I really don't know how to get involved in the forum. Sounds like Greek to me. I have been a self-taught woodworker for over 30 years. Everything I have done, cabinets, furniture has been from reading, experiments, and ouch!!. I started turning a couple of years ago with my father-in-law's Craftsman and I burnt up the motor. I am now turning out about 10 or more bowls a week from whatever wood I can get my hands on. Love It. My wood is always local. Aspen, Pine, Russian Olive, Birch, Juniper, and anything I can get my hands on. I have no access to a local group, but I am learning a lot from being a member of AAW. My main problem is knowing what I can put on my bowls that is not toxic. I think most finishes, once they have been cured are nontoxic. I NEED TO KNOW. How do you know?