I'm new to turning. Mostly I make small models of old cars. these often require pretty small pieces, e.g. one part I making now has a bell at the top about 3/4" wide , an inch long, the bottom is a 3/16 dowel like piece about 2" long. I've tried to make it several times from wood I have, southern yellow pine-broke,
poplar-broke. I made one out of mahogany but only cut the bottom dowel piece to 3/8",it didn't break but I obviously didn't get to the desired 3/16".
I don't doubt that a big part of the problem is my technique (or lack thereof). Any suggestions on the best wood to use or technique to follow is appreciated.
Thanks