my next big jump in wood working is here, I am going to start turning. Everyone says it’s really fun, and I hope to too. I have NEVER turned before and was hoping you could give me tips, basic ones are very welcome. one specifically is the different types of turning tools and what they are used for. also how do you sharpen a roughing gouge? do the tools get a micro-bevel? throw out some tips I would appreciate that.
I heart Festool
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Andy,
I find turning really rewarding. Ideal for anyone requiring instant gratification - you can start and finish a piece in one day easily. I find bowl turning the most interesting. Every piece is unique and there is a lot of room to be creative. Green wood is easier to turn than dry wood, not to mention cheaper (often free) and settles into a funky shape. Pen turning is quick, rewarding (both financially and prestigously), and practical. Who wouldn't like a wooden pen? (Great gifts for less than $10.)
Start with a lathe. Heavy is good. If your lathe is on the lightweight side like my midi benchtop model (at about 110lbs), you can clamp/bolt it to a solid worksurface. Don't waste your money on a variable speed lathe unless you don't plan to turn bowls. The problem is that torque is directly proportianate to RPM. The slower the lathe turns, the less torque it has. The lone exception, I believe, is General's new Maxi-Lathe, which has a DC motor which produces loads of torque. Pulleys, on the other hand, provide ample torque at any speed and take less than a minute to change the belt.
For spindle turning, you'll want a 3/4" roughing gouge, 3/8" spindle gouge, 1/8" standard (not diamond) parting tool, and possibly a ~3/4" skew chisel to start. For bowls, you'll use your spindle gouge and parting tool. But the real workhorse will be a bowl gouge. For small bowls under 6" diameter, you can use a 3/8" bowl gouge. For most bowls, I use a 1/2" bowl gouge with a fingernail grind.
For sharpening, most turners use a bench grinder and 46-120-grit wheels. 6" wheels are okay, but 8" wheels are preferable. Jigs such as Oneway's Wolverine are available to help you sharpen the tools, but you can get away with just a good tool rest and a little (okay, a lot of) practice. You can use the tools straight off the grinder and touch them up a abrasive (sandpaper, waterstone, diamond hone, etc.).
See if you can't take a class or spend a few hours with an experienced turner. Some things are very hard to describe in words, but you'll get them immediately when you see it demonstrated.
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
andyfew322, I would recommend visiting one of the local turning organizations in your area for some hands on help. Turners are a great group of people and more likely than not you will have a source for used equipment and turning stock.
http://www.woodturner.org/community/chapters/LocalChapters.asp
Steve Pippins
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