One Tool Away From Greatness
We have all seen the T-Shirts with the slogan “One Tool Away From Greatness.” As a brand new turner, I was awestruck by the speed and productivity of folks like Nick Cook, Richard Raffan and so many other people who have mastered our craft. I didn’t realize until much later that the tools they used were much less important than how they used them.
In the early days of my own turning career, I placed a lot of importance on the shape of the tool and the exact size and type of tool itself. Only much later did I realize that a turner who understands how and why lathe chisels do what they do can use a wide variety of lathe tools to accomplish the same task. Yes, we all have our preferences and they are not the same from turner to turner. Yes, there are situations where one tool will make the task faster, easier or simpler.
I own more than 150 HSS lathe chisels. I regularly use less than a dozen. In the beginning, it seemed like everyone I talked to told me that I needed this tool or that tool and their logic seemed to make sense at the time. So I bought the tool they suggested. The truth is that I needed to develop my skills with a limited number of HSS lathe chisels rather than buy more chisels.
Understanding how and why a tool cuts the way it does may be the most important key to success in woodturning.
During a turning demonstration a few years ago, a customer asked me how often I got catches. He couldn’t believe my answer. “I only get catches when I’m distracted, or going too fast. I never get catches when I’m paying attention because I understand what causes a catch and I avoid doing that.” I don’t think he believed me but it’s the truth. Using the *ABC method for spindles will avoid catches 99.9 percent of the time. When turning bowls, you can’t use the ABC method, but you can also prevent catches by using your thumb to brace the gouge against the tool rest when beginning the cut; no catches. This is a neat trick I always use on the inside (bowl) of a vessel.
My point is that in woodturning, the skill of the craftsman is vastly more important than the tool. If you don’t believe me, go to YouTube and watch some of the amazing turners in the Philippines, Thailand, India, etc. They use sharpened car springs for their one and only lathe chisel and do an amazing job. The Matryoshka dolls also known as Babushka Dolls, Russian Tea dolls, and stacking dolls are turned out with blinding speed using only two tools.
I would encourage you to spend more time learning why lathe tools behave the way they do instead of pursuing another tool to solve the problem. Avoid the “Grass is greener” syndrome thinking that one more tool will fix everything and instead become a more highly skilled woodturner yourself because wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Ecclesiastes 1:13 NIV I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind!
Deuteronomy 1:13 NIV Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”
James 3:13 MSG Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts.
*ABC Method = (Attach, Bevel, Cut). A: Attach the lathe tool firmly to the tool rest. B: Begin rubbing the Bevel against the spindle with the tool handle low. C: Slowly raise the tool handle until the cutting edge engages the wood to begin the Cut.
Announcement:
We have been invited to participate in this year's Woodworking Extravaganza by Klingspor's Woodworking Shop in Hickory NC. We will be helping the Powermatic/Jet folks. Klingspor now carries Ron Brown's Best Longworth Chuck Type 2, Ron Brown's Best Amazing Ladle Chuck and a limited number of other Ron Brown's Best branded items. We are delighted to be part of this event and will be able to answer questions in person. This is a free event so we hope you will come visit.
Laser Cut Christmas Ornament Season
Is Here Again!
Introducing 4 Brand New Designs for 2019
Brand New: Jesus 4 pack
No Price Increase This Year
1 Laser Cut Kit @ $29.99 each = $29.99 3 Laser Cut Kits @ $19.99 each = $59.97 5 Laser Cut Kits @ $17.50 each = $87.50 10 Laser Cut Kits @ $14.99 each = $149.90
More Designs - Over 50 to Choose From:
https://www.ronbrownsbest.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=21&product_id=106
There are numerous offerings for different combinations of kits on the website. There are only two which will offer you the correct pricing.
If you have decided what you want and can't find it, include a note in the comments section of your order and I'll make sure to include your choices at the discounted prices. Or, just call the office at (770)312-9087 Eastern or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We are offering Flat Rate USA Shipping of $9.99 Per Laser Cut Kit Order for this special.
Merry Christmas!
Extended One More Week:
Every Day Price $104.96
Sale Price $79.99 Free USA Shipping
Universal Setting Jig, Quad, How-To DVD
Everyday Price $74.97 - Sale Price $49.99
And Don't Forget Fall Is Coming
With Festivals, Holidays, Gift Giving Time, School is back in. Now is the time to prepare.
Customer Photo: first time using Amazing Ladle Chuck
Excellent Job Bill!
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.
