Newbie

[Mode]

Hi guys

I have just bought an Axminster AWVSL lathe as I fancied having a go!

First thing to say that as a piece of kit it looks great and I am itching to get started.

What should be my first project?

Which timber for easy first go?

I have read a few posts on here and elsewhere about safety - what would you recommend I should consider in terms of PPE as a minimum?

I saw the Easy Wood Tool turning chisel set which looked great - good idea or OTT to get started?

Sorry to chuck so many questions on my first post!

Mode

[mark270981]

Hi Mode

Welcome to the forum.

There are a couple of guys who turn on here and I am sure they will be along shortly.

I think its safe to say that turning isn't a hot topic on here.

Hopefully the likes of Doug and MR Grimsdale will be able to help you out soon.

[mrgrimsdale]

Hi Mode

Welcome to the forum.

There are a couple of guys who turn on here and I am sure they will be along shortly.

I think its safe to say that turning isn't a hot topic on here.

Hopefully the likes of Doug and MR Grimsdale will be able to help you out soon.

I only do a bit. The occasional knob job etc.
What's PPE?
The main thing is to get stuck in with any old bits of wood you can get your hands on, including softwood.
Perhaps keep the speed well down. You get a better idea of how things are cutting if it's slow.

Small stuff - knobs, shaker pegs, tool handles etc can be made from stuff otherwise only suitable for firewood. Could be prunings from your apple tree, or found stuff from hedgerows, skips, broken furniture. Take a saw with you next time you go near a wood or a thick hedge!

[Mode]

Sorry, PPE is personal protective equipment!

Right, I am going to work my way through my off cuts!!!

Cheers

Mode

[Doug]

All I would add is to think about joining a club, you don`t say where you are, but watching others is an excellent way to learn & I`ve always found wood turners to be more than willing to pass on advice.

[Mode]

Essex! Near stansted

[DogsDanglies]

All I would add is to think about joining a club, you don`t say where you are, but watching others is an excellent way to learn & I`ve always found wood turners to be more than willing to pass on advice.

Quite agree with Doug, if you can find a club, it is an excellent way of learning. One word of warning, if you ask 10 turners their opinion, you'll get 10 different answers - you'll have a busy time sorting the wheat from the chaff, but it all adds to the learning experience.

Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB) have a website with a list of clubs, which might be of some use: http://www.woodturners.co.uk/

If you like reading, there is a book which is generally regarded as a good starting point: Woodturning, A Foundation Course by Keith Rowley

Other than that, just stick any old wood on the lathe (safely!) and have a go. "You can't practice enough"