Introduction - Hi

[simon33]

Hi All
Just signed up as a new member of the group. I haven't done any pen turning as yet but I am just about to embark on this as a hobby. My focus is pens to start with, but I will no doubt extend into other wood turning projects with experience.

First stage is to buy a lathe and get some basic training. Axminster are currently offering a free 3 hour course to get you started if you buy a Hobby or Craft series lathe from them.

The question I have is this: Is a 4 hour course enough to give me the basics of safety and basic cutting techniques? I am happy to teach myself to an extent, with the aid of the forum for advice, plus Youtube videos etc. However, I want to start with sound basics and obviously to operate safely.

If a longer course is recommended, where should I go?


Any thoughts on this would be most welcome.

Many thanks

 

[Morse]

Hello and welcome Simon.
Have you gone along to your local Woodturning club?
Thats one of the best ways of gaining knowledge, from some of the club members.
Like wise ask any questions on here.
There are a few members from your area on here.
A lot will depend on where you want to progress to in your turning.
Again your local club can help.
Have fun reading the “posts” on here.

Dave

 

[Vic Perrin]

Hi Simon and welcome to the Forum. You will be able to find some great advice on here. With regard to your question I am sure that a 4 hour course will be enough to give you some basic knowledge on lathe work in particular the Health and Safety issues. Once you have the basics covered your learning curve will start and the more practice you have the more confident you will become which in turn will show in the quality of your work. Keep the first thing that you turn and you will be able to look back on them to see how much you have improved. Don't be afraid to ask questions on the Forum as there are some excellent turners on the site. Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question but be aware of some of the answers

 

[Cumbrian Craig]

Welcome Simon. As Morse says, the best way is to visit a local club. Ask anything that might help you on here, there is always someone who can help. Best of luck with your future projects

Regards

Craig

 

[simon33]

Hello and welcome Simon.
Have you gone along to your local Woodturning club?
Thats one of the best ways of gaining knowledge, from some of the club members.
Like wise ask any questions on here.
There are a few members from your area on here.
A lot will depend on where you want to progress to in your turning.
Again your local club can help.
Have fun reading the “posts” on here.

Dave

Thank you Dave. I hadn't thought of a local club. Great idea, I'll look into that.

 

[simon33]

Vic - Thanks for the advice and it's good to know I can get up and running quite quickly with relatively small amount of formal training. Great idea on keeping my first piece, by the way. That will be a useful reference in times of frustration to prove I'm getting better (hopefully)


Craig - "I've never learnt anything by talking" - Great advice. Just get on and do it. Practice makes perfect!

Thank you

 

[pittswood]

Hi and welcome to the forum. With a wealth of knowledge on here, someone will always help in answering your questions.
Kelvin

 

[Terry Q]

Hello Simon. Welcome to the forum.

 

[fortress]

Hello and welcome Simon, as stated, there is a wealth of experience at your disposal here, learn, and have fun doing it.

 

[silver]

Welcome on board Simon.. happy turning (when you get something to spin a bit of Wood on)

 

[flexi]

Welcome to one of the most expensive hobbies you can have.....great fun though, and very addictive.....I think the only thing I have found for free is advice.....ask away!

 

[simon33]

What a lovely welcome to the group. Thank you all. Time to go and buy some kit me thinks.

 

[Dalboy]

Hi Simon and welcome the Axminster 4 hour introduction is better than trying to learn as you go at least you will start with the basics which is the building blocks for further enjoyment of the hobby.

Yes join a club and get involved many clubs normally have a hands on meeting don't be afraid to jump onto a lathe as there are many members who will guide you and also answer questions. Club competitions are another way to learn as many use a points system which is a good indicator at where you are going wrong so if you do join one enter these no one will laugh as they all began not knowing themselves.

Show you work on here as you make things the good and bad some of us will let you know where you can improve.

 

[simon33]

Hi Simon and welcome the Axminster 4 hour introduction is better than trying to learn as you go at least you will start with the basics which is the building blocks for further enjoyment of the hobby.

Yes join a club and get involved many clubs normally have a hands on meeting don't be afraid to jump onto a lathe as there are many members who will guide you and also answer questions. Club competitions are another way to learn as many use a points system which is a good indicator at where you are going wrong so if you do join one enter these no one will laugh as they all began not knowing themselves.

Show you work on here as you make things the good and bad some of us will let you know where you can improve.

Thank you DL Woodart. That is great to know I can pick up the basics quickly and just get learning on the job!

 

[Gadget-UK]

Hi Simon
Welcome to this very friendly group of wood turning junkies.
I can only warn you that you will get hooked and any length of time away from a lathe is classed as withdrawal symptoms
A fantastic wealth of knowledge in this mad house and you will also see some amazing creations on a regular basis

Enjoy and most of all have fun

 

[simon33]

Hi Simon


Enjoy and most of all have fun

Thanks :-)

 

[Phil Dart]

Hi Simon - welcome to the fold.

I'd say definitely take the course, especially if they're giving it to you as part of a lathe deal. One to one tuition, or club membership or even group tuition has got to be a million times better than piecing it all together from videos in my opinion. For one thing, you can ask questions as they occur to you, and for another, certainly to start with you will have no idea if the video is giving you good advice or bad. There are stacks of great videos out there from which to learn, by equally there are stacks of bad ones too.

There are also some good books around on the subject of pen making. One of them is by a certain [MENTION=95]Walter[/MENTION] Hall who is a member here, which a great many folks have learnt from over the years and is highly recommended.

A Complete Guide to Turning Pens and Pencils
Taunton Press
ISBN 978-1-60085-365-4

 

[yorkshireman]

Welcome Simon mate. The Axminster training will get you started in the correct way. Lots of people start without any formal training and that’s a recipe for disaster. YouTube videos are good but some of them use techniques that shouldn’t be copied. I look forward to the first pen.

 

[Penpal]

Do not purchase or spend until you visit a Woody group having seen what is needed. Go for the better quality that lingers long after dissapointments later. Enjoy the forum as well welcome from over here.

Peter.

 

[wm460]

G'Day Simon,

Welcome to the Forum from the warming up centre of Aust.