Hello, and thank you for accepting me to the forum! I am new to turning as of 5 weeks ago. Took an intro to lathe class with my wife at a local Woodcraft and fell in love. Bought a Jet JWL 1015 the next day along with several tools and accessories. To this point I have turned 5 bowls of different species of wood, and one "trinket" box. I am quickly learning that I have limitations due to lack of experience. I watch a ton of youtube videos and the instruction provided can be, and is valuable, but does not take the place of having someone with me. I have heard that woodturners are the friendliest and most helpful of all wood wood workers and that they are almost always more than willing to help. My question is out of ignorance, but are there any resources to find a local mentor? There is a local turning group that has monthly meetings that I would like to attend when work schedule allows, but I have missed this and the previous months due to work commitments. Also, any advice on approaching others for assistance would be greatly appreciated. I live in Manassas, Virginia if it helps. Thank you for reading.
Tom
Tom