Replies

1. 
   DennisS | Jan 22, 2006 07:18am | #1

   Donny -

   Some do's:

   1) Edit your photo(s) so they're not 3mb files. Some of us hayseed country folks don't have broadband Internet service! (grin)

   2) Sharpen tools often.

   3)Until (1) happens I won't know what your lathe looks like so can't go much further.

   Don'ts:

   1)Don't post 3mb files

   2)Don't turn with dull tools.

   All said with good intent and no malice!!

2. 
   AlanWS | Jan 22, 2006 08:26am | #2

   Here's a smaller version:

   
1. 
   DennisS | Jan 24, 2006 06:26am | #10

   Thanks, Alan, for the smaller file. I'm about a mile from anything that even resembles broad band with no expectations that it will get here within my lifetime!OK - the lathe .....I think you'll find sooner than later that this lathe is pretty limiting. I don't mean to rain on your parade but .....The single tubular 'bed' doesn't provide the stability and rigidity of a good cast iron bed. Use this one, learn the basics then to advance your turning technique, move up to a heavier lathe.The tools pictured on the wall look pretty minimal. Not in quantity but quality. Again, tools to learn with but you'll get a lot more satisfaction from better quality tools. Don't skimp. Buy them individually and periodically but get the very best you can afford.Don't try anything too big on this lathe as it looks like it would be easily overpowered by the work piece.

3. 
   Napie | Jan 23, 2006 01:51am | #3

   Learn to grind your tools freehand, NO JIGS.  Read everything Richard Raffan has written and watch his videos.  Get lots of green firewood, great for practice.  And above all "RUB THE BEVEL!!!!"  (that will make a lot of sense very soon).  Have fun and just keep turning.

4. 
   philip | Jan 23, 2006 09:38am | #4

   Why, it's jeest an ornery fixed head lathe-never mind, it's a lot better than what I started with-a Black and decker drill driven lathe that I made the spinning wheel with.
   Rubbing bevels is fine and all, but there is nought wrong with scraping -in fact it is very useful at times, and there is no fear of the digs at any time....Best to learn both, I believe.
   Have fun.
   Philip Marcou

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/23/2006 1:40 am by philip

   
1. 
   Napie | Jan 23, 2006 05:30pm | #5

   Agreed on the use of scraping, it has its place.  Great spinning wheel! That is project I have not tried.  A close friend spins and knits Fairisle type sweaters, we figured a fair trade would be four sweaters for a wheel, does that sound alright?

1. 
   philip | Jan 23, 2006 09:47pm | #6

   Four sweaters for a wheel? Only for a really good (female) friend, I think, and it woulfd have to be some serious wool , like Shetland wool.Philip Marcou

1. 
   Napie | Jan 23, 2006 09:58pm | #7

   She gets $350-$500 each for them.  What's a wheel worth?

1. 
   philip | Jan 24, 2006 03:22am | #8

   Ah , that's better-I'd say somewhere near the upper range-plus some home cooked goodies thrown in;)(;Philip Marcou

2. 
   Napie | Jan 24, 2006 03:54am | #9

   Cool!  She can cook as well as she knits, I'm thinking Osso Buco, polenta and braised garlic endive.  (I cook too)

5. 
   WillGeorge | Jan 25, 2006 02:13am | #11

   NOW you just HAVE to turn some nice spindles to replace them 2X4 legs on that stand!

1. 
   donnybongo | Jan 25, 2006 11:44pm | #12

   LOL, Very good idea!!!!

6. 
   sailho | Jan 27, 2006 01:33am | #13

   Yo Donnybongo:

      You've got yourself a good set-up there.  I've been using a tubed based Craftsman lathe since 1980.  I've run the ba-jeebers out of it.  And getting ready to do some William and Mary spindles as I write and it will perform fine.

       Start with some candle sticks. that will get you practice with spindle and a face plate turning. 

      Protect your eyes, ears and lungs and if the googles fog......... thats part of wood turning.

      One last thing.................Take that apron off the "Tail Stock" before you set-up your spindle...got ya HAH!!!!!!!!!

     Sailho................and enjoy man.