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Gene Gabriel

Gene Gabriel

Gene Gabriel

Joined
Apr 6, 2025
Messages
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Location
Dracut, MA
Hello all. As the title states, my name is Gene, I’ve been wanting to get a lathe for many years. So I finally broke down and bought one. I’m finishing up acquiring the last of my “needs” to started turning, so I figured I would join a forum and see if I could pick up some tips and tricks. Of course there’s no shortage of videos out there as well.

So, thank you for letting me join in the fun, and thanks in advance for any and all knowledge I get from being here.
 
Hello Gene! I’m sure you’ll find much here - as well as asking questions, the search feature can uncover valuable older threads.

I suggest caution with YouTube videos. Many use them and some are good, but some are bad, some are horrible, and some are just downright dangerous. Better to get a real live teacher with experience. Is there a turning club nearby? Many have mentoring programs to both help get started and to develop expertise. Some clubs also have a library of good books and videos. You can meet other turners at a club and learn from the monthly demos.

If you’re a member of the AAW, one benefit is access to a library of good videos that have been vetted for usefulness and safety.

I’d also suggest learning spindle turning first (I start all students with the skew chisel). Numerous experts say the same thing - spindle turning will teach the fine took control that will let you turn anything! (I have references) Turning big bowls may sound more glamorous but frankly, it’s easy and too easy to get by without learning the tool control.

Nearly 25 years ago, I started learning without knowing anything about clubs, AAW, or even other woodturners. I learned mostly from two excellent books.

JKJ
 
Welcome, Gene. As a relatively new member, I can attest to the value of the information you’ll get here and how helpful everyone is in sharing their knowledge and what works for each in the real world. It’s an incredibly resource!
 
Thank you all for welcoming me. I do find forums pretty informative. They are definitely a great resource of information. Usually by people who have “been there, done that”. I’ll be moving my lathe to its final destination tomorrow, and I’ll start making shavings. I’m looking forward to it.
 
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