Where to start?

[scottd]

I went to a woodworking show in Atlanta this past weekend and my wife wanted to tag along just to have something to do. She told me that she wasn't really interested in the show but she didn't want to sit at home with nothing to do. My first thought was that I would need to get the few things I wanted and be ready to leave when she had seen all she could stand. Well, not so. She found a crafts display where they were displaying turned Christmas ornaments and decided that she wants to learn to make them. After we got back home I cleaned off the lathe and let her make a square piece round. She didn't hurt herself and did really well but she needs instruction and I don't know enough to help her. So, any suggestions on a book or DVD for beginners? The nearest woodworkers club is 70 miles away but we may join so she can take some lessons. If this is something she wants to do I don't want her to get hurt before she gets started.

Thanks,

Scott

[Ruffnek]

In addition to the turning forums here, have her read "Woodturning Online." www.woodturningonline.com/

Under the "Projects" listing, there are lots of different small projects and tutorials on how to turn most of them.

Turning small objects like Christmas tree ornaments, etc., she should not get hurt, even if she makes a mistake and gets a catch. When turning larger spindle or faceplate pieces, she will need some good instruction and mentoring to avoid an accident.

The best instruction is hands-on with an accomplished turner mentoring her. I'd suggest you have her join the club and set aside a day for one of the club mentors there to come show her the basics. She can then get answers to her questions either here or from a club mentor.

I think it's great that she wants to learn turning. Have her register here and introduce herself, too.

[sawduster]

Both congratulations and regrets. Congratulations that your significant other has been drawn into at least part of your hobby and should lead to lots of great time spent together. Regrets that you will likely never again get to use your lathe. ;D Well, maybe you can get a second one, huh?

I agree with Cody, while books and videos and such are good learning tools, hands on with a mentor to make those little bitty adjustments to technique is the way to go if you have access to someone.

[scottd]

Thanks for the replys. I found a retiree that lives close by and gives lessons on woodturning. I've called him and we're going to stop by his shop this weekend. I'm ordering a book and DVD on turning for both of us to use, also ordering the small set of PSI turning tools. I'll try to get her to register here after she gets a lesson or two.

[Ruffnek]

I think that's an excellent way to learn and have fun, too. Thanks for updating us.

[scottd]

Well, my wife found some small bird houses on the net that she liked so she chucked up a piece of pine and turned one. To turn the things she wants to make she will need a chuck. I've looked and there are several to chose from and there isn't too much difference in price. Which is the best all round unit for turning small projects?

Scott

[scottd]

How about this one? Reviews are good and price is reasonable.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIACTG/ref=s9_simi_gw_p60_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0AMGNXJDH86Q6SPE4GZP&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

[fredbelknap]

Scott I think Cajun Ryder has one like that you might contact him. I think his is gold plated but same everything else..

[dicklaxt]

Chucks are like cars they all work,thats a good chuck you have referenced.while you are at it you might just as well get the package with the Jumbo jaws and live center.......you will need the live center if you don't have one and I used my jumbo jaws a lot when I was still turning.The red handled hex drive pictured is to tighten the chuck screws when you interchange them,be very careful not to over tighten them as they easily seize.I would suggest you get a tube of Anti Seize paste ,it's not a lot of fun drilling one out and extracting later..a spur drive is also very handy.......

good luck

dick

[Ruffnek]

I haven't read anything negative about the Barracuda chuck from PSI and it comes with multiple jaw sets. It looks like a bargain.

However, for long term use, I went with the Oneway Talon chuck. It's a very good chuck and unless your lathe has more than a 12" swing, it will hold anything that you can turn.

If you intend to move into the 15" + diameter sized turnings, then think about the Oneway Titan.

[scottd]

Update....Wife (Pam) went for her lesson today and had a great time. This guy has one hell of a shop. His main lathe is a One Way 2436 and he has 3 Jet 1220VS that he uses to teach. Pam was the only one there so they used the One Way. They worked for about 2 hours, mostly on safety issues but he showed her how to use the tools and how "not" to use the tools. He gave me a quick lesson on how to sharpen the tools and how he reshapes some of his for detail work. All in all it was time well spent. The first lesson was free and next time it will be about $20 an hour.
I ordered the PSI chuck package with the large jaw set (already have live ctrs). When it gets here and we've used it I'll post up my opinon of the product. I passed on the Talon for the extras that come with the PSI. If she "really" gets into turning we'll get a VS mini lathe and probably another chuck. We'll see...

Thanks for the feedback,

Scott