I've had this lathe for several years now,..just hadn't jumped in yet. Today was the day. Had some blue spruce that I recently cut down,..tree was dead..it seemed dry enough but after the bark was knocked off it acted like it wanted to fray a bit,...so I got into my curly maple scraps. I knew it was dry. Keep in mind I've never turned wood and my choice of species may have not been ideal,......but live and learn. All my tools are hong kong specials straight out of the box,....I'll upgrade when I figure out what I use the most. Before my next session they will get a good sharpening 

 

My projects will be making some stands for my powder horns to sit on.......and things of that nature...but for fun I plan on turning some snowmen and customizing them from there....and a few other Christmas things...but has for now here is a very small future tiger maple snowman 

Edited April 27, 20205 yr by aaronc

Heres where I gave the spruce up and got the maple out ,....I grabbed the middle one,...looked like the best candidate for today anyway.

 

 

Edited April 27, 20205 yr by aaronc

Looks like you're off to a good start Aaron. 

Good start, now make something like a file handle. Those are fairly simple and can be any size that fits your hand.

 

Warning, this is highly addictive. 

Too late to turn back now!! Great start on the snowman!

 

Looks like you have a good setup on the lathe alignment and a really nice set of tools.

I believe I have same set. Have had for long time.  Work good, just have to sharpen when they get dull.

Tools and alignment look great.  At least, the tools have a very nice box to reside in.  Doesn't maple cut sweetly compared to fir?  

 

One point that may not be necessary, but if it were me, I would move the tool rest as close to the wood or centers as possible.  You will find better control. 

 

You are off to a great start.  As others have said, you are in trouble now.  

Edited April 28, 20205 yr by FlGatorwood

4 minutes ago, FlGatorwood said:

Tools and alignment look great.  At least, the tools have a very nice box to reside in.  Doesn't maple cut sweetly compared to fir?  

 

One point that may not be necessary, but if it were me, I would move the tool rest as close to the wood or centers as possible.  You will find better control. 

 

You are off to a great start.  As others have said, you are in trouble now.  

 

 

Ha yeah maple was much better,....curly maple is my favorite stuff anyway so I''m glad I was able to somewhat get a snowman out of it...

 

,...and yes sir thanks for the tip on the tool rest,...that was as close as it would get without rearranging some handles on my set screw for the rest,..one of them was in the way so couldn't  get any closer.....I just went with it,....I'll fine tune her next time .

 

I got plans for the snowman,..he'll get him self decked out with a custom hat and some accessories after some staining 

Way to go.  Now you're sucked in to the void like the rest of us.  Enjoy.

Edited April 28, 20205 yr by HandyDan

That’s a nice start ! There are a lot of tutorials on YouTube which can be helpful. The first thing to master is sharpening the chisels. It’s the difference between frustration and fun. Don’t get crazy and buy a bunch of expensive sharpening setups. If you have a stationary or hand held belt sander you have all the tool you need. With very little effort you can build your own jigs and get the razor sharp edge you need. Another great idea is to find a local turning club. There is generally one around. Spending a day with an experienced turner will put you miles ahead on the curve and increase the fun factor. 
Paul

Looks like you are on your way to being a wood Turner. I have the same lathe and tools. I am 79 had not turned anything sense high school until 3 years ago started again. It is advice. 

8 hours ago, LWS said:

Looks like you are on your way to being a wood Turner. I have the same lathe and tools. I am 79 had not turned anything sense high school until 3 years ago started again. It is advice. 

Can't wait to see some of your turnings!!

You are hooked now. All it takes is turning that first piece then it becomes an addiction.

 

You are indeed off to a great start. Now you will find yourself saying "what if"  Then you will be lost in your own little world of turning and learning

I’m not addicted to turning. No I’m not. I could quit anytime I want. Really I could. I’m sure I could. I could get a therapist to help. Maybe aversion therapy. Hmmm. I could get an elastic wrist band and snap it every time my hand reaches for that beautiful, lovely on switch for the lathe. But then what would life be like post turning ? 😎
 

9 minutes ago, Masonsailor said:

I’m not addicted to turning. No I’m not. I could quit anytime I want. Really I could. I’m sure I could. I could get a therapist to help. Maybe aversion therapy. Hmmm. I could get an elastic wrist band and snap it every time my hand reaches for that beautiful, lovely on switch for the lathe. But then what would life be like post turning ? 😎
 

I will quit turning when they peel the chisel from my cold dead fingers!!!