

Interesting in watching techniques - some use the roughing gouge like a
scraper - point first, others angle it and use the edge to cut. Both seem to
work just fine. Saw one guy catch the point of his skew in the work - I
don't feel so bad now. Only did it once - scared the hell out of me but
didn't really hurt anything.

So many different tool shapes all doing the same things. Different
sharpening techniques - with a guide and freehand.
Using the point of the skew or using the heel. Different grinding angles,
etc. All informative and leading me to the conclusion that, after the
basics, it's really a matter of individual style.

Hope to try a simple end grain hollowing out this weekend.

Vic