Paul Douglas

[Paul Douglas]

Hi
My name is Paul Douglas, and I wanted to join because I just got myself a old sears roebuck lathe, I enjoyed what I may be able to do. But my problem is , once I round out a piece of wood I don't know what to make or how to make it...I've watch videos, but cannot even make a Christmas tree. About 20 in the garbage. I can't find tutoring that I can afford.ive ruined two chiles by sharpening, it's getting frustrating.... i make sliding barn doors mostly but wanted to try turning . Ill post pics of my home workshop when i learn how here ...help. please

 

[Dave Landers]

Your best bet is to find an AAW chapter near you. Go to a couple meetings, you'll meet some people, get some support/ideas, and probably find a mentor. Having someone look over your shoulder and point out how to improve is something you just can't get on YouTube.
Check here: https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturner/AAWConnects/AAW-Connects.aspx for chapters near you. You can, for example, select Ontario in the state/province thingy.
Even if it's an hour or so away, it's worth going to a meeting or two. I drive a 2-hour round trip to our monthly meeting, and I find it totally worth it. You might find someone else in the area to ride-share with, and many clubs are streaming their meetings, so you can "attend" online when you're unable to drive.

The AAW also has a curated list of topics and videos here: https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturner/Woodturner/About/Learning-Resources.aspx - those have been reviewed for content and safety. That requires an AAW membership, but you can get a 3-month free "test-drive" (Affiliate Membership) : https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturner/Woodturner/Join-Pages/Ways-to-Join-Woodturners.aspx

 

[Rick Urban]

Welcome, Paul. I know how frustrating it can be getting started. Take @Dave Landers advice! Joining with other woodturners, especially via AAW chapters, is the single best thing you can do in the beginning.

 

[Paul Douglas]

Thank you guys...there is a Simcoe wood turners club
I can try to get ahold of them
Thank you

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

Welcome to the forum. Trying the club will be your best step forward. There are also lots of spindle projects you can do like tops and ornaments and on up to spoons and spatulas

 

[Curt George]

Hi
My name is Paul Douglas, and I wanted to join because I just got myself a old sears roebuck lathe, I enjoyed what I may be able to do. But my problem is , once I round out a piece of wood I don't know what to make or how to make it...I've watch videos, but cannot even make a Christmas tree. About 20 in the garbage. I can't find tutoring that I can afford.ive ruined two chiles by sharpening, it's getting frustrating.... i make sliding barn doors mostly but wanted to try turning . Ill post pics of my home workshop when i learn how here ...help. please

Hello Paul.
PLAY with your lathe as much as you can, Don't try to make anything. work on your eye hand skills, (types of cuts) AND YOUR BASE/ how you stand. using your body not your arm to control the cutting of the lathe chisels. (something most people do not think of, when turning.)
Also use "Green Wood" (cut off scraps and tree limbs) for practice. Make lots of shavings. enjoy the process not the results.

As a general rule of thumb that I like to think of, is Never tell people what you are making, until you are done. This way the 4 posted bed that you wanted to make, wont looks so bad a an pencil box. ;-p

All kidding aside. I think of GREEN Wood and FUN! and Dried wood as WORK! Play as much as you can, enjoy using the lathe before you try to make it WORK.

C.A.G.

 

[Paul Douglas]

Thank you guys a lot of that makes real sense, I'll work on it
Paul