New lathe owner has questions

[lago]

I just acquired a Delta lathe 46-541P, turning tools, and I think the rest of the parts to make it operational.

Having never used a lathe before, I am at a loss as to where to start. I am looking around locally for some shop classes or someone to come and give me some starter lessons but I will settle for a good book on turning.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Ken

[bmyers]

Head over to the library and look for anything by Richard Raffen (Raffan?).. He has some videos and books published by Tauton. It's should get you started anyway.

After that you'll probably be totally hooked and buying chucks and chisels like there's no tomorrow.

Enjoy,
Bill

[Ken Weaver]

quote:Originally posted by lago

Having never used a lathe before, I am at a loss as to where to start. I am looking around locally for some shop classes or someone to come and give me some starter lessons but I will settle for a good book on turning.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Ken

What Bill said - I'm in the same boat. Found the reading interesting and now I look differently at the scrap pile.

[Ken Massingale]

quote:

What Bill said - I'm in the same boat. Found the reading interesting and now I look differently at the scrap pile.

Betcha think you'll get those pieces of Walnut back, HEH???
NO WAY!!![}][}]
ken

On a serious note, Amazon has Raffan's books and most have video on DVD, which must be bought seperately. When I purchase another, I think it will be only the video, I get more 'meat' when seeing a process done.
Also, before buying anywhere, check overstock.com, I got a couple there for a fraction of Amazon's price.
Dr. Weaver, you may certainly borrow mine, if you want.

[lago]

After bmyers post, I checked amazon.com and saw that Raffen had a lot of books. Need to make a stop by Borders or Barnes & Noble. Now I have not heard of overstock.com but that will be another stop.

Thanks
Ken

[Chuck C]

Raffan has a good one called "TURNING BOXES"
But go to Ken's site you won't regret it.

http://www.theturnersshop.com/

He has some instructions for step by step boxes on his site. He is on this forum Raffan is not.

[Ken Massingale]

quote:Originally posted by Chuck C

Raffan has a good one called "TURNING BOXES"
But go to Ken's site you won't regret it.

http://www.theturnersshop.com/

He has some instructions for step by step boxes on his site. He is on this forum Raffan is not.

[^]Very good point. Chuck![8D]

[mmcduffie]

Penn State still has their pen turning DVD for free. It's part ad and part instruction but it worth the price

Michael

[kwgeorge]

Raffan is very good and I have learned a lot from his videos and books. I also enjoy his humor. What you must keep in mind though is that Raffan is a production turner who has been turning for many years. By being a production turner it is all about speed for him. He does not always use the safest methods and has a tendency to progress a bit too quickly. Probably the best video I ever have seen on turning and by far the most educational was a short segment by Dick Sing in the Woodworking at Home DVD magazine issue #8. This segment was titled Turning with Gouges.

If you really want to get into turning then you should check out several turners like Bill Grumbine (Hope I dint kill his name with my spelling), Alan Lacer and so on. These are very good teachers. I suppose hands on instruction would be the best way to go and I wish I would have had time to have done that myself.

What I have found is never try to copy anyone’s style or methods but draw the best of what works for you from as many sources as you can.

[guycox]

For the beginner -- I'm a fan of Del Stubbs. From his presentations I'm not sure if he's a wood turner or a wood worshiper (maybe there's no difference).

After you turn you first bowl or weed pot, it's not just you scrap pile that you'll be looking at differently -- it'll be every dead or dying tree. You'll keep at least a bow saw in your car -- maybe a chain saw. You'll block traffic to check out a pile of logs on the side of the road..

Put down the gouge, keep both your hands in plain sight and step away from the lathe before it's too late.