Thread: suggestions to get started

Kyle, that's awesome! The hands on class will teach you a lot. Bottle stoppers are similar to brushes to turn so that will help. Glad to see you getting some good luck!

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.

So you date this girl, drag her into Woodcraft and her dad is going to send you a lathe (?) For the record I'm married, but need to ask, does she have a sister?

It's really funny actually. She used to use her lathe helping her dad. I've been begging her to ask him if it's still around, and she was assuming it was stolen. Her dad's entire workshop, full size heavy duty equipment, was all stolen a few years ago. After today's little demo I woke up from a nap to find out he not only has one but two! He can literally build anything, and has every tool for every job! He was asking her why I wanted it and she told him I want to make pepper grinders and similar things that size, he says it's perfect for that. Unfortunately she is the only daughter! I hit the jackpot in more ways than one. I've had some bad luck these past few weeks so it's nice to be having so many good things happening.

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

Kyle, that's awesome! The hands on class will teach you a lot. Bottle stoppers are similar to brushes to turn so that will help. Glad to see you getting some good luck!

I'm pretty sure I was in a deep slump until you helped me out! Now I've paid it foward to a couple new guys, just small things that I don't use any more. So thank you for getting the good vibes going again!

Originally Posted by prodigy

I'm pretty sure I was in a deep slump until you helped me out! Now I've paid it foward to a couple new guys, just small things that I don't use any more. So thank you for getting the good vibes going again!

No problem brother!

Sounds like you might be able to learn a few things from her Dad too. He sounds like the type of guy filled with knowledge. Best way to learn from guys like that is to just watch them work.

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

No problem brother!

Sounds like you might be able to learn a few things from her Dad too. He sounds like the type of guy filled with knowledge. Best way to learn from guys like that is to just watch them work.

He totally is. He grew up in northern wisconsin on a mink farm. His whole family made everything they needed. I'd like to just stay with him for a summer to learn as much as I can. I'm so excited, now I just need to not lose focus on my school.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

you don't need a grinder,go to harbor Frt and by some ceramic slips in diff shapes,emory or even sand cloth on a wood form will even work.
If your tools are an enexpensive set the are probebly on the soft side so will be pretty easy to sharpen them.,even with a fine file.

Ok, bench grinder acquired. My dad had one buried in the basement and it's all mine. I think I'll need new wheels for sharpening turning tools though. The next question I have is should I get the really cheap turning tool set that comes with a bunch of different ones, or get like 3 or 4 nicer quality tools?

Originally Posted by prodigy

Ok, bench grinder acquired. My dad had one buried in the basement and it's all mine. I think I'll need new wheels for sharpening turning tools though. The next question I have is should I get the really cheap turning tool set that comes with a bunch of different ones, or get like 3 or 4 nicer quality tools?

Kyle, maybe check out a set of Vintage turning tools. Like razors, better steel. There's tons of these old Craftsman sets on ebay for a great price.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/8pc-Vtg-CRAFT...item58c02f66eb

Another good one

SET OF Disston Lathe Wood Turning Tools Chisels SET Made IN USA Nice | eBay

Listen to what Andrew says,you buy cheap cutting tools,you will burn them up in a heartbeat.
I used sorbys for years before I switched to carbide,they served me well.
Just buy a few basics to get started,you do not need alot of shapes and sizes,80% of the gouges I have today,I never use.