DIYbanter - View Single Post

Bill[_42_]

On 10/6/2011 10:54 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 5 Oct 2011 11:10:06 -0700, "Vic
wrote:

There are several lathe speed charts for different diameter pieces,
but I think they're sort of dangerous as they assume each piece is
round, balanced and solid..

My general rule is to turn each piece at as high a speed that you feel
safe and the lathe is steady..
I feel that I get a much smoother cut at higher speeds and with less
pressure..

Things that limit speed are unbalanced pieces, cracks in the wood,
knots that might be loose, loose bark/dirt, etc..

Common sense will keep you safe, just as it does with your flat work..

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

an addendum if you please - as I was learning, there came a time when I
was "too bold" and spun pieces too fast - probably not an issue with a
one or two inch diameter item, but with an 8 or 12 or 24 inch diameter
item, it makes a huge difference, it's easy to go too fast and you can
explode the work due to centrifugal stress