You can locate a group near you where you can attend meetings and pickup a
LOT of tips and tricks and quite possibly an old lathe that someone wants to
sell because they are upgrading.

"Reyd Dorakeen" wrote in message
...
I was thinking about building one in the meantime, it would be pretty
crude,
just using a sawhorse bolted down as the base, a 1 speed motor, maybe
running through a bike's chain gear system for speed adjustments and no
sliding toolrest, just an |-| shaped piece of wood for a rest., and each
bowl would be bolted on, but it would be interesting. we have a few
decent
motors around, 1/2horse old electric(lots of push, less speed) another 1/2
horse running the grinding wheels(very small wheels, the motor is almost
dead) and then a quite large motor in an industrial fan thing sitting in
the basement. I think ive made most of the mistakes im going to, and my
teacher explained why a lot of them happened.(ill just do them over and
over
now)


Hi Reyd,
If you are young and strong and have some hand tools and most any sort
of junk parts, consider making and starting out with a simple pole
lathe. They are cheap, yet can be very rewarding, IMHO.

A pole lathe is always a conversation starter among turners. It gives
you instant recognition. It teaches you a bit of the craft's history and
gives you a feel for the tribulations of those who came before you. It
safely teaches you the fundamentals of every spindle cut with slow
enough speeds for you to see the reason for your mistakes. The 'old
thing' becomes a treasured keepsake after you become an expert turner.
No expensive wood is needed (or even desirable), just some free and
easily turned green limbs. An imperfect turning is the norm and is
expected. Cheap or homemade edge tools with ugly handles are in good
taste and are just right for the job. No electricity is needed, and your
aching legs will force you to learn to sharpen well.

There are lots of opportunities for your own innovativations and your
personal designs. I have seen some beautiful pole lathes......and some
ugly ones. Both kinds worked and were prized by their owners. Mike
Abbott's "Green Woodworking" plus several websites would get you
started, or at least be an interesting read as you take up the craft.
Al best, Arch

Fortiter,