Eric Teague
02-09-2009, 11:47 PM
Well, I have had my lathe (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=103223) for about a week and I decided to give it a try. I experimented with some scrap for an hour or so and then decided to try to make something for real.
I have some scrap 4x4 Redwood in the pile so I grabbed a piece and gave it a spin. I decided to make a bottle shaped lamp, since my wife has been bugging me for one for a lamp for a while. I was so looking forward to the lathe, I almost forgot to drill the hole for the wire. :p
Well, I think it turned out ok. I learned my tools need some serious attention, but what do you expect from a $9 set of tools (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3793). :)
BTW, I did it freehand, ie no templates, calipers etc.
I used my new router table to route the channel for the cable in back (all 1/2 inch of it) and put 15 steel balls in the base to add stability. Since I never throw away cords, I recycled a plug from an old radio and the socket only cost me $1.25 at the local Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitatriverside.org/content/view/15/30/). So with the cost of the hot glue (holds the steel balls in place), the lamp cost me about $1.50 plus the shade.
What do you think for a first turn?
I have some scrap 4x4 Redwood in the pile so I grabbed a piece and gave it a spin. I decided to make a bottle shaped lamp, since my wife has been bugging me for one for a lamp for a while. I was so looking forward to the lathe, I almost forgot to drill the hole for the wire. :p
Well, I think it turned out ok. I learned my tools need some serious attention, but what do you expect from a $9 set of tools (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3793). :)
BTW, I did it freehand, ie no templates, calipers etc.
I used my new router table to route the channel for the cable in back (all 1/2 inch of it) and put 15 steel balls in the base to add stability. Since I never throw away cords, I recycled a plug from an old radio and the socket only cost me $1.25 at the local Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitatriverside.org/content/view/15/30/). So with the cost of the hot glue (holds the steel balls in place), the lamp cost me about $1.50 plus the shade.
What do you think for a first turn?