Thread: Help a noob out?

I've always wanted to get into wood turning. I recently aquired a C.M.T. variable speed metal lathe. It's a fairly spendy one. When I got it I was under the impression that it was a wood lathe... Anyways, I'm trying to figure out what I should do with it now. It only has a 3.5 inch clearance so my turning options are fairly limited. Should I just use it as an intro lathe and just make pens and brushes? Or should I try and sell it and get a wood lathe?
Thanks in advance.
-Matt

Congrats on your new lathe!

It would be great for turning brush handles from aluminum and delrin.

Would people use a metal brush handle!?

If it's wood you want to turn then your options are limited as far as dia./length goes but you can spin wood on it. Play with it awhile at least, you may want to keep it and still get a wood lathe :<0)

The only thing I haven't heard turned into a shave brush is a chrome dog turd. But now that I have said it :<0)

Well not only could you make brushes and pens but you could also make reproduction vintage collars and pin washers. Charly lewis has a video on how he makes his washers. He makes a lot of things look rather simple though so it may be a little more tricky than it looks.

should work fine
I believe Pixelfix uses a metal lathe to get the perfect joints on his brushes
3.5" swing is a 7" diameter depending on your intensions it should be big enough for most jobs unless you wan to do bowls etc
you would need to add a tool rest for the chisels for hand lathe work that's all

PENS! I cannot believe I didn't think about turning metal pens. I'm an avid shooter and used to always break pens while shooting until I switched to a full stainless steel pen. Anyways.... Is there anyone in Southern Utah that'd be willing to show me the ropes on turning and how to use this thing?

I hear crickets :<0) Hope somebody helps you but you may want to do some searching on your own. The members section lists by area. If there is any industrial around you might find a local that is willing to point you in the right directions. Local lumber yard might have some advice and tools for you to look at. Then there is always You Tube college. If there isn't a tube for it, it doesn't happen.

I been through Cedar city on my way over that mountain range to Hole in the Rock road. Nice looking place.

Originally Posted by guthriemt

Would people use a metal brush handle!?

Yup. Mine are Aluminium.

Originally Posted by guthriemt

.... Is there anyone in Southern Utah that'd be willing to show me the ropes on turning and how to use this thing?

Check to see if there is a Technical School in your area. Most of these schools offer a metal working shop class. It may be beneficial to sign up for a class. Good luck with your search.