Hello everyone,
Been reading the forums for a bit and thought I should post an introduction.
My name is Tarn, and I have a small woodworking business where I design and build custom furniture in a commercial workshop. I try to incorporate some curves and handwork in all my designs. I worked for many years as a computer programmer. It's nice to design and build stuff now that isn't obsolete in two years!
I had a Delta Midi lathe for years, and only learned a minimal amount about spindle turning since it wasn't part of my day job. Finally decided to move up to a big 25" swing lathe and it is a lot of fun! The turning is currently just for fun, not work.
Before my big lathe showed up I sadly had to make a cremation urn for a relative. I was able to get some advice from a local AAW mentor, which helped tremendously. The urn was black cherry, 13” tall body, about 6.5” diameter, with 1/4" walls. Spray lacquer finish. Used threaded brass stock to attach the top, and inset for an engraved brass plate. Most of the hollowing was done with a captured bar system, but I used freehand hollowing tools for the throat and undercut. It felt good to be able to contribute.
With the big lathe I've been turning a bit of green Madrone, Paper Birch, and Red Oak, slowly getting bigger. I'm waiting for some 18" rough turned Madrone platters to dry. Made a bunch of wooden rings (on titanium cores) as holiday presents, bottle-stoppers, and the like. Fun stuff, though not without difficulties (that will be another post).
I'm already looking into off-center turning and other hollow forms. Too much stuff to learn and play with. I'm signed up for a week long turning class in March - looking forward to it.
Cheers.
Been reading the forums for a bit and thought I should post an introduction.
My name is Tarn, and I have a small woodworking business where I design and build custom furniture in a commercial workshop. I try to incorporate some curves and handwork in all my designs. I worked for many years as a computer programmer. It's nice to design and build stuff now that isn't obsolete in two years!
I had a Delta Midi lathe for years, and only learned a minimal amount about spindle turning since it wasn't part of my day job. Finally decided to move up to a big 25" swing lathe and it is a lot of fun! The turning is currently just for fun, not work.
Before my big lathe showed up I sadly had to make a cremation urn for a relative. I was able to get some advice from a local AAW mentor, which helped tremendously. The urn was black cherry, 13” tall body, about 6.5” diameter, with 1/4" walls. Spray lacquer finish. Used threaded brass stock to attach the top, and inset for an engraved brass plate. Most of the hollowing was done with a captured bar system, but I used freehand hollowing tools for the throat and undercut. It felt good to be able to contribute.
With the big lathe I've been turning a bit of green Madrone, Paper Birch, and Red Oak, slowly getting bigger. I'm waiting for some 18" rough turned Madrone platters to dry. Made a bunch of wooden rings (on titanium cores) as holiday presents, bottle-stoppers, and the like. Fun stuff, though not without difficulties (that will be another post).
I'm already looking into off-center turning and other hollow forms. Too much stuff to learn and play with. I'm signed up for a week long turning class in March - looking forward to it.
Cheers.
