Something for new turners to practice,

[Bill Wyko]

When you first get started turning, you normally don't practice your cuts. Most will just start turning to get the first piece under your belt. As your trip into the vortex continues, you'll start trying to go thinner or create different shapes. In order for you to really refine your skills, you'll want to practice removing a calculated amount of material. This will allow you to fine tune your shapes and your control of the tools. It will also help you decide which tool will allow you to remove the correct amount of material. I recommend practicing your cuts to try to achieve shavings like the ones pictured here. These are from a segmented turning so I have the luxury of turning long grain all the time. But the skill to achieve shavings in different sizes still remains the same. So for you beginners, Give this a try. If you can't get these results with one tool, try another until you find the tool you are comfortable with.
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23989716/400382881.jpg
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23989716/400382886.jpg
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23989716/400382888.jpg
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23989716/400382885.jpg
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23989716/400382883.jpg
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/11908737/23989716/400382863.jpg

[Primvs Aebvtivs]

Hmmm, nice - curly fries! Which tool did you use by the way? Or is it a case of ANY tool should be able to produce a variety of shavings, just dpeends on the sharpness, and which area you use? New turner here (still!), think I need to set up a proper grinding jig... Thanks for posting too!

[Jerry Wright]

Bill - you are so correct about practice. Alan Lacer, who has been demonstrating turning for over 30 years, always starts out a demo by turning little tiny tops on the order of 1/2" long x 1/8" dia. using the largest skew in his arsenal. He says it calms his nerves and properly orients him for teaching. He will then often use the skew to roll a long series of beads on a spindle - same purpose. Unfortunately, most of us have a project in mind when we go into the shop, and it doesn't include practice. Does anyone ever procure "practice wood"?

Renowned concert pianist Arthur Rubenstein used to say: “When I don’t practice one day, I can tell the difference. When I don’t practice two days, my wife can tell the difference. When I don’t practice three days, anyone can tell the difference.”

[Bill Wyko]

In this case, I used the Glaser 1" scraper for the 1st 3 and I used a Glaser Mini gouge for the last 2. I don't think I would have any trouble producing all of them with the scraper. The mini gouge will do all but the 1st one but that's due to the particular grind, not a limitation of the tool itself. An example of using the correct tool to product a certain result. The silk like shavings were produced when I was taking down the harder ebony to the level of the softer maple on one of my segmented turnings. I'll post it soon.
The sharpness of your tools is essential to producing a predictable cut. A dull tool will require added pressure which can easily result in a catch or checking that makes the job even more difficult.

[Derek Gilmer]

I can do that with my #4 plane does that count? :)

[Marty Eargle]

A few months ago, I found a video of a turner making curly fries on his lathe. I've found that this is a great way to practice steady cuts and come out of it with a tasty snack. It is much easier to see what the orientation of your tool is doing, and you get practice with fluid movements since too much pressure will send a potato right off the lathe.

Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XMBbYM11I8

[Richard Jones]

...... Does anyone ever procure "practice wood"?.......

Yes, I do. Anytime I find a few pieces of 2x material on a job site, the #2 SPF, I'll grab it, rip it into squares, and do some practice on it. Does wonders for your skew confidence...................

Rich

[Bill Wyko]

THATS what I need. Someone to teach me to use a skew w/o blowing a project into oblivion. Good idea!


BTW I just posted the piece these shavings are from. Please enjoy.