Mark Racowsky

[Mark T Racowsky]

Hello from northern California. I'm a former High School teacher (math) who has been working (with) wood since I was in Jr. High School and now I'm well beyond that age. I became interested in lathe work about 30 years ago… Goodness! when I put it in those terms it doesn't seem like it has been that long. Anyway, I've taken a few classes when time and money became available and now I focus mostly on bowls and boxes making bottle stoppers and back scratchers with left over scraps. I've sold a few items but mostly give my products away to friends or make charitable donations. I recently upgraded my Nova 16-24 belt-drive to the DVR Headstock and, so far, I'm pretty glad I did, although there's a lot to the control module beyond controlling speed that, at this time, leaves me clueless. At least I know how to control the speed so I can still operate the machine. I don't typically take photos of my bowls, although I have been encouraged to do so. Still, I do have a few pics and I've attached those photos I could find of three of my bowls. Oh, and a picture of my dog Maggie in front of my shop. Lathe with welding helmet (since replaced with an Airshield Pro) sitting on the lathe bed.

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

Welcome to the forum. I really like that first bowl

 

[Monty Ivy]

Howdy and welcome from Texas! I really like the walnut piece. Gracie the shop dog says hello to Maggie.

 

[Mark T Racowsky]

Welcome to the forum. I really like that first bowl

Thank you. The finger joints of the butcher block created some surprising character to the piece.

 

[Mark T Racowsky]

Howdy and welcome from Texas! I really like the walnut piece. Gracie the shop dog says hello to Maggie.
View attachment 49997

Thank you. And Maggie says hello back.

 

[Michael Anderson]

Hi Mark, welcome form Chattanooga! That’s a nice looking shop and shop dog. I’m a big fan of that Ash bowl. Looking forward to seeing more of your pieces!

 

[Mark T Racowsky]

Hi Michael, thank you. The shop is a point of pride and a lifelong collection. The shop dog thanks you for your kindness.
Here are a couple more pictures of the ash bowl.

 

[Bill Boehme]

Welcome to the AAW forum,Mark.

 

[Mark T Racowsky]

Thank you, Bill. Glad to be back after a long hiatus.

 

[Peter D'Attomo]

Hello and welcome from Arizona Mark. Been up your way numerous times to Weaverville, home of madrone. Love your ash bowl and the undercut

 

[Mark T Racowsky]

Thank you, Peter. Madrone in Weaverville? I didn’t know that. I pass through Weaverville often. Maybe I’ll go lookin’.

 

[Doug Freeman]

I recently upgraded my Nova 16-24 belt-drive to the DVR Headstock and, so far, I'm pretty glad I did, although there's a lot to the control module beyond controlling speed that, at this time, leaves me clueless.

Welcome! The upgrade you have is very similar to the drive on my Nova Galaxi. 3 settings to look into:

> catch sensing - found this too sensitive, I leave it off. The drive will still sense a heavy dig-in and trip.

> speed ramp - how fast the drive ramps up

> electronic brake - how fast the drive stops from current speed. From the middle setting and up, it will cause a chuck or faceplate to unwind with moderately heavy work. I use it, but my all chucks and faceplates have a set screw. I also hollow in reverse. Great for a quck inspection of progress.

 

[Mark T Racowsky]

Doug, Thanks for the welcome, and thank you so much for the settings information. All I got in the way of information was how to find the them. I'll probably check out the catch sensing for my lathe, but I'll probably do what you're doing in the end.
You hollow in reverse? I've never tried that. I guess you can see better without having to break your back and strain your neck. Huh. I'll have to give that a shot. Thanks, again!
M