Dan Snyder

[Dan Snyder]

I am a brand new wood turner, took a weekend class at WoodCraft a couple of months ago, and pretty much forgot how to do anything in the meantime. I just bought a Delta Midi and a Savannah chisel set. It is really rough going and I can't figure out why. I have tried turning white oak and cherry with no real progress. I can't afford anther class for quite a while and am very discouraged. I have the wolverine sharpening jig and that works great. I live in Geneva, IL. Is there somewhere I can go for guidance? You all were very helpful when I was looking for a lathe, and I appreciate it. Thank you.

 

[Matthew Clarke]

Dan,

If I were in your shoes, I would look for a local turning club. They will probably have a program for beginning turners. Good Luck:cool2:!

Matt

 

[Ed_McDonnell]

Dan - Here's a link to AAW clubs in the IL area. If one of them are within driving distance for you, it would be a great place to get help and inspiration.

http://www.woodturner.org/community/chapters/LocalChapters.asp

If the link doesn't show the IL area clubs, just use the search box for your state.

Ed

 

[robo hippy]

Most clubs will have mentors and a library. The monthly demonstrations are priceless. I would be willing to bet that sharpening is part of your problem.

robo hippy

 

[john lucas]

Until you can find a club there are lots of good videos on Youtube. Just do a search for wood turning or turning bowls, etc.
You can go to our club website and see a few of my videos. they are short and I plan to do more shortly but the one on turning a wine stopper, turning a cove, and the parting tool should give you a pretty good place to start when it comes to understanding how the tools work.

 

[odie]

There are books and videos for sale that give a great deal of information. CSUSA is a good source of these. This would be my suggestion for someone just starting out turning.......get some initial information from the pros first, then you can better judge some of the voluminous videos on Youtube with some sense of concept.

Youtube has some good videos, but beware of the well intentioned turner that is more of an expert in his own mind, than in reality. I suspect a good deal of beginning turners are misguided, or are not given the best information on Youtube.

ooc

 

[Dan Snyder]

Thanks

Thanks everyone. I will find a club hopefully.

 

[Gil Jones]

Dan, Looks the the club in Downers Grove, IL would be closest.
Have fun learning.
Gil

Windy City Woodturners
Meetings

Meeting Location:
5101 Walnut Avenue
Downers Grove, IL

Meeting Info: 3rd Tuesday 7 PM​

Contact Information

Nick Page
670 Welch St
Gilberts, IL 60136
Phone: 847-931-9770
Email: nicklpage@sbcglobal.net​

General Information

Number of Members: 40
Service Info: West & South Suburban Chicago​

 

[Roger T]

Dan, Check your PM's.

Roger

 

[Thomas Stegall]

Dan,

The Chicago Woodturners meet at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. We are going to be re-starting mentoring sessions in January. We will be starting those sessions at 6:00 p.m. and each month will cover a different skill or topic. We also have a several members in the Geneva area. Books and videos can be very informative once you have the basics mastered. Until then, there is no better way to learn than from other turners who can observe what you are doing and provide insight into what you might need to do differently. We have all skill levels from beginers to several professionals and everywhere in between. Several of us are willing to provide one-on-one lessons too.

 

[Joe Wiener]

Invitation to Chicago Woodturners

Hi, Dan.

I want to second Thomas' invitation. Christian Liberty Academy, 502 West Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights is minutes off of 53/290/355. Half the meeting is dedicated to a demonstration. The guild has a lending library that includes, books, DVD's and magazines. There is a mentor program that is very helpful. Membership includes weekenders like me, professional turners and authors. We typically have 70 to 80 members attend, it is a large space. Visitors are welcome and the membership fee is nominal.

 

[Mark Warden]

Here is a great video to help get you started. http://wonderfulwood.com/video1.html
Also use green wood it is much easier to work and learn with.