While turning a kinda long piece on the lathe, I would turn left to right and back. Then maybe the next time I'd just turn L to R and go back and do L to Right again. That got me to wondering. I know it is the most efficient when you go both ways. 

 

ARE YOU MOST COMFORTABLE GOING ONE WAY ONLY OR DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOU?

No, no matter, do whatever the situation calls for.

I am ambidextrous so either works. To be a good turner in my opinion you will need to learn to turn with both hands. Yes it could be done with one but is much more practical and easy with both. As to direction in spindle turning I usually go both directions to start on rough out and then mostly tailstock to headstock for finish cuts. Finials always go headstock to tailstock for the cut but start in sections at the tailstock. So I guess you could say it all depends on what I am turning.

18 minutes ago, Gerald said:

I am ambidextrous

 

Same for me, either hand as needed.

Ditto what Steve and the others said.  Turners need to be able to work either direction.  The piece your are turning most often dictates which way is best to go.

What everyone else said. 

It also depends on what type of piece your making and the type of tools you are using and gouges.  But either way it doesn't really matter.  I use carbide tools so it goes either way with what I'm working on.

13 hours ago, HandyDan said:

Ditto what Steve and the others said.  Turners need to be able to work either direction.  The piece your are turning most often dictates which way is best to go.

When I turn the small details, as stated above, the piece dictates which way.

Guess I have much to learn.  I am extremely right handed and I do move the gouge both directions after the initial rounding.  I normally start with the tail stock and work up to the drive spur or chuck.  I find it awkward to work near the headstock.  So, like Gerald said, I need to learn to put the handle in my left hand and try working that way.  Thanks, guys.  

1 hour ago, FlGatorwood said:

Guess I have much to learn.  I am extremely right handed and I do move the gouge both directions after the initial rounding.  I normally start with the tail stock and work up to the drive spur or chuck.  I find it awkward to work near the headstock.  So, like Gerald said, I need to learn to put the handle in my left hand and try working that way.  Thanks, guys.  

 That is the way I started also. As I progressed, I found using my left hand was an acquired skill and I hadn't acquired it so good. It did get better.

I'm an Ambidextrous Dyslexic so...

 

is it still ambidextrous, if it’s matter of equally bad with either hand?

2 hours ago, Artie said:

is it still ambidextrous, if it’s matter of equally bad with either hand?

 

..I think that means don't try chewing gum, and walking up/down stairs at the same time.

When my oldest daughter was young, she was ambidextrous. She  couldn't decide which hand to use, so she used the one closest to whatever she was doing. She could write and draw equally with either hand. She could even sign her name with both hands at the same time. I didn't believe it, until I saw it.

Being Ambidextrous had it's advantages when working in the auto assembly plant.

There were some jobs that were just plain easier to do left handed.

2 hours ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Being Ambidextrous had it's advantages when working in the auto assembly plant.

There were some jobs that were just plain easier to do left handed.

That reminds me of something my high school construction shop teacher told us. He said if you have the opportunity to pick a work partner, pick one that is the opposite hand than yourself.

20 hours ago, Larry Buskirk said:

 

..I think that means don't try chewing gum, and walking up/down stairs at the same time.

What do you think I am, some kind of athlete?

14 hours ago, lew said:

That reminds me of something my high school construction shop teacher told us. He said if you have the opportunity to pick a work partner, pick one that is the opposite hand than yourself.

So...female, smart, good looking, and co-ordinated.

2 hours ago, Artie said:

17 hours ago, lew said:

That reminds me of something my high school construction shop teacher told us. He said if you have the opportunity to pick a work partner, pick one that is the opposite hand than yourself.

So...female, smart, good looking, and co-ordinated.

 

5 hours ago, Artie said:

What do you think I am, some kind of athlete?

.........But I'll bet when she's around...

5 hours ago, Artie said:

So...female, smart, good looking, and co-ordinated.

......

Edited December 12, 20205 yr by Larry Buskirk