Ed Peddycoart wrote:
(Yes, this is Yet Another Newbie Question On How To Get Started....)
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I want to get started doing some turning. I don't know anyone that=20
turns so I am looking here for some virtual hand holding as I get=20
started. I just want to give it a try for now and see how I like it (I=
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am pretty sure I will) I don't know where I want to go with it...it is=
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just something I have wanted to try for over 20 years and decided there=
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is no time like the present....
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Lathe - What to buy? Small mini lathe? Something like people use to=20
turn pens? Can you buy something reasonable for $300?
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Tools - Which ones (gouge, parting tool etc.) to buy first? From what =
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understand the good stuff ain't cheap. I'd rather buy fewer good tools=
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now than have to replace them later on.
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Sharpening system - Will a manual whet stone get it done, or am I going=
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to buy something like the tormek type of sharpening system.
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Wood - What is good for beginners? I would imagine I am not going to=20
want to practice on some rare, exotic, cocarosamahogabinga thing.... Is=
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poplar a good beginner woods?
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Safety - I would assume this is an issue. I probably need to address a=
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breathing mask or something.... Also is there a way to reduce the=20
dust/particulates/etc in the air on the whole? My son has bad allergie=
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and I know he will want to watch so I will need to filter the area as=20
much as possible.
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Books - Is there a "Turning for Dummies" type of book?
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Internet - Any good beginner sites? Equipment reviews?
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Thanks,
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Ed
Ed:
Have a look at my web site.
In Canada you can get the following lathes at close to $300
http://www.kingcanada.com/Products.htm?CD=3D29
I have the mini lathe -- very similar to Jet and General and cheaper.=20
$300 CDN gets you a lathe, face plate live tail centre and tools. I=20
added the extension....
Despite warnings that things may not be mechanically "true" it has=20
proved to be fine.
Also try busy Bee tools in Canada...
http://busybeetools.com/
MASK is _essential_. DAMHIKT
I recommend an N95 dust mask as well. Get the type of masks with an=20
exhaust port... They are cooler and don't fog glasses and masks.
I am using the Carbon Steel tools that came with my lathe -- nice edge=20
-- doesn't hold well. A good HSS set is at least $200 -- local Canadian=20
Tire has a set -- nice but next year. :-)
For sharpening -- I have a grinder next to the lathe. $60 CDN I do not=20
bother with honing. Not worth the time -- at least with carbon steel tool=
s.
Check my links page for a few turning links. Visit the Darrel Feltmate=20
web site-- listen to george's advice (even when he's cranky :-) ).
Learn about LDD if you turn bowls from green wood.
Visit Lee Valley and admire the "real" turning tools. :-)
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/index....&cat=3D1%2c330
Turn some basswood and pine spindles. When they fly off the lathe and=20
belt you they don't hurt as much as the heavier woods.
Turning Books
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...&cat=3D1,46096
Darlow book -- technical and useful
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...3D1,46096,461=
26&ap=3D1
Irons Book
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/item.a...atalog=3DBook=
s&Ntt=3Dturning+two&N=3D35&Lang=3Den&Section=3Dboo ks&zxac=3D1
Woodturning: Two Books in One
Author: Phil Irons
Very useful books for newbies.
Respect the skew but fear it not!
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Will R.
Jewel Boxes and Wood Art
http://woodwork.pmccl.com
The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those=20
who have not got it.=94 George Bernard Shaw