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Beginners articles or questions

a simple tip for sharpening that i use is slow speed grinder, light touch, keep small container of water handy to keep chisel cool and less blueing
 
Joe Greiner said:
Idioms don't seem to translate very well as independent words. I'd always thought it meant something like "thunder and lightning" (Oops. That's Donder und Blitzen), but our friend wikipedia says otherwise: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturm_und_Drang - "Storm and stress." Serves me right; I really should look this stuff up before using it. And the phrase is in my English paper dictionary too.😱

Joe
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LOL, thanks Joe.
 
Ruth Niles said:
Barry wrote: ....... "My suggestion would be that maybe having a "Beginner's Section" on the AAW Website would be more appropriate and would be available when needed to many more people than would the AAW Journal. This Section could possibly include very, very basic items concerning tools, lathes, safety, sharpening, burning, texturing, shops, books, etc....... Would it not be more efficient, i.e., less expensive than putting several hundred articles in the Journal? Just a guess!"
*************
Barry, that is a great idea. My personal "newbie" status would be made a lot easier with some basic burning techniques and tools. I can only keep magazines so long and they have to be tossed, but having all the info here would be like having a personal magazine rack on my computer. 🙂

Ruth
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Uhm...take a look at the third post in this thread.
While you are at it, check out the 7th post as well.
 
Where is everyone hiding? The woodturning world is flooded with stuff for the new woodturner.

There are 25 years of back issues of the American Woodturner that is filled with how-to articles. All of them are available from the AAW. Many clubs have all of them in their library. If they don't, they should, and most likely there is a member who is willing to share. All the beginner has to do is check them out or ask. A 25 year index is available on the AAW website.

There is at least one article for the beginner in every issue of the American Woodturner, and the editor is trying to have one pen article in every issue. You can't get more basic than 5-pages on how to glue a quarter to the bottom of a bowl or how to use sandpaper. The only problem here is that the Editor can't publish articles that have never been written.

And, if you don't want to join the AAW, there is Woodturning Design available on the news-stands. I buy it at Wal-Mart, so it must be universally available. If you don't like that one, scan through any of the major woodworking magazines. They all have regular turning project and skill building articles, and some of them are pretty basic.

There are group classes available at Woodcraft and Rockler stores. There are private classes available from a 5-page list in the Resource Directory. All you have to do is spend some money.

There at least 9 other woodturning forums that I know of besides this one on the Internet. There are Internet libraries and personal websites that are filled with articles.

There are several pages of videos and books available in every woodturning catalog, and there are many available privately from the Internet. Again in the Resource Directory, there is a 5 page listing of books and videos, and it is far from complete. If you don't want to buy, there is at least one rental agency available, and most clubs have a library of tapes and videos that are available for free.

And then there are the local AAW chapters. Many of them are driving the long term members away with their emphasis on the new members and trying to keep them happy and coming back every month. Every chapter has a mentoring program, and most of them are never used because the beginner never asks.

These are the facts of what is available for the taking, and there is no personal opinion expressed.
 
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Ruth, sorry I misunderstood your post. As I stated earlier;a post by Rob Wallace seemed to me to be sensible and well thought out and I agreed with his suggestions. Then your post really confused me, now I understand. Barbara's post, however, has me stumped. Although I feel she was "coming to your defense" with her comments. That's how I will leave it.
Again, read Rob Wallace's post and I think it will help you to understand my post.
Also, I don't consider the posts suggesting I or others should look to other publications for our information; that's really the only reason I joined the AAW in the first place, great articles to help me get started. I don't have a Club or organization within a hundred miles of where I live so mentoring seems out of the question. I have to rely on excellent articles in the Journal I presently subscribe to and can't seem to wait for it to arrive.
 
Ron Sardo said:
Uhm...take a look at the third post in this thread.
While you are at it, check out the 7th post as well.
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😱 you got me on that one, Ron. Now I'm as guilty as everyone else; I was being too lazy to see if the instructions I want are already on the website. Thanks for the nudge...........or was that a head slap? 😀

Ruth
 
Suggestion

My suggestion, for what its worth - start a blog. Blogger offers free blog sites in which you can post pictures, create posts (articles?), organize such articles, etc.

You and 3 buddies can participate in posting content at what ever skill level you see fit, by having your 3 buddies be contributors to said blog. I understand the aspect of having the AAW host this information, but that may be something that the AAW board members and Web Staff don't want to undertake.

If you're passionate enough about it, make it happen, and if your blog is informative and well organized, people will flock to it - I know I would.
 
Thanks Russ,
I have been trying to write that same response to several of the threads here.
Kept getting carried away.
Just the facts is right.

Mark
 
Ruth Niles said:
😱 you got me on that one, Ron. Now I'm as guilty as everyone else; I was being too lazy to see if the instructions I want are already on the website. Thanks for the nudge...........or was that a head slap? 😀

Ruth
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For you Ruth, it was a hug 🙂
 
Like you stated, Ron, unfortunately the AAW has the membership wall that intimidates many new turners. If all the 'beginner-type" articles were available to the general public, I think it could only have a positive effect on the future of woodturning.

We have hundreds, if not thousands of extremely knowledgeable woodturners and wood artists, who could possibly write open articles aimed at people who don't know a skew from a bevel but are interested in learning. Most of us who have benefited from the mentors around us realize that woodturners are like a great big family and are among the most generous of skilled craftsmen and women. Whether it be about turning a bowl or world-class works of art, woodturning starts with very basic lessons and sometimes we forget where we started. Keep up the great work!😀
 
Barry Elder said:
Like you stated, Ron, unfortunately the AAW has the membership wall that intimidates many new turners. If all the 'beginner-type" articles were available to the general public, I think it could only have a positive effect on the future of woodturning.

😀
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Why would someone be intimidated by being expected to join an organization to obtain the information that was published in their magazine? Certainly if they can afford to get into turning the $45 membership fee is not unreasonable. Gaining access to the membership area certainly is not a challenge; I do it. I always have advocated joining an organization that represents a profession or interest. I really don't think giving away information that is relatively expensive to assemble would affect the future of woodturning.

Of course I don't agree with everything the AAW does. If we feel strongly about changing the way things are done then possibly positive action is the better action. Run for the board (not aimed at you Barry but at dissatisfied members in general), write articles, teach, join a club, lobby for change (nicely) be a good spokesman for turning, etc.

I am sure there will be disagreement however I feel that part of the problem these days is the general feeling that we should be given what we want rather than have to work for it. If someone wants to learn how to turn then these small "obstacles" should not deter them at all. The amount of free information available right now is amazing. 🙂
 
Barry Elder said:
Like you stated, Ron, unfortunately the AAW has the membership wall that intimidates many new turners. If all the 'beginner-type" articles were available to the general public, I think it could only have a positive effect on the future of woodturning.

We have hundreds, if not thousands of extremely knowledgeable woodturners and wood artists, who could possibly write open articles aimed at people who don't know a skew from a bevel but are interested in learning.
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The wall that forms between the woodturners and the wood artists, regardless who's laying the brick, is the one that counts most as I see it. The turners are the ones who seek information more than inspiration and discussions of art which almost invariably lead to disparaging craft as a lower form of expression.

As I said above, including the sidebar(s) to show how to make the cut in either the way it was done, or in several ways for comparison, would both acknowledge that craft is the basis for the art, and those who are at the stage where they seek to improve their craft are members-in-full of the fellowship. Maybe then they could realize that they were not one tool away from proficiency, but one hour away from proficiency with the tool(s) they own.
 
MichaelMouse said:
.......................................... The turners are the ones who seek information more than inspiration and discussions of art which almost invariably lead to disparaging craft as a lower form of expression.

As I said above, including the sidebar(s) to show how to make the cut in either the way it was done, or in several ways for comparison, would both acknowledge that craft is the basis for the art, and those who are at the stage where they seek to improve their craft are members-in-full of the fellowship. Maybe then they could realize that they were not one tool away from proficiency, but one hour away from proficiency with the tool(s) they own.
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Michael, absolutely. It would do everyone well to remember Woodartists were Woodturners first. But does not seeing what is possible "inspire" us to become proficent?
 
Jake Debski said:
Michael, absolutely. It would do everyone well to remember Woodartists were Woodturners first. But does not seeing what is possible "inspire" us to become proficent?
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Ditto,

Something that took me a couple of years to learn
 
MichaelMouse, who eats woodchips for breakfast (!), wrote these very wise words, "..... they were not one tool away from proficiency, but one hour away from proficiency with the tool(s) they own."

hmmm, great T-shirt saying!

I've advocated this theory way back when I was using a Craftsman mono-tube lathe and a set of Craftsman tools and doing juried craft shows to boot. "Real" woodturners used to say I couldn't do really good work on a junk lathe with cheap tools, I merely responded, "Gee, no one ever told me."

One thing I don't think anyone has mentioned regarding what's available for beginners who are AAW members is that they can apply for a grant to take classes just about anywhere in the country.........or the world, if they want to pay part. *if I missed this being said, well, it was just said again.. 😀

Ruth
 
Very good Ruth, you get a gold star. The also get discounts on videos and books on the AAW site. they also get to stand up at meetings and Say, Hi I'm John Lucas and I'm a woodturner, and they all pat him on the back and understand why he doesn't have any money and the wife makes him sleep in the shop.
 
Barbara Gill said:
Why would someone be intimidated by being expected to join an organization to obtain the information that was published in their magazine? Certainly if they can afford to get into turning the $45 membership fee is not unreasonable.
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On that note, to some $45 is a deterrent. However, the $45 would also give them access to a bunch of articles that are timeless in the sense of the content in relationship to their skill level. I also assume they can get to the members only area.

Anyone who approaches woodturning without the thought for the learning curve is in trouble.

MichaelMouse said:
The turners are the ones who seek information more than inspiration and discussions of art which almost invariably lead to disparaging craft as a lower form of expression. .
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I don't agree. You must master the tools before you can progress, all of those who teach (well) know and understand that. Look at any wood "artist" and they had to learn technique, then form and shape. Most classes in a higher learning category (for lack of a better term) such as piercing, or carving or airbrushing, don't need to consider the former, but concentrate on taking you in a new direction or feeding the insatiable knowledge machine.I have talked to many artists (in this sense) who all absolutely love the sheer simplicity and beauty of a Dale Larson bowl or will always fall back to the subtlety of altering a curve slightly or narrowing or enlarging a foot and their affect on the visual properties of the piece.
 
john lucas said:
... they also get to stand up at meetings and Say, Hi I'm John Lucas and I'm a woodturner, and they all pat him on the back and understand why he doesn't have any money and the wife makes him sleep in the shop.
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And there is a trail of shavings from the back door, through the house, to the bathroom.
 
Beginner projects

I don't think a magazine article has enough room to teach a beginner. The volume of instruction is best addressed by books and videos. However, I do believe we need to project articles for all levels from beginner to artist. Specific questions can be answered in a how to question column like Dale Nish in Woodturning Design.

Lets face it with this many people in a group its not likely that very many are going to agree on anything. It would be a real boring world and hobby if all everyone did was turn bowls ( or whatever ). Some people like doing just one thing and others can't stand to do more that two of anything and are constantly looking for a new type of project The trick is be understanding about the likes and dislikes of others.

Vernon
 
Different beginner perspective

I'm still a beginner. And I believe that magazines have very limited utility when it comes to beginners. Most "beginner" articles in mags like Woodturning Design are project articles in which I may or may not be interested. In any case, there are plenty in that magazine, and also in the British Woodturning magazine (available in the US by mail subscription, which is not perfect but does work).

Videos and books are somewhat more helpful, because of the detail, variety of levels of technical information, etc.

But what I have discovered is that there are two -- and only two, IMHO -- ways to learn woodturning -- self-teaching and hands-on teaching by others.

Many of the outstanding woodturners in the world today are self-taught. A few came up through an apprentice system of one kind or another.

For me, being taught by someone else who is both an expert woodturner and a great teacher (the two are by no means synonymous) was the key. And I was fortunate to stumble into a demo by Stu Batty at a woodworking show, which led to a class with him which has led to several others. In those several days I learned far more than all the videos I had watched and books read (not to mention magazine articles).

This organization, through its local chapters, and regional shows, provide a tangible way for newbies to meet and interact with seasoned turners, and the opportunity for teaching.

If you're too far from a local club to attend regularly, then your best bet might be to bite the bullet, spend the money and go spend a weekend (or longer?) with the best turner and teacher you can find. I guarantee it will be the best investment you ever made.

I love the AAW Magazine. I do not always have high interest in every article. Sometimes a lot of it is over my head or in a different direction than my interest. But I would hate to start tampering with its content by requiring articles that in my judgment and experience will not achieve much for the novice turner but will take up a portion of very limited available space. There are far better avenues available for beginners, especially the resource of skilled and experienced turners all over the country (world).

my $.02


Dave
 
If the $45 to get the AAW membership, magazine and access to the site is more than you can handle, the entire Internet is FREE. I know you have a computer because you are here. Use it.

In addition to all of the other sources, there is an abundance of woodturning instruction as near as your Wal-Mart store.

Most Wal-Mart stores carry Woodtruning Design magazine that is 100% woodturning and most of its content is written for the beginner. Yes, it tends to be project oriented, but if you take the time to read the project, you might learn something. IF you go so far as make one of the projects, I will guarantee that you will get some of the much needed PRACTICE that it takes to become a more proficient woodturner. You will never become a woodturner if you never turn on your lathe.

While at the Wal-Mart, you will also find most of the major general woodworking publications, all of which have regular woodturning articles. Some are projects, some are skill building with a tool or technique, but all of them are pretty basic. And, you get to look at it before buying.

If this sounds like a rant, that's because it is. I for one am tired of listening to the beginners complaining that "there is nothing here for me".
 
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I am tired of beginners whining about "no beginner projects" in our magazine.
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I for one am tired of listening to the beginners complaining that "there is nothing here for me".
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And some wonder why beginners feel alienated here.
 
If you don't like beginners...

Actually your rant sounds like a rather condescending shut up and go away demand. No one is saying "there is nothing here for me." What's being said is more like "I joined because the AAW represented a large number of viewpoints and now I'm wondering if that is changing." It's a weakness if the leadership of an organization doesn't encourage that conversation. This isn't an oligarchy, after all.

The Internet isn't free by the way. Since your rant makes it quite clear that if I want technical information I should look on the Internet instead of joining the AAW, maybe you could offer to pay my access charges in return for my membership fees.

I've been creative all my life. What I want is articles and teachers who expand my tools and techniques. I like lots of inspiring pictures too, but the truth is that my originality depends on the breadth of my horizons, not on membership in a royal academy of woodturning. The last thing I need is an organization the wants to tell me what's good art and what isn't. I can always go to a museum or gallery for inspiration.

To paraphrase, you can find lots of compliant people on the internet. You don't, after all, have to read a thread that is a healthy expression of contradictory opinions if it's going to upset you. That doesn't mean that I don't want to hear your opinion. And I promise not to be condescending. But I get really tired of people who use the word 'beginners' and 'noobs' in a derogatory way. And I'm tired of my way or the highway rants. That's just plain out of line. It's also a heck of a way to reduce membership.

RussFairfield said:
If this sounds like a rant, that's because it is. I for one am tired of listening to the beginners complaining that "there is nothing here for me".
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This thread has gone down the same road as so many others of late.......... "I'm right you're wrong, vice versa, verse vicea, good idea, no bad idea. The only thing missing is some reasonable consensus. I only hope a few of the posters will take the suggestion of a couple of Board Members and submit articles to the Journal. Beginner or otherwise, that will let the Journal know what the membership is interested in and will hopefully respond. Yawn,..... is it Miller time yet?😛
 
Thoughts from another beginner

If you look up beginner in the dictionary you'll find my picture. As you can notice by my post count, I am also a beginner to this forum. I did join as a member, and was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Richmond symposium (it was 30 miles from my home). There are many great opinions posted here, and the passion for the art comes shining through.

I thought I would at least join in to give you the opinion of one true beginner. While I am most appreciative of the responsibilities that many folks take upon themselves to make sure content is available to me as a beginner. I do believe there is ample opportunity to learn no matter where the content resides as long as one has the passion to pursue it (and a few dollars don't hurt). Take this forum for example. I have no doubt that I could start a thread with any beginner question and advice would pour in. All I have to do is scan through the historical files to see just that. I've read books, watched videos, and much more. "Beginner" content is all around me, and the "Advanced" projects serve as an inspiration of what a fellow human being can do, not a disappointment in the lack of complete explanation.

I really find that no matter how many books/videos/tools I have, it comes down to the sheer enjoyment of moving a skew across a cylinder for the first time without creating that spiral effect (you know what I mean). Learning how to make shavings fly instead of the piece you are trying to shave. Every catch, crack, worm hole, and appreciated gift is part of the journey that drives at least one beginner. I'll find the content wherever it is, or is not displayed, or just take one of your great examples and make a bunch of firewood until I can duplicate it.

Don't let my need to learn drive extra stress into your life as some of the posts display. Just answer questions, let me look over your shoulder, and catch my bowl if it comes flying by.😀
 
James Smith said:
If you look up beginner in the dictionary you'll find my picture. As you can notice by my post count, I am also a beginner to this forum. I did join as a member, and was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Richmond symposium (it was 30 miles from my home). There are many great opinions posted here, and the passion for the art comes shining through.

I thought I would at least join in to give you the opinion of one true beginner. While I am most appreciative of the responsibilities that many folks take upon themselves to make sure content is available to me as a beginner. I do believe there is ample opportunity to learn no matter where the content resides as long as one has the passion to pursue it (and a few dollars don't hurt). Take this forum for example. I have no doubt that I could start a thread with any beginner question and advice would pour in. All I have to do is scan through the historical files to see just that. I've read books, watched videos, and much more. "Beginner" content is all around me, and the "Advanced" projects serve as an inspiration of what a fellow human being can do, not a disappointment in the lack of complete explanation.

I really find that no matter how many books/videos/tools I have, it comes down to the sheer enjoyment of moving a skew across a cylinder for the first time without creating that spiral effect (you know what I mean). Learning how to make shavings fly instead of the piece you are trying to shave. Every catch, crack, worm hole, and appreciated gift is part of the journey that drives at least one beginner. I'll find the content wherever it is, or is not displayed, or just take one of your great examples and make a bunch of firewood until I can duplicate it.

Don't let my need to learn drive extra stress into your life as some of the posts display. Just answer questions, let me look over your shoulder, and catch my bowl if it comes flying by.😀
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Thank you James; that was well said. I took the same approach when I first started turning and expect that most do also. I started my subscription to the American Woodturner before I bought my first lathe.
 
A lot of excellent posts here, a lot of good information and Justaccord and James Smith said it best.

Now, after all the dust settles, the beginners who complained that there wasn't anything for them never once mentioned their skill level ("beginner" doesn't cut it), or if they have even turned a lathe on yet or have turned 5 bowls and aren't satisfied with the results. Nor have they mentioned exactly what they want to learn or a topic for the articles, apparently it's something that has never been written in the Journal so we need to know what to write about.

There are, at this very minute, a bunch of other threads on this forum discussing turning, problems, processes, wood, trouble with a tailstock, etc......it's sort of blowing my mind that anyone can say "there's nothing for beginners", we're all about beginners and turning and helping and answering questions. Good Lord, this is frustrating, we all want to help, we offer suggestions, you don't like them and we get criticized, we ask questions, you get offended and we get criticized..............😕

Ruth
 
You know what blows my mind, its other members on this site complaining about "beginners". When are you myoptic people going to wise up an see the problem for what it really is - some beginners are trying to learn and like to READ IN THE JOURNAL about "how to", "where do I begin this type of turning" ect. NOT have to research an endless Internet, dig through tomes of articles, or at least in my case not be able to attend a symposium or join a turning club. What about that can't you understand? I LOVE the Journal, I would just like to see more articles about beginner turning. Its not a demand or an ultimatum, JUST A SUGGESTION. Encouragment, not discouragement is the way to address this situation. I consider myself a beginner although I have entered AAW's online contest before and placed third with one of my turnings. Made me quite proud.
I agree with suggestions offered by Rob Wallace in an earlier post, what's wrong with that?
 
going to try this one last time. I've learned alot in the last 20 yrs in woodworking. saw usage to expert sharpening. I've handed down my abbilities to many others but lately nobody seems to want to listen to what is being asked. people have answers but seem not to here the question. I've been turning for 2 yrs. But been sharpening 20 plus. I've been reading whats been talked about now i believe i'll stop my membership and go old school learning. Keep yrs of self taught knowledge to myself and teach those that want too learn who ever stops by the shop doors open. sorry bout way I am but I was happier that way. 20 yrs learning yours for the asking my address is in the book. goodbye from experianced woodworker
 
david demascal said:
going to try this one last time. I've learned a lot in the last 20 yrs in woodworking. saw usage to expert sharpening. I've handed down my abilities to many others but lately nobody seems to want to listen to what is being asked. people have answers but seem not to hear the question. I've been turning for 2 yrs. But been sharpening 20 plus. I've been reading whats been talked about now i believe I'll stop my membership and go old school learning. Keep yrs of self taught knowledge to myself and teach those that want too learn who ever stops by the shop doors open. sorry bout way I am but I was happier that way. 20 yrs learning yours for the asking my address is in the book. goodbye from experienced woodworker
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So, what do you want to know?

On another note, what are we arguing about again?
 
Garmar said:
You know what blows my mind, its other members on this site complaining about "beginners". When are you myoptic people going to wise up an see the problem for what it really is - some beginners are trying to learn and like to READ IN THE JOURNAL about "how to", "where do I begin this type of turning" ect. NOT have to research an endless Internet, dig through tomes of articles, or at least in my case not be able to attend a symposium or join a turning club. What about that can't you understand? I LOVE the Journal, I would just like to see more articles about beginner turning. Its not a demand or an ultimatum, JUST A SUGGESTION. Encouragment, not discouragement is the way to address this situation. I consider myself a beginner although I have entered AAW's online contest before and placed third with one of my turnings. Made me quite proud.
I agree with suggestions offered by Rob Wallace in an earlier post, what's wrong with that?
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This very website has a Youth Program link that contains over one dozen well written, illustrated articles that I as a new turner would consider to be beginner projects. Accessing this information does not entail searching an endless internet nor digging through tomes of articles - it is two clicks away from here! There are also publications available on this site, at a modest cost, that have captured numerous projects from the Journal going back to the beginning.

The Journal can not and should not be all things to all people all the time. Take the advanced articles as an inspiration and ask away on this forum for help as you progress. There is never a shortage of help nor perspectives when tackling a new problem. Hell, even as a beginner, I was able to help someone with making a baseball bat! Not so easy on a midi lathe, BTW!

John
 
How about this

On the hme page tab banner, right under the AAW title, the one that starts with "HOME" and ends in "Resources", how about adding another tab called "Projects".

Have that link to a page with links for projects of all levels (or just beginners).

I'll bet there are allot more projects floating around this website that no one knows about because they are nicely hidden.

If you want someone to volunteer to put some order to that page, give me temporary access and I'll do it.
 
Ron,

Unfortunately, the website was not designed with CSS features optimized, so to make the change you're suggesting would require every page that contains the AAW header (over 2,000 pages) to be manually updated. Also, there are security issues with allowing non-AAW employee's access to the server. Sorry...

If you'd like to discuss what can be done to improve site design and navigability, feel free to send me an email or give me a call.
 
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