As you practice, you will lessen your grip without thinking about it.
It will just start to come naturally. Try to borrow a video on the
skew chisel as once you have mastered this, you will not worry so much
about the other tools.

As regards your posture, try to get your elbow at the same level as
the centre height of your workpiece. That works for me anyway and I
have existing neck and back problems. Also don't go too long without
having a break, even for a cuppa. (normally tea in this country but
no doubt coffee over there).

You will soon find that you don't want to be away from the lathe.

Regards and good luck

Paul



On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 16:58:17 GMT, "Leo Lichtman"
wrote:


"Darrell Feltmate" wrote: about that
super hard grip; Do not do that(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That's easy for YOU to say, but remember--when someone is gripping the tools
(or the steering wheel of a car) with great force, it is because of
uncertainty and fear. Just telling them to lighten up is like telling a
trapeeze student not to be tense.

I have seen instructional videos in which the turner holds the gouge lightly
in two fingers, or even rests it against his waist, with no hands. To do
this, you MUST have the tool properly oriented, both with respect to the
wood and the tool rest. I recommend viewing several videos, and, if
possible, getting some instruction.

As soon as possible. Once you form a bunch of bad habits, it will be all
the harder to get it right. And by then you may also have back trouble. We
don't want anything to interfere with your blossoming woodturning career.