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Walt Valiant

W

Walt Valiant

Joined
Jul 26, 2025
Messages
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Location
Lafayette, IN
Hello.
I currently am in the Lafayette, Indiana area. I am relatively new to wood turning. I do have a mini Jet lathe that is great for pens, small bowls etc. I am looking forward to having some time to learn and experiment.
 
Hello Walt! Yes, having some time is a great help!

And mini lathe is a great start! If you can find a turning club close it might be a good way to meet people, share resources, and find instruction and mentors.

I've been turning almost 25 years. My own biased, personal advice is to learn general spindle turning, an extension of pen turning. Some pros, experts and non-experts (like me) say spindle turning can teach the fine tool control that will let you turn anything you can imagine, including amazing bowls and forms. It doesn't always work the same in the other direction. The first tool I put in a beginner's hand is the skew.

JKJ
 
Last edited:
Welcome to the forum Walt!

I second what John said about spindle turning. Al Hockenberry also told me that I should practice beads and coves a lot. It’s made a real difference in my turning
 
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