First Real Turnings - Woodworking Talk

b00kemdano · 03-06-2009, 05:25 PM

Here are two candlesticks and a candle dish thing that I ended up with today. The plate thing was my first time using the faceplate on my lathe, and the first time that I've turned a flat piece like that. It's evident that I will need more types of turning tools.

Gouges made the plate a pita. I think some scrapers would've been nice. I had a scrap panel of oak lying around for this one.

The two tulip candlesticks were made from a scrap that I saved from the fellow that I bought most of my tools from. He had a blowout in one end of a square table leg while cutting some mortises. It was two pieces of what looks like poplar that were glued together.

As it turns out, that table leg had two tulip candlesticks in it. Maybe that's why it never ended up under a table?

I used paste wax as a finish for all three of these since I'm in too much of a hurry to turn something else and don't want to spend a lot of time finishing.

Am I doing ok? Any tips from anyone? I wish I could take a class or seminar or something, but there just isn't anything near me. :( No clubs, nothin. You guys are my club!

johnv51 · 03-06-2009, 06:42 PM

Lookin good! You can find Norm's Lathe 101 episode if you look around. Plenty of books out there too.

b00kemdano · 03-06-2009, 07:26 PM

:P When I ordered the lathe from Grizzly, I also ordered "Popular Mechanics' Workshop Lathe Fundamentals - The Complete Guide"!

I know I'm a noob, I won't even try to hide it.

AZ Termite · 03-06-2009, 09:13 PM

Another source for "how to" info is You Tube. Like johnv said there are also good books and videos out there. The main thing when turning is use your imagination, and be creative. You are off to a good start. If all you have are gouges you may want to look into a basic set. I started with a basic set and have added a few to that. I have 1 1/4" roughing gouge and a 3/8" fingernail bowl gouge with a long handle that were the most recent purchases.

firehawkmph · 03-06-2009, 09:26 PM

Dano,
Good first effort. I would recommend on the candlesticks in the future to cut them down some and broaden the base. Most of the time when I turn these, I combine both of your projects into one, use the plate for the base, and the top half of your candlesticks. If you are going to light something on fire, you don't want it falling over. Could cause some problems. Too bad you don't have any clubs nearby. You might try an add on craigslist in your area to see if maybe there are some turners that wouldn't mind having you over to their shop for some pointers. Keep it up, don't let the sawdust settle.
Mike Hawkins

b00kemdano · 03-06-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

If you are going to light something on fire, you don't want it falling over.

I considered putting a base on them. Since I'm still just goofing around with scraps, my blanks haven't been big enough to leave a real base on yet. When I am better equipped and practiced, I might make some bases separately and screw them on.

I'd like to make a nice set of candlesticks for church, but I'm not sure I'll make it before lent is over.

firehawkmph · 03-07-2009, 09:12 AM

Dano,
no screws for the bases. Just turn a shoulder (tenon) on the bottom of the top piece, and drill a matching hole in the base. Little bit of glue, and you're all set.
Mike Hawkins