Thread: suggestions to get started

IMO, the bench grinder is a must. Once you have the proper bevel on the tool,all they need is a quick 20 second touch and you're back at it. I find slip stones only lengthen the time period of resharpening on the grinder. Again, used would be the way to go. I've seen them for $20 at garage sales and kijiji.

If you don't want to sharpen like this, Carbide tools might be another option. A little more pricey, but you may only need 1 or 2 tools.

Check these out.

Easy Start Tools™ - Lee Valley Tools

All he wants to do is get started,couple tools,couple stones,some abrasives,will get him on his way,gotta walk before you can run.

You are both right, and if I wasn't a college student living in a small cabin type rental house, I would shoot for the grinder right away. I'm just in a space crunch and have to make things work without upsetting the landlord! Those carbide tools look like they would be something I would benefit from. I'm sure once I commit to the lathe I'll figure things out quickly. I'm pretty sure if I can reload ammo in many different calibers, I can figure out how to turn wood. Thanks guys!

To be honest, I've never tried maintaining lathe tools for an extended period of time with slip stones, I suppose it's doable. Slip stones can be had cheap on Ebay too.

The Easy Start tools are nice-especially on acrylic. The size shown in the link (there are full size models available as well) should be just right for smaller projects.

I would suggest you join a local wood turners club. I just joined one.
My local chapter has 12 lathes available, all the tools, chisels, chucks, etc one would need and lots of folks who are glad to help and answer questions(lkinda like this forum, but hands on).
My PSI is still on backorder but joining the club allows me to work with various lathes and get a feel for what I need and what can wait.

Originally Posted by BWP1474

I would suggest you join a local wood turners club. I just joined one.
My local chapter has 12 lathes available, all the tools, chisels, chucks, etc one would need and lots of folks who are glad to help and answer questions(lkinda like this forum, but hands on).
My PSI is still on backorder but joining the club allows me to work with various lathes and get a feel for what I need and what can wait.

This is good advice if you can find a club.I used to teach woodworking at the local J.C in adult night classes,but they no longer exsist.
If you have a woodcrafter store near you they have classes,might ck it out.

UPDATE!!!
Went to the local woodcraft with my girlfriend today. They were having a wine stopper demonstration, and we needed to go to that town anyway. The stars are in alignment, I should buy a lotto ticket! I'm just there to look, I bought some CA glue and some wood to make into scales. This store offer multiple classes, so I inquired about them. I really want to get my hands on and learn the basics. So, after we were back home my girlfriend had to go out. It turns out her dad has two lathes, a large one and a small one. He never uses either one, and he is going to pack up and ship me the small one, all for free! Looks like I need to sign up for the class sooner than I expected, and will be turning in no time! I'll still need tools, but I'm going to wait until after I take the beginner class. Thanks to all who gave advice! Pictures will be posted when I get set up.

Originally Posted by prodigy

UPDATE!!!
Went to the local woodcraft with my girlfriend today. They were having a wine stopper demonstration, and we needed to go to that town anyway. The stars are in alignment, I should buy a lotto ticket! I'm just there to look, I bought some CA glue and some wood to make into scales. This store offer multiple classes, so I inquired about them. I really want to get my hands on and learn the basics. So, after we were back home my girlfriend had to go out. It turns out her dad has two lathes, a large one and a small one. He never uses either one, and he is going to pack up and ship me the small one, all for free! Looks like I need to sign up for the class sooner than I expected, and will be turning in no time! I'll still need tools, but I'm going to wait until after I take the beginner class. Thanks to all who gave advice! Pictures will be posted when I get set up.

Thats great.woodcrafters has some great classes,some nice woods and also some great tools,TAD is far worse than Razors have fun, make chips, not war