Kraftinwood

Sorry to sound negative but it looks lethal to me. I certainly wouldn't use this let alone outside!!. Just study the wiring, controls and motor (vent upward) they all need protection ideally in a Sorel type weatherproof enclosure with all cable and flexible glands coming out underneath and not pointing upward. Imagine using this when it rains if it isn't P65 rated, importantly there is most probably insufficient earthing to the extraneous metalwork, also trailing leads are too long for compliance with IEE regulations which are there for your safety and protection. So contrary to the comments that electric is the way forward, so it may be BUT only if it is safe and compliant with the regulations. You are well advised to insist on it being fully tested by an IEE registered electrical tester who will issue a relevant certificate of compliance before purchasing.

Hi, I have turned in excess of 20 Monkey puzzle trees of various size. The 30 " diameter is not a problem and can turn much bigger but...................... it is doubtful whether any MP wood over 2 years is useable. It spalts up to about 2 years but very quickly then degrades and isnt good for anything.

Hi Rustins Danish oil is excellent, it states on the can that it is food safe 24hours after application. I use it all the time and it also takes a wood wax when dry albeit not on chopping boards of course.

I have an order to turn some large bowls in spalted Beech. I do have a small amount in the round and ready to turn but also need some larger say 500mm dia x min lengths of 500-600mm. Please contact me with details of where you are and cost if you have any stored (but not green please) of that diameter that has preferably started to spalt so as to avoid me waiting to long to use.

Hi thank you for your kind comments. The first one is Yew root ball, There were two but I havent started the 2nd one yet. It takes time to pressure wash it to get the soil and stone out from the roots, then it has to be cut back so that I can hoist it onto my VB lathe, I have attached a picture of the Yew root just prior to turning so you can see before and after. I have a 1 ton lifting crane which helps a lot with the big stuff. Re the 3rd picture yes it's an excellent piece of Laburnum root ball, what do you think of the monsters or are they fetus?. In answer to Slack ma girdle's question yes it is hollowed ~ a nice gallery piece as well that one.

Hi I havent logged on for as month or so as I have been busy. I thought that you may like to see some pictures of my recent work. If you are interested in size or wood type they are all listed on my website www.kraftinwood.com

Hi, it could but....................................there are hundreds of part time turners out there that would all love to try. If you believe you have enbough guaranteed work to keep you busy from 8am to 5pm Mon to Saturday and you have developed the skill and speed over many years then maybe. Work out how much you need an hour, your overheads including expendable items ~ tools, abrasive, oils etc, electricity, heat etc etc etc and dont forget the money you need to put aside to pay your tax and insurance!. There is a unfortunately a great difference between turning a few mushrooms and apples like all woodturners do at the beginning and proudly give them to all their relatives at Christmas. They may all say how good they are but realistically and after moving on to something a bit more advanced than such basic turning try selling your pieces in sufficient quantity to cover the above, make a profit and put food on the table you will probably find the answer to your question. If you are still convinced that your work is good enough to support you and yours join a local AWGB woodturning club and talk to a few of the professionals and they will also help guide you. Apologies if that is a bit abrupt but better you face up to the facts now rather than later, anyway good luck and your welcome to PM me if you have any questions ~ I need to get back to the workshop !!!.

Hi just to add to the above I have tried various oils and as Wisewood says nut oils are not a good idea. Danish oil once dried (after 24hours) is food safe, I use Ruskins. Despite the common belief that wood is self cleansing that is not strictly true, it is though believed to be better than glass or plastic cutting boards as even after scrubbing they still can have some nasty bacteria in the knife cuts. So does wood but if properly cleaned after each use it sounds the safest bet. The following link from the internet is worth reading if you have the time and confirms the above UC-Davis Food Safety Laboratory: Cutting Board Research

Not sure what I did there, you make a good point No I havent ever used one on a saw before but thats what happens when you think you'll start off correctly with a new saw, even if it never gets done again!!.

Hi Tommer, a good point

I recently bought a Husqvarna 365 24" chain saw from FR Jones & Sons . The grease gun was faulty and they replaced it the next day, excellent service and they were the cheapest deal I could find. Thank you all at FR Jones I certainly will recommend you.

Hi Gollum, yes exactly what I meant thanks, its good to see something new. Common then all you woodturners, lets all follow the example and why not add some 'new pictures'. Your work may not be up to the same standard as those above but you have to start somewhere and its all about learning for yourself. The best way to improve is to see what others can do, get some ideas maybe, ask questions but importantly practise, the more you turn the better you should get.