Basic Woodturning Skills to Get Your Craft Started

Woodturning is a very nice hobby. It is just so great to take a piece of old wood from nature, cut away particles of the wood, then watch the wood grain take a different shape and ultimately make an art object.

You can either jump in right off the bat and purchase a lathe, or you can go get some exposure first and make a decision later.  There are a few different options and woodturning basics that can get you started with the world of woodturning.  The following are recommended:
* Join a local club to get knowledge from the different members;
* go to a beginners woodturning workshop;
* and attend workshops at your local woodturning store.

What lathe should I purchase?

A lathe usually runs somewhere between $500 to $6,000.  It generally depends on what wood and projects you would prefer to turn.  If you wish to turn small objects such as small bowls and pens, or if space is limited, a miniature lathe might be your best choice.  If you would like to turn larger objects then you will need to move up in size.

What woodturning materials do I need?

Purchase just what you need to start with.  Add other equipment and tools as you learn and can determine that you really do need them.

The initial recommendation is generally for five tools that are all made of High Speed Steel:

• Woodturning Spindle gouge
• Skew chisel
• Parting tool
• Scraper
• Sharpening

Where can I buy these supplies and tools?

You can purchase woodturning tools at any local woodworking stores you may have, such as stores specializing in woodturning and online woodturning stores.  Discounts are generally found and available through your local club membership.

Where do I get wood for woodturning?

This wood can come from a tree you cut down in your backyard, a tree removal service, woodturning club raffles, and from lumberyard stock. You can also purchase blank stock from online stores.

What safety precautions should I know?

Woodturning can certainly be a very safe hobby or profession, provided you follow safe practices at all times.  The lathe is a very powerful tool that can be harmful if used incorrectly or by someone who does not respect the tremendous power of the material, as well as the momentum of a spinning blank.  Sometimes things occur that can not be expected, even if a person is very cautious and alert.  Take frequent breaks and stay alert while using any woodworking equipment and tools. Of course, you should never work in the shop when under the influence of alcahol or drugs.

An eye shield and respiratory protection are the two top safety items used in wood turning.  Your general shop safety rules are certainly very crucial in any woodworking activity. The safe mounting of turning blanks on your lathe, as well as care in assuring the blank, or pieces from it, do not fly off the lathe, are very important safety precautions.

Woodturning can be dangerous and harmful to you in many ways if care is not taken 100% of the time. You should always start by reading manuals from the manufacturer of your equipment, and never do any modifications yourself to equipment that is not shown in the manual.  You should take all precautions in your workshop to the extent that you feel comfortable, but at the same time, always aware about your safety.

About the Author

Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. Please visit his latest website about woodworking projects at Woodturning Project Guide, with information on Basic Woodturning, as well as ideas and discussions that any woodturning enthusiast would be interested in.

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