Recommended Lathe Books

[abercarver]

Many Thanks guys, iv certainly picked up a huge amount of advice. More than i thought id get. The more i read on the more excited i get but i must force myself to look into it instead of spending the cash in a rush.

 

Thanks all, your advice is great and ill sure be taking all of it!! :-)

[slackbladder]

Second everything se7enthdevil says

[abercarver]

Second everything se7enthdevil says

[se7enthdevil]

I've never been called a pro before!!!!

[flames]

just to put my two pence worth in here, as a wood turner for 6-7 years now one thing I realised very quickly is that books, clubs and demos teach you very little indeed.

 

if you are serious then get a one to one lesson if needed as you can learn more in one day of turning than months of going to clubs or flicking through books.

 

further more you will find loads of info out there like different methods from different turners that conflict entirely and you'll still be left thinking that you don't know what to do.

 

the best thing that you can do is simply get a lathe a few tools and start turning. once you've started you will quickly find you own way and also your own style of turning that will be in line with some turners but will leave others thinking "what on earth is he doing". this is ok because if it work for you then there's nothing wrong with it.

 

as for lathes it really depends how much you wish to spend. don't spend too much on your first lathe as you should invest more in to good quality chisels, then once you know what you are doing you can think about upgrading to a better lathe.

 

it's often said that a turner will only buy three lathes. the first is pretty basic but at least it goes round, the second has greater capacity and a more powerful motor and will be better constructed than the first. the third is only purchased 5-6 years down the line when he knows what specifications are required from either doing certain jobs or that will satisfy his needs as a turner.

 

for example,

 

my first lathe was a second hand nutool bench top thing which had very little power but had a good set of tools. I spent £50

 

the second was a SIP floor standing lathe with much longer and wider capacity but vastly under powered. could still do some decent work on it though (the pillars on my avatar were turned on it) it cost me £300

SIP 01490 47"/1200mm Variable Speed Swivel Head Wood Lathe

 

 

the lathe I now own it a jet 3520b which cost about £2500 and probably another grand on accessories and chucks.Buy Jet 3520B Heavy Duty Woodturning Lathe from Axminster, fast delivery for the UK

 

 

this would be a good starter lathe if you've never turned before,

Buy Axminster Hobby Series AWVSL900 Woodturning Lathe from Axminster, fast delivery for the UK

 

 

hope this helps.

 

steve

 

Very well put Steve!

 

Abercarver, where abouts in the Midlands are you, there are a few of us around who I'm sure would be pleased to discuss all things turning with you. I'm near Worcester, you're welcome to call in if you passing.

 

Also FYI, this is still available, not bad for starters IMO, (and easy to customise - I've two of my own lathes now...)

 

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/woodcraft-forum/61327-woodpecker-lathe.html

 

-be interested to see how you get on.

[abercarver]

Thanks Flames,

 

Im up the M42 nr Tamworth. Ill sure keep you in mind over the winter as i progress through looking into a wood lathe. At the moment carving seems to be keeping me busy so as and when i get some time ill definitely be giving you a shout :-)

 

Thanks guys

[se7enthdevil]

just found this on ebay, this is what I used for about 6 months.

 

 

nu tool wood laith | eBay

[abercarver]

just found this on ebay, this is what I used for about 6 months.

 

 

nu tool wood laith | eBay

 

Cheers se7enthdevil you pro!!

[flames]

that was the 1st lathe I ever owned, though mine was badged by Sealey - not great to be honest, but £40 is cheap, having said that gave mine away - some 10 years ago!

 

That owl is awesome BTW!

[abercarver]

that was the 1st lathe I ever owned, though mine was badged by Sealey - not great to be honest, but £40 is cheap, having said that gave mine away - some 10 years ago!

 

That owl is awesome BTW!

 

Cheers flames