[BobD]

I think I may be in trouble...

Every year for father's day, my dad and I exchange presents. My son, Michael, died when he was three days old, so my family really makes a point to get celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day...my wife and I are still parents, even if our son is no longer living.

This year, i gave him a couple hard-to-find woodworking books (he's got nearly all the tools he needs...and the ones he wants I can afford (18" bandsaw, etc.). He got me a pen turning lathe with a mandral and a fingernail gouge...

From all that I've heard, I'm in trouble. People tell me that turning is VERY addictive...does anyone know of a support group out there for turners???

Also...does anyone have any favorite woods for tool handles? I've got a few tools that I want to turn new handles for...I've got unlimited access to Cherry, Maple, and Oak...I think Maple will be good, but want to make sure!!!

Bob

[wood-whittler]

bob,

a long while back i got into turning a little and found out it was taking up my carving time,so i had to make a choice carve or turn, i picked carving alot less messy but a neighbor freind is a turner and is starting to get real good. they are both great hobbies and are both very rewarding. all i have to say is that you are right you are in trouble but you can always do both i just dont because i dont have the work space for it all.

as far as wood any of those you mentioned are good for turning as well as most of the exotics just be careful with those they can be toxic, my freind really likes purple heart very pretty wood.

the main thing is to just have fun..


bart

[BobD]

That's what I meant, Bart...I don't want to choose a wood that will irritate my hands when carving...

Thanks for the info, though! I appreciate it!

Bob

[kitt59]

I'm into Pen turning as well as other forms of carving. I've used Maple for most of the handles that I've made. but I'll use any piece of scrap wood that is too small for other uses. The real finishing touch was when I discovered that my local welding supply store sells small brass Ferules that can be used to dress up the handle where the tool inserts the handle. As far as a support group? Well the folks at Woodcraft store actually make the addiction worse by making loads of other projects for woodturners. But What really really did me in was when I discovered Ebay. That's where to find Pen Blanks Galore. I'm hoplessly Hooked. Sorry I don't think there's a cure.
Kitt

[Thomp]

bob,

years ago i bought a chisels & 48"x14 AMT hobby lathe from a feller, put on a washing machiene motor and step pully and turned a 2x4 down to a file handle, i was hooked, next day i spent clamping up all the scraps in the shop into a big frankenstine chunk of mixed wood and trued it out and turned a big bowl for dumping your pockets into at the end of the day, soon nothing around the block was safe, wind broke trees became projects of one sort or another, disgarded table legs and drsk topps, it gets bad if you let it take you ....

I did make some tol handles using 1x2x8 using offset tail stock turning it comes out tapered if you offset the tail or live center off center 1/4" turn the stock then reset the live center to the other side of center same and turn..
use slow speed and wear your bullit proof vest and full face mask, remove stock slowly and take your time...

try it on a piece of waste stock, and remove as much stock as you can with a scrollsaw or bandsaw as you can before chucking it on the lathe...

have fun.. experiance is the best teacher also the wood turners bible. if you need ibsn number i can get it for you... i have one

[decoycarve]

Sounds Like a trip over to Groff & Groff Lumber. Go upstairs and right by the steps he keeps a $1 box. I have got some wood for some of the best pens Iv'e turned out of that box. On the back shelf There are some small pieces of Big Leaf Maple Burl. Makes great pen blanks. Not that far from you may be worth the trip.
Goody

[decoycarve]

Originally Posted by wood-whittler

bob,

all i have to say is that you are right you are in trouble but you can always do both i just dont because i dont have the work space for it all.


bart

Hey Bart,
You can still do both. I have been known to do carvings on the turnings. One that comes to mind is a Robert E. Lee walking stick Left a square block at the top then turned a cannon for the hand hold and a cannonball at the end of the cannon. Then carved a bust of Lee in the square part. I have also turned in the round santas then carve open the skirts and detail the hats and faces. Kinda like what Tina Tony does in her book about crving turned pieces but your not locked in to commercial turnings.
Goody

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by BobD

I think I may be in trouble...

Every year for father's day, my dad and I exchange presents. My son, Michael, died when he was three days old, so my family really makes a point to get celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day...my wife and I are still parents, even if our son is no longer living.

This year, i gave him a couple hard-to-find woodworking books (he's got nearly all the tools he needs...and the ones he wants I can afford (18" bandsaw, etc.). He got me a pen turning lathe with a mandral and a fingernail gouge...

From all that I've heard, I'm in trouble. People tell me that turning is VERY addictive...does anyone know of a support group out there for turners???

Also...does anyone have any favorite woods for tool handles? I've got a few tools that I want to turn new handles for...I've got unlimited access to Cherry, Maple, and Oak...I think Maple will be good, but want to make sure!!!

Bob

He is a site that tells you how to make pens....I have several pen making sites and a google will turn up bunches of lathe sites...http://www.davehylands.com/Wood-Working/Making-Pens/




As for wood, I got some from Israel, some from ebay, some Ipe from a good friend, a bunch of local woods which are all hardwoods...some from a tree in our back yard that turned out to be Mexican Mesquite and beautiful wood...on and on....no shortage of wood available for pens...as it only takes a chunk about 3/4 x 3/4 by about 4 or 5 inches depending on the pen kit. have fun!

[Donna_T]

Bob,
I've had limited experience with turning--just did it a couple of times several years ago. It was fun. I turned walnut to make new handles for carving tools--making longer handles for Harman palm tool shanks. It was a great change and made the tools more usuable.

Just be sure to wear a mask if you get into any spaulted woods. They make beautiful turnings but are bad for the lungs.

And have fun--try different things.

Donna T

[Ashbys]

Bob,

I would try turning ...



but I get dizzy


something soon !

lol