I am far from organized as a new turner, but I do feel the need already, that's a good sign right? 

I have to confess, I am the wrong person to ask this question let alone answer it.

Can't remember the last time my shop was that clean. Worse thing about wood turning, there are no more scraps, this little piece could be finial, or it could an accent, or I don't know but I'll throw it in this box and use it later. I probably have 5 or 6 such boxes sitting around now.

Steve

I got tools sitting on a chair, I figured perhaps I should have a work table nearby? 

I also need to invest in calipers. Also, where do you all purchase your strip sand paper from? I'm going through my sheets pretty quick, they are not made for this type of sanding. 

And, what speed is advisable to sand on?

Instead of sand paper, try the Abranet screen product-  http://www.supergrit.com/ABRANETROLLS other places have this too. It is very flexible and lets you get into those tight places. It doesn't clog like sandpaper.

 

As for speed for sanding- slowest possible is what I use. Prevents over heating and clogging. 

 

Calipers? Here's a set that would cover most any turning situation

http://www.leevalley.com/US/hardware/page.aspx?p=66818&cat=1,43513,43550&ap=1 These are i-gauging brand. I have some of their earlier stuff the batteries didn't last too long.

John I use underlathe drawers and rolling drawer units for storage.

Sand on low speed starting at 400 and getting a little slower with each grit.

I do not use strips . I cut Norton 3X into quarter sheets and fold into thirds. Also I do about 2/3 of the sanding with power sander.

Calipers I have about every kind in the book most from HF. Their digital are good and there is a set of manual also. For bowl thickness I use the Sorby ones that look like double end caliper and in this category it is all over the map. If I had to redo I would get the digital type thickness gauge.

I use Mirka base cut paper for hand sanding, sheets. Like Gerald I cut into smaller pieces, in my case I get 12 pieces from a sheet. Do you have a sandpaper cutter? Simplest thing in the world to make

A worn out hack saw blade and a piece of scrap plywood. FYI, the smooth side of the blade cuts the paper better than the toothed side. This one isn't mine, mine is much more crude. For calipers, again, like Gerald, I have dozens, different types for different situations. For spindle work a cheap pair of verniers(or three) will work just fine. Grind the points off so they don't dig into the wood and grab. I do have a tool rack for my lathe tools but when I'm turning, more often than not they are on the lathe bed. For chucks, face plates, centers,etc etc I have rolling mechanics cabinets.

 

Steve

I'm glad I don't have a lathe. I'm sure I would become addicted to it.

59 minutes ago, It Was Al B said:

I'm glad I don't have a lathe. I'm sure I would become addicted to it.

I'll just feed my addiction reading this forum by watching & learning from the experts...never tire seeing their creativity and craftsmanship.

Simply amazing what shows up on a weekly basis; I'll keep trying flat work stuff until I get respectable at that.

Until then tho..."...Big Wheels, Keep on Turning, Turning..."  (courtesy of CCR)

 

Edit add: BTW @John Morris, wish my "disorganization" looked as neat a yours...

Edited January 8, 20179 yr by Grandpadave52

1 hour ago, lew said:

Calipers? Here's a set that would cover most any turning situation

Those are cool calipers Lew! And thanks for the tips on the sandpaper, appreciate it much!

1 hour ago, Gerald said:

I cut Norton 3X into quarter sheets and fold into thirds.

Gerald, thanks for that, I was doing just that but going through it pretty good, the reason is, after reading your tips, I had my speed set too high. I need to slow it down for sure and I'll get more life from my paper, thanks Gerald.

And thanks for the suggestions on the calipers too.

1 hour ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

Grind the points off so they don't dig into the wood and grab.

Thanks for all your tips Steve, this one stood out the most though, so I am assuming your placing calipers on a moving spindle or bowl. I didn't know if that was standard operating procedure or not so I erred on the side caution and turned the lathe off before I did a caliper check. With standard calipers, then it's ok to check dimensions while it's spinning, as long as the points are rounded or smooth?

1 hour ago, It Was Al B said:

I'm glad I don't have a lathe. I'm sure I would become addicted to it.

Yes you would, I am almost there already! And I'm only doing spindles!

16 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

BTW @John Morris, wish my "disorganization" looked as neat a yours...

I'm telling ya guys, the shop aint all that neat! Pics always make shops look better than what they are!

As far as calipers go, if I just get a half dozen of thesehttp://www.grizzly.com/products/Stainless-Steel-Outside-Spring-Caliper-8-/G9275?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com  I'd be good to go, and I could keep them set for one use only. I'll be turning spindles for chairs and there about a half dozen common dimensions that I could use each one on. Sound reasonable?

I'd prefer to find some well made ones at a garage sale though, or perhaps on Ebay.

2 minutes ago, John Morris said:

I'm telling ya guys, the shop aint all that neat! Pics always make shops look better than what they are!

Well I need to get a camera or phone like yours then 'cause mine takes some pretty messy pictures no matter what the angle or how many shots... 

Just now, Grandpadave52 said:

Well I need to get a camera or phone like yours then 'cause mine takes some pretty messy pictures no matter what the angle or how many shots... 

Also Dave, I don't have whole lot of "Stuff".

I'm rationalizing now aint I?

I like these at http://www.ebay.com/itm/Starrett-0-6-Capacity-Spring-Type-Caliper-Flat-Legs-Unused-/332069603098?hash=item4d50e4071a:g:nvwAAOSwepJXXclQ

and http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Nork-Los-Angeles-6-Spring-Type-Outside-Caliper-/232198510071?hash=item36101c15f7:g:Ys8AAOSwA3dYcH3x

If I could get about 6 of those at a reasonable price, I'd be happy.

1 minute ago, John Morris said:

Also Dave, I don't have whole lot of "Stuff".

I'm rationalizing now aint I?

 Probably...

Shoot, my button finger hit Buy Now, and it bought now! Got these just now off of Ebay for 12 bucks including shipping, nice American made 6" caliper.