Replies

1. 
   Eef | Jan 27, 2010 11:36am | #1

   good morning phil,

   a bit more info may be useful. are you turning between centers or using a face plate only? in what direction have you oriented the grain in relation to your tool rest/chisel position?

   welcome,

   eef

2. 
   forestgirl | Jan 28, 2010 03:10am | #2

   Phil, I'm a new turner also.
   Phil, I'm a new turner also. I took a class in October at the Woodworking School in Port Townsend, WA (2 days) and since then have been progressing by practicing and watching DVD's and online videos.

   Green wood is the easiest to turn, and many experienced turners recommend starting with green. You don't get the immediate satisfaction of a finished product, because you must stop short of finished thickness (thin-ness, really) and let the bowl dry slowly, then return to it some weeks or months later. But it is much easier to feel the basic movement of chisel on wood. Personally, I'm glad I learned by turning between centers first -- lots of coves and beads and tapers. Still perfecting everything for sure, but getting there. Once you feel comfortable turning green wood, a good test is to grab a piece of dry 2x stock, square it up on the band saw or table saw, and turn that between centers. That kind of a wood presents challenges that help perfect the way you use the chisel and test the shape and sharpness of your tools better than green wood.

   I highly recommend Richard Raffan's introductory video Turning Wood -- especially the newest version. He shows how your arms, hands and body should move while making the cuts, exactly how the tool moves on the wood, clarified by slow-speed cuts. It's really a good video.

   For sharpening, the most helpful aid I've found is the sharpening DVD from American Association of Woodturners. $35 for non-members, $25 for memebers.

   If there's an AAW chapter near you (Google, you'll find their web site), it's a great place to get help. Turners are the friendliest, most generous group of woodworkers I've ever encountered.

   View Image

1. 
   Westchester | Jan 28, 2010 07:55am | #3

   you may be forcing the tool a little -

   watch the angle approach of the tool edge -

   watch the tool rest height -

   and yes hardwood has less tear out -

   green wood the best to learn on -

   SA

2. 
   BruceS | Jan 28, 2010 09:15am | #4

   Where in the world did you find the Video ?? ;-)

   Glad you liked it.

   BAS

   Toppers for Blush & Red ?

3. 
   Jfrostjr | Jan 28, 2010 09:34am | #5

   Nice work, Jamie. You must have stayed awake in class.