Hi everyone, I am getting a General Maxi Lathe http://www.general.ca/pagemach/machines/25100a.html
will also buy a book on turning. I just wanted some opinions on what would be a basic gouge set to start with, Since i am in Canada I will probably look at Lee Valley stuff, also I guess i am going to need a grinder and guide for sharpening them, any suggestions on that too?
Thanx
Replies
No sets, just buy them as the need comes up, maybe a 3/8” spindle and 3/8” bowl gouge, a ¾” skew and a parting tool to start. Forget the grinding jigs, learn to do it freehand, you sharpen A LOT, you have to be fast. Get a cheap grinder and put the white wheels on it and keep them dressed. Anything by Richard Raffan, books, videos, they are all great, he is the king of practical turning.
Since i am in Canada I will probably look at Lee Valley stuff..
For some reason I found that funny.. I have no idea why..
Yeah it might look funny, I guess I was just pointing out that sometimes tools and stores are mentionned here and they are really hard to find or get when you live in Canada as opposed to the US, not the same distributors, etc.
Hi I was just looking at chapters site and they have lots of Richard Raffan books and he is great I saw a preview of one of his books. And I agree with Will by hand is a good way to try it first.
Hi Bouboubomber; I bought the GI maxi lathe too, with the bed ext, and I'd love to tell you something about the machine, but I can't because it's still in the box on the floor Damn it!
I did get a good deal on it, but I guess you actually have to use it before that can be true. In my defence, I am overhauling the shop, but with the wife and kids demands on my time, it's progressing at a snails pace.
As far as the turning tools, I bought the three piece starter set from Lee Valley. 1/2 in spindel gouge, 1/2 in. skew, 1/8 parting tool. The set was cheaper than buying individually, and I know I would buy these three anyway, but those are still in the box as well.
We'll have to compare notes after we use them a little.
Cheers. Walker1
BouBou -
What kind of turning are you focusing on? That makes a big difference in the type(s) of tools you would get the most use out of. Spindle turning or bowls or closed forms?
For spindle turning, a skew chisel is valuable along with spindle gouges. I reground my spindle gouges to a severe fingernail grind in order to do beads and coves more easily than with a skew. The skew, in practiced hands, will give your the finest finish, though.
A couple 3/8" and a 1/2" bowl gouge are good starters for bowl or face plate turning. I say a couple 3/8" gouges since you might like to put different grinds on each on for different applications. I bought a Sorby 1/2" bowl gouge that's ground nicely for deep pieces well off the tool rest.
Scrapers are to some turners crutches but a well sharpened scraper works wonders on gnarly end grain at the bottom of a deep turning.
All my turning tools are Sorby, mainly because they're the best I can afford. Perhaps not the best since I haven't tried any other brands. Basically, though, I think the main thing to consider is the type of HSS (High Speed Steel) the tool is made from. You can always grind or re-grind the profile to your own liking.
The least expensive sharpening jigs I know of are those that work in conjunction with your existing grinder. The One Way Wolverine jig is one to consider. If there's money in the budget for a sharpening 'system' I'd suggest the Tormek grinder. It's a super slow speed (90RPM) wheel that runs in a water bath. Absolutely no danger of burning your tools. It's fast, accurate and, unfortunately, expensive. But it does a superb job.
thanx guys, well the lathe is on sale this weekend ,actually its 7:30 am, i finish my coffee and breakfast and am going to get it. General has a sale for $299 Can, one woodworking store has it on sale at $259 +10% off Saturday and Monday, it's $359 Can at you regular hardware store.
As for what kind of turning, well thats a good question, I just plan on taming the beast for now.When that is done I'll know more what I want to do and will probably be able to choose tools by myself. Will probably go with 3/8 spindle and bowl gouge 3/4 skew and parting tool to start with, once I can make "round things" then I'll see for the next step.
Oh by the way, me too I have shop problems, space wise, have to clean up, find some room for it, maybe get rid of some shelves in the storage room, buy a small freezer to put there so I can get rid of the huge freezer in my shop, wish i could get rid of the catlitter box ( doesnt look like the dogs are going to get rid of the cat for me!)
I have a big old Brown and Sharp Metal lathe AND a little Big Box Mini wood lathe.. Thw mini works fine if I do not expect it to work like my B&S..
I picked up some crap Gouges from a Big Box.. Not the best by a long shot but worked OK! Hell, they made things round and I make my own finishing tools (scrapers) out of old wood scrapers.. On a grinder,,,
A Lathe is VERY forgiving UNLESS ya cut into the wood skinnier than ya wanted to!
well i got the General kit http://www.general.ca/pagemach/acces/lathe.html
not the best I am sure, but the price was OK.
It will get me started then I will just buy what I need for specific uses
Oh yes, the lathe is in the basement , tomorrow morning i'll make some room for it and try it
I recommend the Veritas tool rest:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32973&cat=1,43072,45938
and their jig:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32974&cat=1,43072,45938
With whatever decent quality grinder you choose.
I use the white wheels (I've got the 8 inch one in 120 grit).
If you use a light touch, you won't have to worry about heating your tools up too far, when it gets too warm, I put it into a can of peanut oil to cool. Any oil will work, I use peanut because it takes a high heat and I temper stuff with it.
Good luck, have fun!
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