On Tue, 3 May 2005 4:06:23 -0700, George wrote
(in message ):


"Derek Andrews" wrote in message
...
Bruce Barnett wrote:
So are you advocating less than optimum, or an infinite number of jaws?

Well, perhaps they should have a set called "2 1/2".....


I would certainly like to see a 1.5" set for my Nova.

In my experience it is the smaller sizes that cause more conflicts. If
you expand the one inch jaws to their maximum size, they will hold diddly.


Okay, the question that immediately came to mind with the opening of this
thread, and NOT directed against anyone in particular, just using yours
because it's available.

http://au.store.yahoo.com/cws-store/longnosejawset.html

Why must there be overlap, or forty sizes? Can't we, as turners, chose the
size of our recesses or tenons within the capability of the equipment we
own? If I want to, I can hold a 12" bowl - done it a few times - with a 25
recess - not at maximum size, but at maximum hold dimension - but after the
first couple, it became apparent that it looked a bit tippy and dumb, so I
left some more wood around recesses on the others. Once I got to a design
that wanted 2 1/2 for a base, I used the 50. If I were fond of flipping and
re-cutting, I could make any size I wanted second time around.

Why "they oughtta" instead of "I can?"



George,

on the one hand i respect and appreciate the creative, problem solving,
can-do attitude that you are promoting.

on the other hand (and please correct me if i am wrong about the intent of
your words) i get a bad taste in my mouth from the dogmatic, missionary, tone
in some of your comments. its like you are trying to win converts to your way
of working. as if your way is the one true way and everyone else is turning
in sin.

i would never fault you for discussing ways of working around the limitations
of your equipment. please tell me why the limitations, design flaws, etc. of
my equipment are not a valid topic of discussion. imagine if people had never
discussed ways of making lathes and turning tools better. your lathe would be
made of wood instead of cast iron, you would not have electronic variable
speed, you would not have a four jaw scroll chuck that was made for
woodturning, etc. etc.

we don't need the thought police telling us to just shut up and make do with
things the way they are. lets keep the dialogue open and free because that is
what has allowed the evolution of the modern tools we now enjoy. may they
continue to evolve and improve.