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Just thought I would introduce myself to the forum

Mark Norman

Mark Norman

Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
7
Likes
0
Location
Mariposa CA
I just received a cheappie lathe from HF to see if I would enjoy the hobby..

Started with a chunk of blue oak that was destined for the wood stove...

DSCN2993.jpg


It has a real nice contrasting grain color that will set it off.

DSCN2996.jpg


I cut the corners off..

DSCN2998.jpg


Mounted it in the lathe...

DSCN3002.jpg


Made it round..

DSCN3008.jpg


hollered it out inside..

DSCN3029.jpg


Sami approves,

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Today I helped her make a vessel of her own.

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I am pleased with how it came out being my first one.

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I'm shopping for a real lathe.. I would love to get a PM but just might have to settle with a Nova or a Jet.

I have a pile of oak and other species at my disposal and look forward to a lot of turning...
 
Mark Norman said:
I'm shopping for a real lathe.. I would love to get a PM but just might have to settle with a Nova or a Jet.
Click to expand...

Now you have a dilemma, should you use your old lathe to buff and sand or try to hook someone else to the turning habit. Keep those wet oak shavings under control. One of the little stinkers neglected on a piece of steel is really ugly after a couple hours.

Looks like you have a good time and good company.
 
Great job Mark. Make sure you hang onto your first piece. I still have the first couple of things I ever made. Periodically I pull them out and look at them. Remembering the fun and excitement that accompanied those first pieces always puts a smile on my face. It's also fun seeing how my skill / style has evolved (or at least changed) over the years.

Did you sign / date your piece?

Ed

(who wonders how you mow the lawn with all that white stuff all over it)
 
1st bowl

congratulations, its a very nice piece, its a learning curve and takes many twists and turns, just remember continious curve
 
Welcome to turning, Mark. Looks like you're off to a good start. In the first photo of the log and chainsaw it appears that you cut into the end grain of the log. If you put the log on it's side and cut into the long grain it will be much easier.
 
What a warm welcome

Unlike the cold we have here..lol

I live in sunny California but I'm in the Sierra mountains at 3000 ft and we do get snow a few times a year.

I am looking forward to more wood turning but I am afraid I need better tools. I dulled the cheap ones real quick and had to run to Sears for a sharpener.

Then I was pushing the limits of the cheapo machine I got from HF and cracked the tail stock. It still works but it was junk to begin with. I'm going to see if they will replace it under warranty but I am not real hopeful.

I have an old classic car I plan on selling to better equip my shop with some good wood tools, such as a better quality lathe, a decent band saw, planer and such. I'm not exactly a novice with wood working but I am new at turning. I think I have watched every video on the subject available on YouTube and there is a lot of knowledge to be had there but nothing like hands-on turning.

A little about me, I'm 45, married to a supporting wife and have three brilliant pre-teen kids at home. I built a workshop 20 x 24 as a place to restore the car but my interest in the car has waned so I am shifting back to my old passion which is wood working.

With all the beautiful wood I have at my disposal I should be set for life..

Thank you all for the warm welcome to the board. I'll be sure to check in on a regular basis.

Thanks again,
Mark
 
Good Job !

You are well on your way Mark, welcome to the AAW site. Looks like Sami will be tagging along right with you as you dive in to turning. Have Fun !
 
Thanks Don.

Sami's first vessle🙂
 

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cool, she seems to have the mona lisa smile
 
Mark Norman said:
I am looking forward to more wood turning but I am afraid I need better tools. I dulled the cheap ones real quick and had to run to Sears for a sharpener.

Then I was pushing the limits of the cheapo machine I got from HF and cracked the tail stock. It still works but it was junk to begin with. I'm going to see if they will replace it under warranty but I am not real hopeful.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum, Mark. It is a good thing that you got a grinder because turning tools need to be sharpened after just a few minutes of use -- sometimes after just a few seconds of use. Also, just like a bench chisel, razor sharp is what you need for the tools. Dull tools are not fun to use.

Harbor Freight seems to be really good about fixing things under warranty -- of course, they probably have to do that a lot. 😀
 
boehme said:
Welcome to the forum, Mark. It is a good thing that you got a grinder because turning tools need to be sharpened after just a few minutes of use -- sometimes after just a few seconds of use. Also, just like a bench chisel, razor sharp is what you need for the tools. Dull tools are not fun to use.

Harbor Freight seems to be really good about fixing things under warranty -- of course, they probably have to do that a lot. 😀
Click to expand...

Thanks again!!

Sharp tools are a necessity for sure!!

I found an old buckeye trunk/stump that has been waiting paitently for me to cut it up and take the bowls from within it... But I need more power and sharp tools to do so..

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t116/triangle5/wood/DSCN2920.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t116/triangle5/wood/DSCN2922.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t116/triangle5/wood/DSCN2924.jpg

It is very dry wood but has awesome potential.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t116/triangle5/bullshit/DSCN2989-1.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t116/triangle5/bullshit/DSCN2987-1.jpg

HF replied to my e-mail about the tail stock.. Sounds like they will do the right thing...Fingers crossed but it dont matter. I need something better...I'll keep ya posted.
 
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