Vic Baron wrote:
Spent quite a bit of time making shavings and have a few observations.

I really need to build a custom stand for my little lathe. I put it on one
of those commercial tool stands and after a day of turning, figured out why
my back is killing me. Thing is way too high. The spindle height is about 6"
above my elbow.

Brand new tools need to be sharpened.

Bought a Barracuda chuck which seems to be a big help. Although I had
something happen that confused me. I chucked in a piece of maple 1 1/2 x 1
1/2 x6. Roughed it round. Played around with some shapes and had something
that looked like an egg cup so I parted off the end and tried some end grain
hollowing. Went ok for a bit but had the tool catch and then the wood moved
just a tad in the jaws. I couldn't seem to rechuck it where it was on the
original axis.

Trying to decide if I chucked it wrong or just didn't tighten the jaws
enough. I'm guessing the latter.

Also, I had a problem trying to get rid of the little "pip" in the center of
the hollowed out area. I'm guessing a drilled hole down the center would
make it easier. Also seems that it would be easier to use a Forstner bit to
drill out most of the wood and use the chisels for clean up

Found that if the tool rest is too far from the work, I got a lot of
chatter.

I am right handed - found that I am most comfortable with left and on tool
and right on handle. I found it uncomfortable when I switched that. How d
most of you turn - left handed, right handed or ambi?

God learning experiences - have ordered some of the books and DVD's
recommended.

Having fun and that's what it's al about!

Vic

What kind of jaws do you have on the chuck? One way to align a
spindle is a tailstock live center with a cone attachment. The cone
can be reversed to fit inside a hollowed turning to stabilize it.
This is a picture of one, but you may be able to find it cheaper than
this.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...30,49238,43190


--
Gerald Ross

What's a nice girl like you doing in a
dirty mind like mine?