• September 2025 Turning Challenge: Cindy Drozda Finial Box! (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Dave Potts, People's Choice in the August 2025 Turning Challenge (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Paul May for "Slipstream" being selected as Turning of the Week for September 8, 2025 (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

Always learn from another turner

Mike Heinen

Mike Heinen

Joined
Mar 20, 2018
Messages
29
Likes
15
Location
Gallatin Mo
The bowl gouge to me seemed like others could use the Bowl gouge with some black magic! Yesterday I found a gentleman (in his early 90) in town that turns. I went to pick his brain. I brought my (dull) bowl gouge and asked for some guidance with the gouge. He said he does everything with carbides but would show me. Oh, my sweet Jesus!!!! The door opened and heavenly light came in! I was actually doing it! The mystery was explained! I spent maybe 2 hours this morning practicing (didn't seem like it was that long) Could the gouge be sharpened? Oh yea. Did I do about 100 scary catches? heck yea. But I was doing it. I have a 9x4 bowl blank, I going to cut it down to platter size! I do have a problem with the center cutting. Can't seem to get close with the cutting? John Jordan told me to find someone to show you. He was so right. Can't wait to practice more and get better. And find some way to sharpen. Thought I would share.
 
Get thee to a club, ASAP, and get some lessons. If you are getting 100 scary catches in a couple hours, then there is still something very wrong with your technique. In my club's learn to turn classes we seldom see more than a handful of catches amongst 6-8 people over the course of 2 days. There are at least 3 clubs in the Kansas City area (Independence is probably closest to you).
 
That's true, but you must pick your mentor with wisdom, not everyone who owns a gouge can turn.
But by the look of it you have done well, keep him handy because over time you can glean a lifetime of learning and experience.
 
As much as I'd like to join club I'm on disability and could afford the dues. And nearest club is KC but I live about mile maybe more. I had what got (really not much) before I was retired.. im trying my best to struggle through this.. And there isn't any turners my way(except the 90yr old above). I've put out ads on FB market just one reply ( see above) and only uses carbide. What he showed me was everything he could do.. im kinda on my own out in the sticks.What I'm saying is not for sympathy..It's all I have.
 
While I agree with the others that in person learning is the best, I started out on YouTube and there are a few that teach really good techniques and safety. However, you have to be careful as there are some pretty poor and unsafe turners on YouTube as well.

My favorite is Brian Havens. He has several videos that go through how to properly use each type of tool and shows why and how catches occur.
Other good YouTubers that I personally like include Tomaslav Tomasic, Alan Lacer, and the craft supplies instructional videos. There are many more but I think each of these turners are good teachers and safety.

Good luck and stay safe.

Tom
 
Get ahold of those local clubs and see if any of them have a "scholarship" type slush fund set aside to help people be part of the club even if they have financial hardship. I belong to a local photography club. We charge $5 per meeting, or a $25 annual (9 months of meetings). But we also proclaim that nobody will ever be turned away because they can't afford to attend. Several of us fluff up our annual membership to help cover costs for those who cannot afford dues.

Frankly, if a local turning club is well known, well established, and well funded, they should do this in an effort to draw in as many people as they can, especially the younger generations and groups who could not otherwise be part of such a club, for financial or other societal reasons. All should be welcome. It's good karma...
 
Mike Heinen said:
As much as I'd like to join club I'm on disability and could afford the dues. And nearest club is KC but I live about mile maybe more. I had what got (really not much) before I was retired.. im trying my best to struggle through this.. And there isn't any turners my way(except the 90yr old above). I've put out ads on FB market just one reply ( see above) and only uses carbide. What he showed me was everything he could do.. im kinda on my own out in the sticks.What I'm saying is not for sympathy..It's all I have.
Click to expand...
OK, there is youtube but stick to well known names, many run their own channels, Stuart Batty, Jimmy Clews,Richard Raffin etc
 
Mike Heinen said:
As much as I'd like to join club I'm on disability and could afford the dues. And nearest club is KC but I live about mile maybe more. I had what got (really not much) before I was retired.. im trying my best to struggle through this.. And there isn't any turners my way(except the 90yr old above). I've put out ads on FB market just one reply ( see above) and only uses carbide. What he showed me was everything he could do.. im kinda on my own out in the sticks.What I'm saying is not for sympathy..It's all I have.
Click to expand...
Wow. I could have written that myself... Must be my twin! - But yeah in cases like yours, Youtube is about the best answer. I can personally recommend : Turnawoodbowl.com (Kent Weakley) , RIchard Raffan, Tomislav Tomasic, Wyoming Woodturner, Mike Peace, and Dean's Woodworking to name the ones I learned from (and still do) If you want links to their channels on Youtube, drop me a note and I'll PM them to you. Kent Weakley would likely be the place to get started, he has a lot of info on sharpening, and techniques (No need to buy any of his courses, which he seems to regularly plug.)
 
Mike Heinen said:
As much as I'd like to join club I'm on disability and could afford the dues. And nearest club is KC but I live about mile maybe more. I had what got (really not much) before I was retired.. im trying my best to struggle through this.. And there isn't any turners my way(except the 90yr old above). I've put out ads on FB market just one reply ( see above) and only uses carbide. What he showed me was everything he could do.. im kinda on my own out in the sticks.What I'm saying is not for sympathy..It's all I have.
Click to expand...
Call the club and explain your situation. Ask if some retired person could help you get the basics.
 
Wow I looked up the Kansas City Woodturners and they want a $150 a year to join. And the fact that they didn't reply is not good. With that $150 he could buy a sharpening system. What do you folks say, let's help this guy. I'll get in touch and see what he has and I'll start if off by donating $25. If you want to help paypal me a donation to piwtrnr@verizon.net or send a donation to Bill Blasic 11291 Lake Pleasant Rd Union City, PA 16438. I've sent him a direct message to see exactly what he has and how we can help.
 
Bill Blasic said:
Wow I looked up the Kansas City Woodturners and they want a $150 a year to join. And the fact that they didn't reply is not good. With that $150 he could buy a sharpening system. What do you folks say, let's help this guy. I'll get in touch and see what he has and I'll start if off by donating $25. If you want to help paypal me a donation to piwtrnr@verizon.net or send a donation to Bill Blasic 11291 Lake Pleasant Rd Union City, PA 16438. I've sent him a direct message to see exactly what he has and how we can help.
Click to expand...
Thanks for spearheading this Bill. Threw in my own $25. Been there myself. Finally in a place where I can comfortably help other folk out, if only a little.
 
Bill Blasic said:
Wow I looked up the Kansas City Woodturners and they want a $150 a year to join. And the fact that they didn't reply is not good. With that $150 he could buy a sharpening system. What do you folks say, let's help this guy. I'll get in touch and see what he has and I'll start if off by donating $25. If you want to help paypal me a donation to piwtrnr@verizon.net or send a donation to Bill Blasic 11291 Lake Pleasant Rd Union City, PA 16438. I've sent him a direct message to see exactly what he has and how we can help.
Click to expand...
The KC Woodturners lease space for a full time turning shop, so the dues are probably in line with the costs.
 
Bill Blasic said:
Wow I looked up the Kansas City Woodturners and they want a $150 a year to join. And the fact that they didn't reply is not good. With that $150 he could buy a sharpening system. What do you folks say, let's help this guy. I'll get in touch and see what he has and I'll start if off by donating $25. If you want to help paypal me a donation to piwtrnr@verizon.net or send a donation to Bill Blasic 11291 Lake Pleasant Rd Union City, PA 16438. I've sent him a direct message to see exactly what he has and how we can help.
Click to expand...
I'm in too Bill. I'll do $50; sorry it can't be more. Just sent via PayPal.
 
Thomas Wilson said:
While I agree with the others that in person learning is the best, I started out on YouTube and there are a few that teach really good techniques and safety. However, you have to be careful as there are some pretty poor and unsafe turners on YouTube as well.

My favorite is Brian Havens. He has several videos that go through how to properly use each type of tool and shows why and how catches occur.
Other good YouTubers that I personally like include Tomaslav Tomasic, Alan Lacer, and the craft supplies instructional videos. There are many more but I think each of these turners are good teachers and safety.

Good luck and stay safe.

Tom
Click to expand...
I've looked them up and will watch them! Thanks
 
whoa, whoa, whoa... Hold off here.. I did not post this for sympany. I was telling about using a bowl gouge... I don't want anybody to spend any money on me please. I have all I need my Rikon Lathe, nova chuck, Benjamin's Best tools. Please I wont take any charilty. I'm sure you guys need stuff more then me.Please spend your money on yourself..
 
Mike Heinen said:
whoa, whoa, whoa... Hold off here.. I did not post this for sympany. I was telling about using a bowl gouge... I don't want anybody to spend any money on me please. I have all I need my Rikon Lathe, nova chuck, Benjamin's Best tools. Please I wont take any charilty. I'm sure you guys need stuff more then me.Please spend your money on yourself..
Click to expand...
To be fair, I am =P In my mind there's no pure altruism. Same reason I give blood. Not because I may benefit from donated blood in the future, but because it makes me feel good. Like a contributing member of a community. Right now I'm getting a lot out of this community without being able to put much back in. At the same time, I don't want to impose my help on anyone. I don't really consider it charity either - that can have a pretty negative connotation. Would it help to think of it as a scholarship membership if it goes toward that?
 
Mike Heinen said:
whoa, whoa, whoa... Hold off here.. I did not post this for sympany. I was telling about using a bowl gouge... I don't want anybody to spend any money on me please. I have all I need my Rikon Lathe, nova chuck, Benjamin's Best tools. Please I wont take any charilty. I'm sure you guys need stuff more then me.Please spend your money on yourself..
Click to expand...

Mike, it's a pleasure to help. I can recall days when there was nothing "extra" in my budget. Please accept it in the spirit in which it is given. It's a blessing to us also to be able and willing to do a good turn for someone (pardon the pun). :D

Mark
 
Mike Heinen said:
whoa, whoa, whoa... Hold off here.. I did not post this for sympany. I was telling about using a bowl gouge... I don't want anybody to spend any money on me please. I have all I need my Rikon Lathe, nova chuck, Benjamin's Best tools. Please I wont take any charilty. I'm sure you guys need stuff more then me.Please spend your money on yourself..
Click to expand...
Mike, this is not charity. This is woodturners doing what they do best. Anyone of us if they were near would help you and teach you. Please answer the message I sent or call me at 814-796-4609.
 
Bill Blasic said:
Mike, this is not charity. This is woodturners doing what they do best. Anyone of us if they were near would help you and teach you. Please answer the message I sent or call me at 814-796-4609.
Click to expand...
Well said Bill!
 
A few good books out there:
Richard Raffan on Woodturning.
Richard Raffan - The Art of the Bowl.
David Ellsworth - Woodturning.
Check at the local library.
 
Looks like KC may be getting a new member! Mike, milk that year of membership for all it's worth- meetings shop time, special events, etc.

I don't know any of these fellas who've ponied-up some bucks, but I'd be willing to bet if any of them lived near you, they'd give you the turning smocks off their backs!

Wishing you well as you practice and master those new skills.
 
As much as I am grateful. I have to throw a wrench in the cog. I cannot drive to KC. I can drive around town but not far.. My wife would have to drive me and she's not a fan of driving in town.. I am so flattered and humbled by your generosity and care. As I say things are hard to get things around here. With that I have to refuse your generous gift. Sorry..
 
Thinking more about your 100 catches statement...even with many videos to watch the key thing(s) with a gouge are anchor (true with all tools), ride the bevel, move the handle to start the cut. With a gouge, the flute should start completely closed. That means pointing either at 9:00 or 3:00 depending on direction of travel. Once you get cut started that supports the tool, open the flute to no more than 45 degrees. Going over 45 degrees, you will likely get a catch. In other words, do not point the flute up. If none of these work for you, get some carbide tools. Cutters have to be replaced but the scraper forms are easy to use (EasyWood style tools).
 
I have been in contact withBill Blasic. We or i have came up with compromise. He asked about a sharpen system. Which do not have. I also from the bottom of my heart so grateful to be in a group of people as her. I am touch to the point of tears. I hope many good blessng come you all. I will always remember you all and will strive to learn and grow in my skill and hope hope someday to pay this generosity on to others. Thank you all!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top