New to Wood Turning

[fortress]

Hello and welcome Paul, that's a very nice unit you've made, I'm sure your pens will be the same quality too.

 

[Bill Mooney]

Welcome aboard Paul.

 

[paultay23]

Well i am ready for my new Lathe, which arrives Monday. Spent all day removing timber from the Timber trolley (repairing it) Then rehanding a 1950's desk i got off my brother and cutting it down in depth. Got to put the timber back and find room for my Tablesaw.

 

[KevinMc]

Welcome.... looking forward to seeing what you come up with in your workshop.

Kevin

 

[paultay23]

Well it arrived, My mandrel with 5 starter pen kits has not arrived yet, so i turned a file handle to try the lathe out, my missus reckons its a £600 handle

 

[Penpal]

Some handle there mate,well worth the effort so far. Wives speak truisms as well,have a habit of reminding us where our priorities actually are.At ours we have a good understanding. Also I find even our pets jump in for their share of attention when I use the forum.

Peter.

 

[paultay23]

Thanks Peter, could i pick your brain for a second. with my midi lathe i got an 8" Toolrest, i can see the logic of purchasing the longest rest Record Power do for my lathe a 12"
But under what circumstances would i need a 4" or 6" toolrest.
if this question needs to go on another forum, please let me know
Cheers Paul

 

[Gadget-UK]

hi and welome.
Some great advice and help always available and some wonderfull creations.
Look forward to seeing your photos

 

[Penpal]

Thanks Peter, could i pick your brain for a second. with my midi lathe i got an 8" Toolrest, i can see the logic of purchasing the longest rest Record Power do for my lathe a 12"
But under what circumstances would i need a 4" or 6" toolrest.
if this question needs to go on another forum, please let me know
Cheers Paul

The beauty of a normal pen rest is they are easy to shift along for the odd occasional need. If not give thought to making your own. I always have by cutting a piece of plate welding with a stick welder to a fitting stem. I found accidentally that 45 degrees makes a
perfect slope for me cause I can rest the chisel on it and that fatigue in use goes away. If you scroll back to my post number 6 on this thread pics 2,3&4 show the one I love for pens. Last year I gave away my two welders to a mens shed. The post and rest came from scrap at a steel merchants. It is important to have a snuggish post. Now you look up your handy mates if you are unable to make these yourself. What prompted this in the first place was I ran the dust extraction between the rails of the lathe and I needed the extra depth. For me a happy happenstance. Have fun,the desire and need to Do It Myself has pushed me into so many skills.

And yes you will always need a short 4 inch rest because you need to fit it between and up close to the pen blank(I only ever do one blank at a time).

Kind regards Peter.

 

[paultay23]

Thanks Peter, you have given me the perfect reason to have a 4" rest, i would never have thought of that...cheers
Paul

 

[paultay23]

Well, having set up my workshop to accommodate my first lathe, i have spent a few hours turning in earnest for the first time. I made one major mistake, but recovered and i produced these five slimline pens, One Walnut, One Iroko, One Tulip and a couple of resin. I have some blanks left but need to get some more pen kits and CA Glue. I am reasonable pleased with my effort, not bad for a first effort turning.

 

[Penpal]

Thanks for sharing the results,over time you will change and adjust ,its great to have fun.

Peter.

 

[Steve68]

Hi Paul & welcome.

Quite new here myself but it's a great place to find help and information. A friendly bunch indeed.

 

[JerseyBill]

Welcome Paul. As you have seen already, some really knowledgeable and helpful people on here! Enjoy the hobby and continue to share photos! Good looking start for sure!