John Murray

[John Murray]

Hi all, I am a newbie turner. I have enjoyed woodworking as a hobby for well over 40 years and have always had a fascination with woodturning. I have been reading/researching/watching videos etc for well over a year on turning. I recently bought my first lathe, a used PW 3520b. Yes, I know I did not go through the right of passage to start small and work my way up, but I liked the advise I read on a lot of forums, to buy your second lathe first. I have joined a local club and have been to two of their meetings and will be contacting one of the mentors to help me get going on this new venture into woodworking. I also joined AAW this week. I feel like a sponge at the moment and I know my learning curve is pretty much vertical but I am excited to start making shavings. Thank you in advance for your wisdom and advice as I am sure I will need it.

 

[hockenbery]

Welcome to the forum

You are on your way to a good start.

I have been reading/researching/watching videos etc for well over a year on turning. I recently bought my first lathe, a used PW 3520b

When many of us started there were no mini-lathes.

The danger with a powermatic is that I can throw a big piece of wood at you.
Mini lathes can only throw small pieces.
Getting hit with a small piece can send you to the ER.
Getting hit with a big piece can kill you.

joined a local club and have been to two of their meetings and will be contacting one of the mentors to help me get going

This is the way to go. With a good mentor you will be very unlikely to ever get hit directly by a piece of wood.
You will be taught how to hold the wood securely on the lathe. Where to stand out of the “line of Fire” so you won’t get hit.

I have had a few students who never had a real catch. Not need to have that experience.

 

[RichColvin]

I love my Powermatic 3520B. Great choice!

 

[Bill Boehme]

Welcome aboard the AAW forum, John. Looks like you are doing everything right and in the correct sequence.

I wish that I had bought my third lathe first, but it didn't exist at the time so I had to do my time going through the sequence of bad lathe then good lathe and finally when the Robust American Beauty came along, great lathe.

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

Welcome to the crew. Like Bill I wish my third lathe was my first, but also head What Al said thPM can really send a projectile and don't ask me how I know that.

 

[Lamar Wright]

Welcome to the forum John, you'll like it here!

 

[John Murray]

Thank you all for the welcome and safety precautions. I am already enjoying the forum.

 

[John Torchick]

Welcome to the forum and to AAW. Your local chapter will be a gold mine of information. I found that the members here and at the chapter are great to hand out information. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Remember, one good turn deserves another!

 

[Robert Buonfiglio]

Welcome John