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Learning curve

Spike Cornelius

Spike Cornelius

Joined
Jun 10, 2021
Messages
147
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217
Location
Oregon City, Oregon
I have been here for a very short time, but have learned A few things already. From Robo Hippy the comprehensive use of scrapers for shaping and using a gouge one handed, that really helped me lighten my grip on the tools. Just recently from Al some videos of turning wet that added to things I knew but had not really internalized, and the suggestion to use a light to judge wall thickness. I have seen a lot of that watching Yamabiko Wood Art on YouTube.
I just turned a piece of fresh Mugo Pine, for the walls down to 3/16“ and the very bottom 3/8”. Now to see what happens as it dries! I’m on the verge of putting some kind of finish on it….
Thanks for all the help!
 

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Thanks Emiliano, I have actually been turning for close to 35 years, but mostly small stuff and sufficiently intermittent as to obviate any muscle memory, not to mention lack of on site instruction. Since moving here I have been turning a lot and it has made a big difference in how much fun it has become!
Best, Spike
 
Everyone starting out has the grip of death on the tools, once you learn to sharpen the tool and let the tool do the work you will loosen the grip on the tool.
At that point you will encounter a bad tool catch throwing the tool from your hands, starting the death grip all over again until you learn the proper use of each tool
and what its limits are when turning on the lathe. Some people have a hard time mastering the Skew, others with a gouge, etc. They all take time to master.
 
Yes, time to master, that is what I have been doing, finally having the time to spend with the tools in my hands. The more I turn, deliberately using each of my tools, the fewer catches I have and the better my turnings turn out!
Best, Spike
 
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