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Alex Leibowitz

Alex Leibowitz

Alex Leibowitz

Joined
Jul 8, 2017
Messages
14
Likes
6
Location
Merrimack, New Hampshire
Finally bought a "real" lathe. I have been learning the hard way (yet have studies) for several months. I am 69 years old and live in Merrimack, NH. I would love to have a get together with another for mutual turning education. Right now I am wondering how to finish bowls when it is cold in the garage...about 50. I have been experimenting with different (suggested) finishes. Still interested. I should include some pics of my bowls here but maybe later. Alex
 
Welcome to the AAW forum, Alex.

In cold weather I usually bring the piece inside to warm up for a few hours before finishing. If using rattle can finish (lacquer or varnish), I also bring the can indoors for a few hours. After everything is warm, I go outdoors to spray the finish and then bring it back in the shop. Oil finishes are a little more tolerant of a chilly garage.
 
I find minwax wipe on poly will work when it's cold but it does take longer to cure. Your best bet by far is to do what Bill suggests which is to bring it inside to warm up first as well as your finish. I keep all of my finishes, paints, and spray cans in a heated cabinet. I bought a steel storage cabinet and lined the inside with1" foam boards. Then I installed a light bulb in the bottom. I put wooden shelves in and cut slots in the shelves so the heat could easily travel through them. Then I put a thermostat in the upper part. It keeps everything in the cabinet at 65 degrees. I just use a 100 watt incandescent but now that incandescent bulbs are getting harder to find I think I'm going to find screw in heating coil of some kind when I use up my stash of 100 watt bulbs.
 
Alex - welcome to AAW.

If you have not already done so, I encourage you to visit a local chapter of the AAW.
Chapters are made up of turners with a wide range of skills and turning focus.
NH has 3 chapters. Most chapter meet monthly which may be some bad news for connecting soon if the chapter near you does not have a December meeting and they have already met in November or the the November meet could be soon. Just about all chapter welcome visiters and many chapter have organized classes and help sessions. All chapters are full of folks who would be glad for you to come visit their shop and give you some mentoring. You probably have to announce that you are interested in visiting some other turners since turners are not going to push themselves on a visitor unless asked.

The chapter search web page has a map search and a place to put in New Hampshire
http://www.woodturner.org/search/newsearch.asp

Also there is a map option - Zoom in on NH and you will see a large scale map click on a balloon to see the chapter details

9F5B77A2-3880-4020-9519-95251585284D.jpeg Neighbor in state may have clubs close to your too!
 
I wholeheartedly agree with Al about the benefits of finding a local turning club. In addition to getting help with learning to turn, you'll meet a bunch of great folks at all stages of turning experience. Click on this link and it will take you to the chapter search page: http://www.woodturner.org/search/custom.asp?id=1509

Just tap or click on "Location" and then select "New Hampshire" in the drop down list. You can leave all the other boxes blank.
 
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