In message
Darrell Feltmate wrote:

Kevin
about that super hard grip; Do not do that. Good posture is necessary in
this game as is a light touch and grip. If the tool is presented
properly to the wood, all that is needed is generally a soft guide.
sometimes I forget and let go of the tool next to the tool rest. No
problem. Also, make sure the lathe itself is a comfortable height so you
can stand without stooping to turn.

I would suggest elbow as being the minimum. I remember a demonstrator
who specialised in restoring old lathes showing a picture of a Victorian
factory with the lathes at nearly head height. I think they could be
right, I've got back problems too.

Another point not so far made is spectacles. I have to use reading
glasses but I find a slightly weaker prescription better for turning as
I can stand further back and not so hunched over the lathe. The same
applies to using the computer and I use full field glasses, not
bifocals to avoid the pain in the back of the neck. My weaker glasses
are my old pair so nothing is waisted.

Incidentally, I have yet to find a face mask that fits properly with
glasses, any ideas, better make a new thread for that one.

Dave Lawson
Redditch UK