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+-- Thread: Newbie learning (/showthread.php?tid=7268145)
Newbie learning - MidwestMan - 04-19-2016
So, I started turning more in earnest these days. (I got laid off from work, and am hoping to sell bowls that I make).
I HAVE A LOT TO LEARN
The photo below, is wet cherry, that I started to gouge out a bowl. (ordered a bowl gouge and should arrive soon). It was a log about 8 inches in diameter. The diameter below is 7".
After a few days resting on the shelf, the cracks (checking) are there. That surprised me. I guess I really don't know as much about shrinkage as I thought.
Is turning a log's center some big NO NO ?
=144954400&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0]Cherry Trunk
Re: Newbie learning - MichaelMouse - 04-19-2016
Turning that thick certainly is. Also not a good idea to turn completely vertical walls in either orientation. Somewhere a bit south of 3/8" thickness is a better survival choice. I also elevate on stickers so the bottom doesn't stay wet on one side and dry the other. Improves survivability.
Re: Newbie learning - badwhiskey - 04-19-2016
Sorry about the layoff.
A full log blank will crack radially. This is a pretty good guide to prepping a blank from a log. Here is the key picture:
Notice he is removing the pith from the log to make two planks.
Personally, I find that pens, christmas ornaments and vases sell better than bowls. Your mileage may vary.
Re: Newbie learning - MKepke - 04-19-2016
It seems you can turn a piece containing the pith, but you need to follow some 'best practices', e.g.
http://www.johnjordanwoodturning.com/John_Jordan_Woodturning/Understanding_Wood.html
I particularly like this visual essay:
https://www.syzygywoodworks.com/2013/07/26/turning-hollow-forms-pith-to-pith/
-Mark
Re: Newbie learning - n7bsn - 04-19-2016
Have fun learning how to make "things" is my best advise.
One of the things I quickly figured out was about the only people that make a living at this are those that sell things to other turners.
One of the pro's (both gallerys and "stuff for turners") I know told a bunch of us a joke..
Do you know the difference between a professional turner and a large Pizza? A large Pizza will feed a family of four.
One of the "old-time" turners I know (40+ years) also says "Don't quit your day job".
If you really want to go for it though, do. There are people that have made a reasonable income as production turners. It's not easy, but it can be done.
Re: Newbie learning - MidwestMan - 04-19-2016
MKepke said:
It seems you can turn a piece containing the pith, but you need to follow some 'best practices', e.g.
http://www.johnjordanwoodturning.com/John_Jordan_Woodturning/Understanding_Wood.html
I particularly like this visual essay:
https://www.syzygywoodworks.com/2013/07/26/turning-hollow-forms-pith-to-pith/
-Mark
Thank you VERY much for the excellent information.
Re: Newbie learning - Arlin Eastman - 04-20-2016
I would hate it if I was layed off and I am proud of you trying to make yourself better instead of sitting around.
There are a lot of DVDs and YouTube's out there and a lot of guys here with a lot of experience with wet wood. (I do not turn wet wood)
If there is anything I can do to help you please let me know.
I will send you some black walnut if that would help too.
Some things for quick sales are Slimline pens which you can buy for $2 and sell for $20.
Arlin
Re: Newbie learning - MidwestMan - 04-20-2016
Thanks much guys for the supportive sentiments and suggestions and Arlen for the offer of wood and help. At this time, I don't have a need for the walnut, however, thank you for the generous offer.
Perhaps in the future I'll make pens, I don't know. I already have all the burners cooking and I need to stay focused. I have 5 orders for yarn bowls at $80 each. Unfortunately, I don't have any dry tree trunks to make them out of, so I need to glue up something to make them, which shouldn't be any trouble.
I'm looking forward to the bowl gouge that I ordered on-line and learning to use it. Hopefully, that goes well. (the learning curve, I mean)
I've been busy lately acquiring tree trunks that a couple of people have offered. The shop is now being used as a tree trunk hangout.
Re: Newbie learning - robo hippy - 04-20-2016
When you can no longer get up the driveway because of all the logs, you are a wood turner....
robo hippy
Re: Newbie learning - MidwestMan - 04-20-2016
robo hippy said:
When you can no longer get up the driveway because of all the logs, you are a wood turner....
robo hippy
Then there is no doubt about it, I am a newbie woodturner.
