Hello,

I am a full time woodworker but brand new to woodturning. I am planning
on purchasing a jet mini lathe and I am about to buy my first set of
tools. I was looking at the Henry Taylor mini tools as a possibility.
After doing some reading on the forum to get some recommendations I
noticed that just about everyone seems to recommend going with full
sized tools over midi / mini tools. I am wondering if that is always
the case even if you are only looking to turn small scale objects - no
bowls full sized spindles, etc? I am buying the lathe to do some
production runs of a very specific small scale item for my business -
spindles less 3/8" diameter tapering to 1/16" between 4-7" long with
beads coves etc. These will be crochet hooks and needlework tools. My
question is given what I will be turning would you still advise buying
full sized tools?

Thanks,
Emily

Emily, The tools you purchase are yours and should best suit your
needs. I can't imagine the type of turning you propose with a 1-1/2"
gouge simply because someone else uses one. Buy what you want. The
Taylor minis should work fine. The prejudice in favor of full size
tools exists as a hedge against unseen future needs. Just be sure to
use a steady rest and don't purchase tools with short handes. Jim


Emily P wrote:
Hello,

I am a full time woodworker but brand new to woodturning. I am planning
on purchasing a jet mini lathe and I am about to buy my first set of
tools. I was looking at the Henry Taylor mini tools as a possibility.
After doing some reading on the forum to get some recommendations I
noticed that just about everyone seems to recommend going with full
sized tools over midi / mini tools. I am wondering if that is always
the case even if you are only looking to turn small scale objects - no
bowls full sized spindles, etc? I am buying the lathe to do some
production runs of a very specific small scale item for my business -
spindles less 3/8" diameter tapering to 1/16" between 4-7" long with
beads coves etc. These will be crochet hooks and needlework tools. My
question is given what I will be turning would you still advise buying
full sized tools?

Thanks,
Emily

Spindel gouges need short handles to clear your body.


wrote in message
oups.com...
Emily, The tools you purchase are yours and should best suit your
needs. I can't imagine the type of turning you propose with a 1-1/2"
gouge simply because someone else uses one. Buy what you want. The
Taylor minis should work fine. The prejudice in favor of full size
tools exists as a hedge against unseen future needs. Just be sure to
use a steady rest and don't purchase tools with short handes. Jim


Emily P wrote:
Hello,

I am a full time woodworker but brand new to woodturning. I am planning
on purchasing a jet mini lathe and I am about to buy my first set of
tools. I was looking at the Henry Taylor mini tools as a possibility.
After doing some reading on the forum to get some recommendations I
noticed that just about everyone seems to recommend going with full
sized tools over midi / mini tools. I am wondering if that is always
the case even if you are only looking to turn small scale objects - no
bowls full sized spindles, etc? I am buying the lathe to do some
production runs of a very specific small scale item for my business -
spindles less 3/8" diameter tapering to 1/16" between 4-7" long with
beads coves etc. These will be crochet hooks and needlework tools. My
question is given what I will be turning would you still advise buying
full sized tools?

Thanks,
Emily

"Emily P" wrote in news:1157388183.179165.193450
@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:

Hello,

I am a full time woodworker but brand new to woodturning. I am planning
on purchasing a jet mini lathe and I am about to buy my first set of
tools. I was looking at the Henry Taylor mini tools as a possibility.
After doing some reading on the forum to get some recommendations I
noticed that just about everyone seems to recommend going with full
sized tools over midi / mini tools. I am wondering if that is always
the case even if you are only looking to turn small scale objects - no
bowls full sized spindles, etc? I am buying the lathe to do some
production runs of a very specific small scale item for my business -
spindles less 3/8" diameter tapering to 1/16" between 4-7" long with
beads coves etc. These will be crochet hooks and needlework tools. My
question is given what I will be turning would you still advise buying
full sized tools?

Thanks,
Emily


I have both sizes because that's what I need. I started with the
mini/midi set and still use them for pens, tops and other ornaments. My
advice is to use what fits your work and what you are comfortable with.
Given your small projects I would guess the small set would work just
fine.

Karl

I find that small tools are handy for small work. Big ones will still fit
but can be pretty awkward. If you get the small set it sounds like they will
do for now and you can get a larger one later if you need it. The small ones
will still be good.
______
God bless and safe turning
Darrell Feltmate
Truro, NS, Canada
www.aroundthewoods.com
"Karl B" wrote in message
7.136...
"Emily P" wrote in news:1157388183.179165.193450
@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:

Hello,

I am a full time woodworker but brand new to woodturning. I am planning
on purchasing a jet mini lathe and I am about to buy my first set of
tools. I was looking at the Henry Taylor mini tools as a possibility.
After doing some reading on the forum to get some recommendations I
noticed that just about everyone seems to recommend going with full
sized tools over midi / mini tools. I am wondering if that is always
the case even if you are only looking to turn small scale objects - no
bowls full sized spindles, etc? I am buying the lathe to do some
production runs of a very specific small scale item for my business -
spindles less 3/8" diameter tapering to 1/16" between 4-7" long with
beads coves etc. These will be crochet hooks and needlework tools. My
question is given what I will be turning would you still advise buying
full sized tools?

Thanks,
Emily


I have both sizes because that's what I need. I started with the
mini/midi set and still use them for pens, tops and other ornaments. My
advice is to use what fits your work and what you are comfortable with.
Given your small projects I would guess the small set would work just
fine.

Karl

On 4 Sep 2006 09:43:03 -0700, "Emily P" wrote:

Hello,

I am a full time woodworker but brand new to woodturning. I am planning
on purchasing a jet mini lathe and I am about to buy my first set of
tools. I was looking at the Henry Taylor mini tools as a possibility.
After doing some reading on the forum to get some recommendations I
noticed that just about everyone seems to recommend going with full
sized tools over midi / mini tools. I am wondering if that is always
the case even if you are only looking to turn small scale objects - no
bowls full sized spindles, etc? I am buying the lathe to do some
production runs of a very specific small scale item for my business -
spindles less 3/8" diameter tapering to 1/16" between 4-7" long with
beads coves etc. These will be crochet hooks and needlework tools. My
question is given what I will be turning would you still advise buying
full sized tools?

Thanks,
Emily

Emily... For your purposes, and assuming that you're new to the lathe but not to
tools, you might start with what most companies call their "pen set"..

Something like this:

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/lcpm3.html

It covers the basics and includes an oval skew, which I think is easier to use
than a flat sides/square cornered skew..

Do some practice spindles and have fun making shavings... as you make a few of
your hooks, you'll know if you need other tools and can add then individually or
in sets... (things like beading tools are cheaper in sets unless you only want
one size)


Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

Although I have a set of Sorby mini-tools, I'm not much of a fan of
mini-tools. You can do some mighty delicate work with standard-size tools,
for instance a 1/4" spindle gouge and a 1/2" skew. Plus, standard-sized
tools are easier to control and sharpen. It's really going to be a bit of
trial and error until you figure out what works better for you and what you
are turning.

Barry


"Emily P" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hello,

I am a full time woodworker but brand new to woodturning. I am planning
on purchasing a jet mini lathe and I am about to buy my first set of
tools. I was looking at the Henry Taylor mini tools as a possibility.
After doing some reading on the forum to get some recommendations I
noticed that just about everyone seems to recommend going with full
sized tools over midi / mini tools. I am wondering if that is always
the case even if you are only looking to turn small scale objects - no
bowls full sized spindles, etc? I am buying the lathe to do some
production runs of a very specific small scale item for my business -
spindles less 3/8" diameter tapering to 1/16" between 4-7" long with
beads coves etc. These will be crochet hooks and needlework tools. My
question is given what I will be turning would you still advise buying
full sized tools?

Thanks,
Emily

Thanks for your help! I'll check out the pen turners set.

When I bought the Jet mini they threw in a Nova midi chuck for $20.00.
Can I do the small spindles with this set up or will I need to pick up
additional chuck accessories or centers to get started?

After checking out a number of different woodturning catalogues and
online stores, I have to say that the variety or chucks, jaws centers,
spurs etc is a bit overwhelming. As a newbie turner it's hard to know
what all the different ones are for and which are applicable in this
situation.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Emily,
One of the best ways to determine what tools you need is to use what
tools you have. If you have none, you could safely use cut nails ground
as you like for practice on your tiny blanks. With your experience it
might be fun to grind small scrapers, skews, hooks and parting tools and
stick them into dowel handles.

Harbor Freight had a hss mini tool set (spindle gouge, flat skew and
thin parting tool) for about $13. I bought a set because the tools were
cheap yet attractive with nice 'Sorby type" handles and brass bottom
escutcheons. I found them to be surprisingly useful.

I agree with Jim about your need for some sort of steady; fingers,
string or whatever. Using you chuck will depend on the size jaws you
have. Also keep the tailstock pressure at a minimum and drive the blank
compressed in a chuck not with an open center. You could just drive the
blank held in the spindle's Morse taper.

A good contest for rcw would be to guess the date that those crochet
hooks turn into bowls and platters. Your Jet will wait, but not for
long. It seems that the only people who start out turning small
pieces only and continue are pen turners. Good luck & keep us informed.

ps. Years ago, I was taught how to knit & purl by ob nurses at midnight
while I waited ...and waited.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings

"Emily P" writes:

Thanks for your help! I'll check out the pen turners set.

When I bought the Jet mini they threw in a Nova midi chuck for $20.00.
Can I do the small spindles with this set up or will I need to pick up
additional chuck accessories or centers to get started?

For small spindles, all you need is the standard centers that come
with a lathe. Use the spur center (with the X-type edges) to grip one
end, and the live tail center on the other.

You will have some waste on the left side because you don't want to
get your tools too near the spur center. Metal hitting metal makes me
wince.


They do have smaller spur centers (with a smaller X) and even a small
Steb Center ($$$).

See
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=3841

for a small spur center - $25.

But I think the advantage is being able to cut closer to the end
safely without as much waste wood.

You could use your chuck to hold one end, and use your tail center
for the other. It seems like overkill, but you can do that.

Long thin spindles may need support. But with the mini-lathe - I'm not
sure you will need a spindle rest.

There are other choices, like the Beall collet system, but that is
very expensive, and you need dowels or round wood before you put it in
the collet. It's usually used when you need to work without a life
tail center.

--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.

Emily P wrote:
Thanks for your help! I'll check out the pen turners set.

When I bought the Jet mini they threw in a Nova midi chuck for $20.00.
Can I do the small spindles with this set up or will I need to pick up
additional chuck accessories or centers to get started?

After checking out a number of different woodturning catalogues and
online stores, I have to say that the variety or chucks, jaws centers,
spurs etc is a bit overwhelming. As a newbie turner it's hard to know
what all the different ones are for and which are applicable in this
situation.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!


For materials up to 1/2 inch diameter you can hold in a regular drill
type chuck which is available from most woodturning sites with a #2
Morse taper which fits into the spindle of your lathe. For items 1/2 to
about 1 1/4 a set of pin jaws for your chuck come in handy. The least
expensive place I have found for chuck jaws and chucks is KMS Tools.
Chucks are handy if you need to finish one end of the piece on the
lathe. The jaws that came with your chuck are probably bowl jaws
suitable for larger items.

When you install a set of jaws on a chuck, they are usually numbered 1-4
stamped somewhere on the jaw and should be installed on the movable part
of the chuck with the corresponding number.

--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA

A penny saved is a penny.





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Hi again, Emily, Bruce and I gave you conflicting and confusing advice
re spur centers for driving very tiny spindles. We aren't really that
far apart. I fully agree that a spur will work and may be all you need.

I had assumed that your spindles are end grain. I don't know why or if
its even true, but I find (believe?) that somehow compressing the driven
end of a tiny end grain spindle blank makes the turning go easier.
(ain't I scientific?) Same with little or no tailstock pressure. Some
turners even pull on the blank's tail.

Turn a blank to fit into the headstock spindle's taper and knock it
snug. Then compare this with using a spur center. If no difference,
permission to forget about it.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings

Hi Emily

I'm coming in a bit late, just back from a very enjoyable 2 weeks with
my youngest son and his family, (read 3 grand kids = lots of fun)

You sure are not starting off with the easiest turning project, turning
very thin spindles are quite hard to do.

Using a spur drive to drive the spindles would not be my choice, it
would be like pushing against a strip of cardboard from both ends,
it'll buckle. pulling from both ends would keep it tensioned and less
likely to whip in the case of thin spindle turning.

Use your chuck to hold one end and fit your other end of the wood into
the live center opening, (you knock out the loose center pin) get it in
tight and tape it to the live center, now you are able to tension your
spindle just a little.

If you don't have a woodlathe chuck yet, get at least a drill chuck
with the MT2 for holding spindles, you will need one for drilling on
your lathe anyway, I do recommend getting the Oneway Talon chuck
though, and the extra set of spigot jaws to hold thin stock.

The Henry Taylor miniature set is a good choice for the small items you
intent to make in my opinion, as you will be close-up to the lathe and
turning stock, you might find a bit wider skew a good addition as the
1/4" one is pretty narrow.

Oh yes one more thing, before I forget, if you use Morse Tapers, you
will need to use draw bars to keep them from coming loose.(a draw bar
is a threaded rod that screws into the end of the MT and goes to the
other side of the headstock or tailstock and a washer and nut will then
keep the MT from loosening and damaging the MT taper.)

One more thing, you can go cheaper on the chuck and tools, however good
equipment does not remind you every time you use it that you should
have bought better quality.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo





Emily P wrote:
Hello,

I am a full time woodworker but brand new to woodturning. I am planning
on purchasing a jet mini lathe and I am about to buy my first set of
tools. I was looking at the Henry Taylor mini tools as a possibility.
After doing some reading on the forum to get some recommendations I
noticed that just about everyone seems to recommend going with full
sized tools over midi / mini tools. I am wondering if that is always
the case even if you are only looking to turn small scale objects - no
bowls full sized spindles, etc? I am buying the lathe to do some
production runs of a very specific small scale item for my business -
spindles less 3/8" diameter tapering to 1/16" between 4-7" long with
beads coves etc. These will be crochet hooks and needlework tools. My
question is given what I will be turning would you still advise buying
full sized tools?

Thanks,
Emily