Replies

1. 
   dgreen | Feb 04, 2008 03:42am | #1

   The mineral spirits will work far faster than the 409, keep it off the painted parts though. The T9 will keep your newly cleaned parts from rusting.

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   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

2. 
   ThreePuttJoe | Feb 04, 2008 04:00am | #2

   I may jump in on this thread too, as I just bought a new lathe and have zero experience. The electrician is coming Monday to drop 220V in the basement, so I should be turning tomorrow night.

1. 
   dgreen | Feb 04, 2008 04:06am | #3

   We may not hear from you for a week! Turning is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Get a lab coat with no pockets, or you will be finding wood in places you forgot you had!------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

3. 
   LSUWoodworker | Feb 28, 2008 07:13pm | #4

   I have the same lathe, 2 years now, its addictive.  Just my 2 cents but I do the following on an a regular basis (weekly)

   1. unless the design has changed the motor is mounter below the lathe, I keep the area clean as possible, its really the only design flaw I would comment on, with that I use compressed air or my shop vac to remove dust after each use.

   2. I lightly "brush" the exposed iron bed with 0000 steel wool and apply a coat of quality past wax to assist is rust prevention and allow for easier movement of the tail stock and tool rest.

   3. I use a few drops of 3in1 on the tool rest mechanical parts and also on the tailstock.

    

   Also, let me suggest you look into pen turning its very rewarding and allows for some very creative artwork. 

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 29, 2008 01:50am | #5

   You referred to pen turning as very creative.  I'm curious as to what types of pens you turn.  Maybe you could post some pictures?  Do you use pen kits or turn the entire pen short of the tip from wood?

   I've been pen turning for a year and a half and quickly got tired of turning "conventional" pens, that is, buying kits and turning the barrels.  Adding some curvature makes a pen a little more unique, as does lamination, but I find it very limiting in form.  Now, I buy various pen kits and dump all the parts into a bowl.  I custom-build each pen using, for example, a Slimline tip, a Streamline centerband, and a European Clip/Cap.  But you can only be so creative.  I see bowls as a wider outlet for creativity.

   Neverthess, I still enjoy turning pens.  They are quick, practical, and everyone ooohhs and aahhhs over them.Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - 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

4. 
   blewcrowe | Feb 29, 2008 10:43pm | #6

   Probably cosmoline or something like it. Mineral spirits, naptha, wd-40 will remove it.