Using a machine to make neander things

[Jason Buresh]

So I recently got a lathe and I have been trying to learn how to use it. I have been going through firewood from my garage trying to turn different things. I remembered in a box of cheap tools I had found a bunch of socket chisels with no handles, and was able to hunt them down in my shop. Tonights project was to turn a replacement handle, and while I was at it, I managed to make a mallet out of a maple log I had laying around.
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[Jim Koepke]

Looking good.

jtk

[Reed Gray]

I made one handle for a timber framing chisel. To fit the handle into the socket, I would push back the tailstock, and then put the end of the handle into the socket with the lathe on at slow speed. The burn/burnish marks told me where I needed to remove more wood. I did leave 1/8 inch plus for the wood to compress as the chisel was hammered. Have fun with your lathe. I have a bunch of bowl turning videos up on You Tube if you go that direction...

robo hippy

[Edward Weber]

I ahree, looking good.
I find it very satisfying to make your own tools when you can.

[Tom Bender]

Some years ago, woodworking was starting to get a little boring. Then my MIL bought me a lathe. It made all the difference! I never use it much, maybe a few times a year, but at that time it opened a door and reinvigorated my hobby. Going on that momentum I tried more things and it continues today.

[Axel de Pugey]

To add to Tom Bender's comment, the arrival of a lathe in my shop changed my view on the "scrap box'content".
I since could use so much more pieces of wood discarded before, literally everything can be used now.

[Edward Weber]

I originally got a lathe so I could make things for regular "flat work".
Turned elements like finials, feet and so on, was all I was looking to do. It soon took off into something of it's own.

[Jim Koepke]

My lathe was bought to make handles for socket chisel purchased on-line or at yard sales. It has since been used for many other things.

One of my favorite mallets had the handle turned on my somewhat primitive Craftsman lathe.

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It is the one on the right.

jtk