Easy Does It
I was reminded of a truth I learned long ago at The Woodworking Show in West Springfield, Massachusetts this past weekend.
If there is an EASY choice, most people will choose that one, most of the time.
This time of year lots of folks begin our conversation with “I got a lathe for Christmas. Now what?” My counsel these days is some version of “The four pillars of turning speech.”
The Lathe itself Chucks or work holding devices (faceplates, spur drives, etc.) Tools – Carbide or High Speed Steel Some way to keep the tools sharp Carbide – Install new cutters (The Easy Choice) HSS – Obtain and learn to use a sharpening station, grinder and jigs (The Hard Choice)
Carbide tools eliminate one-fourth of the requirements and expense. You don’t need a grinder or the sharpening jigs nor do you need to learn how to use the jigs if you only use carbide tipped turning tools. Using carbide tipped tools for a beginner is much easier and that is the path more and more new turners are taking. They also stick with turning as a hobby much longer.
I actually applaud this choice and recommend it these days. When learning any new skill, if it is difficult and frustrating, most people will not stick with it for long. If it is relatively easy, more folks will continue on and get more interested. Then after they find out how rewarding our craft can be, they will go on to seek better faster ways of doing things. Most of the time, High Speed Steel Tools are better and faster (when they are sharp!).
In addition, a new turner is reluctant to invest in expensive equipment that they might lose interest in shortly. A proper sharpening station will cost between $300 and $600. I encourage them to begin with carbide tipped tools and later add the HSS tools to their tool box. I would rather they have early quick and easy success at making something beautiful out of wood or acrylic, than struggle trying to learn too much all at once.
Most of us are up for a challenge once in a while, but when it is a constant struggle, it is very easy to quickly lose interest. That is why we teach our children their ABCs with an easy song rather than beginning by teaching them to spell chrysanemum, chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum, . . . flower. Because wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Prov 16:20 NIV Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
Matt 11:28-30 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jas 3:17 KJV But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
This week's show is in Columbus, Ohio. Thank you for a wonderful 2017.
Show Schedule Here
Reminder:
During the show season we travel each week from January through March. I can check my email morning and evening and answer your questions in a timely manner. The phone is a different story. Please use email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the best results.
This Week's Sale
Ron Brown's Super Sharpen Package
Every Day Price $102.95
Special $69.99
Save $32.96 with free USA shipping
Free USA shipping for all domestic orders over $50. For orders less than $50 a flat rate of $7.99. I simply cannot afford to continue shipping the smaller orders for free.
Just so you know, here is a partial list of the items we make right in our own shop in Atlanta, Georgia, USA:
Amazing Doughnut Chucks, Amazing Bucket Caddy, Universal Setting Jig, Quad Setting Jig, Golden Mean Calipers, Indexing Wheels, Laser Cut Kits and Inlays, Gluing Guides for Laser Cut Kits, Made By Medallions for your work, Gouge SetUp Blocks, Angle Gauge SetUp Blocks, How-To DVD's 100% produced and published in-house
Special prices for Club Buys
If your club is interested in putting a Group Buy together, CBN Wheels for example 10 or more, Laser Cut Kits 50 or more, Turners Laser Guides 10 or more, Amazing Doughnut Chucks or Longworth Chucks, I can provide very special pricing. Drop me a note at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Made By Medallions Identify your work
This year, mark your treasures with a professionally created wooden "Made By Medallion" available in 1" and 1-1/4" disks with your name and information. Cut from 1/8" Baltic Birch, you simply drill a shallow recess with a Forstner bit and glue it permanently in place. Those who receive your treasure know exactly who made it and if you wish, how to contact you.
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Including Bottle Stopper Designs - 50 Plus classic designs. Free PDF.
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Instructions
ProGrind Instructions
We have bundled several of the most popular documents into one down-loadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.
