Advice For New Turners

I was recently asked by a new turner for advice. They are just starting out and don't know anything about turning, but they are eager to learn.

Assumptions:

My new turner has a 12" lathe and a 3–piece set of carbide turning tools. They have a faceplate, a 4–pronged spur center and a live center for the tailstock. This will be a hobby because they have a full–time job and won't be retiring for a few more years. They have a budget, but it is not unlimited.

I would love to hear your suggestions for your advice so please email me your additional comments at mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I would begin by asking questions to understand their goals, and expectations for turning wood.

Do you expect this to stay a hobby for a while, or do you want to develop your skills and generate income eventually?Have you taken any wood turning classes or would you be open to that?Do you have a wood turning friend who can help you one–on–one in your shop and offer guidance?Would you be willing to set aside $200 to $500 for proper accessories within the next couple of months?Is this hobby strictly for you or are there family members who might also be interested in learning to turn?

Once I understand their current mindset, I can give them meaningful advice. If they were retired and looking to get in with both feet, my advice would be very different.

My advice for a new turner or a student would include the following:

Find a turning club in your area and attend some meetings. These people are a tremendous resource and are always eager to help.

Start with pens. Start by watching some YouTube videos for instructions. Get setup for basic pen turning, a 7mm mandrel, some slimline pen kits, proper sanding grits, CA glue, friction finish, etc. Pens are quick to make, easy to turn, and provide an immediate sense of accomplishment. If someone wanted to sell a few pens to pay for more turning stuff, many folks earn turning money this way.

Then make some spinning tops for fun and give them away. Turn a few bottle stoppers and give them as gifts to friends and relatives.

As soon as you can afford it, buy an inexpensive 4 jaw scroll chuck. Add more jaws down the road or buy a chuck with a few jaws included. Quality chucks with multiple jaw sets can be very expensive. Save that for later.

Turn small plates from a 3/4" thick piece of wood using a recessed tenon in expansion mode for practice. A family member might even wish to add decorations or paint your masterpiece.

Now that you have a scroll chuck, practice making turned lidded boxes, goblets, and soup ladles for the kitchen.

Try turning a few small bowls from green wood. Turn the walls to 1/4" and watch them go oval. Turn a few 1/2" thick to let them dry in a paper bag for a few months, then re–turn them to 1/4" wall thickness once they’ve dried if they didn’t crack or explode.

Once you've done all that, evaluate your interest and if you love it, like most of us do, prepare to spend some money (easily $500) on High–Speed Steel lathe tools, a specialty grinder and sharpening jig. Next, set about learning to cut with traditional turning tools and learn to keep them sharp.

Note: You only need a few HSS tools. In the beginning don't buy more than 10 total and never buy turning tools in a set. Always purchase the tool you need for the job at hand.

After that, plan to take some full day turning classes and plan to attend some turning symposiums in your area. From there, the sky is the limit. Turning can be as much or as little as you want.

You can learn to make shavings in a couple of hours. It takes a lifetime to become a “Turner”. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.

Here is my inspiration for this message.

(Ps 32:8 [NIV2])

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

(Prov 4:11 [HCSB])

I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths.

(Prov 12:1 [MSG])

If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it— how shortsighted to refuse correction!

(Eccl 9:17 [MSG])

The quiet words of the wise are more effective Than the ranting of a king of fools.