126 -Justbecause2018

Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

One of my lathes will turn almost 4,000 rpm. Just because I can turn at that speed doesn’t mean I should. Size, shape, wood defects, tool choice and a hundred other things dictate a more conservative speed. Or what? There will be consequences.

Sometimes you take a chance when the consequences won’t kill you or cost you an appendage. I live in the southeastern USA. One of the most famous last words around here is “Hey, Bubba, watch this!” Some years ago I watched a fellow on YouTube decrying the dangers of using a spindle roughing gouge to turn a bowl blank. He correctly lamented that the alternating grain would lead to disaster if one used a spindle roughing gouge to rough out a bowl blank so he decided to show us what he meant. On camera, he got that huge catch and crushed two fingers which popped like ripe grapes, right before my mortified eyes! There was wailing and gnashing of teeth and lots of screaming and yelling and that was just me laughing at him!

Comedian, Ron White, often says, “I had the right to remain silent, but I didn’t have the ability.” This fellow knew the dangers of using the wrong tool, but did it anyway and paid a very painful price. I taught my children very early on when repairing something that if it is exceedingly difficult, you are probably doing it wrong. Professionals have learned to make it easy and usually have a special tool so the installation or repair is relatively quick.

Courage without wisdom is a recipe for disaster. Think before you act should be engraved on a sign above the door to your shop. Yes, I’ve had my own share of visits to the emergency room because I failed to follow my own advice and I have a multitude of stitches which will attest to the effects of lack of wisdom.

On the other hand, push the envelope, test the boundaries, try new things; a little at a time. Bump the rpm’s up 100 or 200 faster. See how it goes. Turn a 14” platter ½” thick, hollow that vase nine inches deep, or make that delicate finial 6” long. Go slowly and purposefully and in baby steps where the consequences are minimal. Some wise soul once said “If you are going to take a chance and make a mistake, it shouldn’t be the fatal kind.” Be adventurous, be bold, and be wise and thoughtful by baby steps because wherever you go, there you are.

Here is my inspiration for this message:

Proverbs 4:7 MSG Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!

Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

Hebrews 12:11 MSG At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

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If you ever have a question about an item listed on our website or something you see in a video, please drop me a note or pick up the phone and call us at (770) 962-3821. We are always happy to answer your questions. Eastern time zone please.

Quick Update

I received a fantastic response to my request for suggestions regarding new designs for this years laser cut Christmas ornaments. Thanks! I'm sure I will be using some of them which will earn their contributors a $100 gift certificate.

It is very obvious I haven't done a very good job publishing some of the designs I already have in that many suggestions for new designs have been available for the past 3 years. In particular are the military; Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and more. We are working on a special section on the website just for those designs. We offer them for $10 each plus shipping. Look for it soon at www.ronbrownsbest.com

This Week's Sale

#1 - Indexing Master Set - New

Regular Retail $139.99

Limited Time Sale $89

I've redesigned the locking mechanism and the 180 division disks to work even better with lathes from 10" swings to 25" swings. The spindle sizes available are 1", 1.25", 1.50", M33 & M30.

Any time you need to space something equal distances apart from 3 to 180 on your lathe, you can do it with this set. Wheather drilling holes, marking lines, or anything else, this is the master's set. Made from tough ABS and HDPE for durability this set is the last one you will ever need.

#2 - Negative Rake Is Everywhere

If you haven't heard, Easy Wood Tools just introduced Negative Rake Carbide Cutters. They don't chip acrylic and resins like regular cutters do. There is a huge advantage to Negative rake grinds in many situations. You should consider trying this grind for some of your High Speed Steel Scrapers. My new Negative Rake Scraper Settin Gauges for 8 inch grinders makes it very easy. You get three of the most popular included angles of 75 deg, 60 deg and 50 deg. All for one low sale price.

Sale price is $19.99 per set of 3 - 75 deg, 60 deg and 50 deg included angles.

Or, get it with a new scraper here.

For Bowls, Plates, Platters, Hollow Forms

There is nothing that even comes close for finishing the bottoms

Longworth Chuck Type 2 and the Amazing Doughnut Chuck

THANK YOU!

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