A good sign?

[John Torchick]

During the half time of the Ol' Miss and Monmouth game, my wife had picked up my copy of American Woodturners magazine. She was browsing through it and was interested in the segmented items shown in an article about segmented turning (American Woodturner, February, 2017; page 44). She was amazed at the segmented pen made by Jim Nickless (page 31). 224 pieces!
I need to get her in the shop when the weather warms a bit and let her turn a couple of pen blanks. One has to start somewhere!

 

[john lucas]

Definitely John. Many people enjoy pens and its a good way to start. Less intimidating than bowls.

 

[bobbeaupre]

John, it's always good to get management involved. The more interest there the easier it may be the next time you need to upgrade or need that next new tool

 

[John Torchick]

John, thanks. We had a family join our chapter- mom, dad, daughter. And they all are going to turn!
Bob, good advice. She was inquiring about pepper mills yesterday.

 

[Dean Center]

One potential problem occurs to me, John. Pens and pepper mills can be fussy and aggravating, totally unrelated to the turning experience. Click pens come to mind, as do shaft-less grinding mechanisms. The mentor should maybe select the hardware carefully at first to make sure the experience is positive.

 

[John Torchick]

Thanks for the "warning" on the mills. I have ten pens to turn between now and Christmas. I might get her to turn a couple.

 

[Richard Coers]

I'd start her on something like a spurtle or rolling pin for the kitchen before turning a thin wall pen. Best to teach some chisel skills first! A lot of people assume you just stick the chisel into the wood and you get a perfect cut. They are shocked at the subtlety of hand skills needed.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Many wood turners forget how long it takes for the average person to pick up on proper tool technique.
A basic item like a rolling pin gives the novice some time to develop some tool skills.
Spinning tops are another easy item to teach a novice when starting out.

 

[John Torchick]

I'm afraid the rolling pin would be applied to my cranial area. Thanks for the suggestions.