Where to start ...

[Ken Kirkeby]

Unfortunately my Dad has just reached that age where he's giving up his woodworking due to health issues. A couple of years ago, he purchased a Grizzly wood lathe (14"x40" swivel head, I think). He's used it once and now it's going to end up in my garage.

I haven't turn anything since high school (mid 70's) and don't remember a thing. Any books, web sites, etc. I should check to get restarted?

[Silas Smith]

Ken, the best place to start is to take out a small loan from your bank. After that, you are good to go. I know that Bill Grumbine's DVD helped me out alot. He takes you from cutting the tree into blanks into the finished product. He will show you several tricks and speaks in a language that beginners understand. He's also kind of funny, well, you will laugh. The non-woodworkers in my family just thought he was corny. I prefer to call it dry humor. Anyway, get the video and a chuck and a bunch on chisels, oh yea, don't forget the grinding jigs. Have we mentioned at least the wood is free? Good luck and we look forward to your first posts. By the way, Bill's website is http://www.wonderfulwood.com/dvd.html

[Raymond Overman]

Ken,

I'll call Silas' bet on Bill's video and I'll throw in your local wood turning club if you have one available. It's usually inexpensive and generally has a lot of good information. There's nothing like an afternoon watching someone turn and talk about turning without spending $100-$500 to take a class.

There's also a lot of talented people who are willing to answer questions on this website. Feel free, and don't hesitate, to ask questions. There's always at least one and may be up to five or ten answers.

[Ernie Nyvall]

Ken, I just got started in January myself so I am no expert on turning, but I have learned a few start up things.
Is there a wood store in your area? Most of them have courses. Find out if there is an American Woodturners Assoc. chapter close to you.
I bought a startup book that I wouldn't recommend, but it did help me understand the different uses of the tools and what they look like. Maybe some others here can help with a good one. If not, just do a google search on woodturning books. As Silas mentioned, Bill G's video is good for bowls.
Do you have a particular kind of turning you are interested in i.e. bowls, hollow forms, spindles etc.? Different tools for each. Once you know what you want to try first, you can ask more specific questions on this forum about that particular thing.

Welcome to the turning world.

Ernie

[Kurt Forbes]

Woodturning A Foundation Course

by Keith Rowley

I found my copy at the local barns and noble

this is in addition to the above recomendations bills video local chapters of AAW and other turners. If you have a local woodcraft sometimes they offer classes too.

[Bob Hovde]

Check your local library for "How To" videos - Richard Raffan and Del Stubbs are very good and cover a variety of turning techniques, not just bowls.

Bob

[Kurt Aebi]

Ken,

Brian Clifford in the UK has a nice website that has some good information regarding turning and has an introduction to woodturning e-book on his site: http://www.turningtools.co.uk/

Also check out Russ Fairfield's web site: http://www.woodturner-russ.com/Pen10.html he has a real good penturning tutorial.

I hope these links will help you with your learning. Also, the videos listed by the other posters will speak volumes to you and if there is a woodturning club near you, drop in and check it out - they can be real helpful and you can find out if there is a club near you by checking the AAW webiste for affiliated clubs in your area: http://www.woodturner.org/

Once ya start turning, you'll be addicted and won't be able to stop - your flat woodworking will just have to wait for your turnings!! :eek: :D :) :cool: