Turning a wood Mallet
The Beginning: A Bang and a Lathe
As the new year dawned, I decided to embark on a journey of learning by acquiring a wood lathe. Eager to explore the craft of woodturning, I documented my experiences, trials, and successes, providing an insight into my evolving skills.Starting with the unboxing of a lathe from Rockler and a carbide turning tool kit from Amazon, my adventure began with assembling the heavy lathe, emphasizing the importance of an extra pair of hands for the task.
Bowl-Turning Misadventure
My lack of planning and inexperience became evident when I chose the challenging route of turning a bowl without prior knowledge of lathe tools. With a small walnut wood cookie, I encountered hurdles, from a hole in the center to struggles with the lathe's faceplate.
Lessons Learned: Carbide Tools and Mistakes
Using carbide tools, I navigated the process, learning about tool rest adjustments and the importance of safety gear. The turning of a flat-bottom bowl became a series of mistakes, from neglecting to flatten the bowl face to encountering kickbacks and tears in the wood.
Discovering Traditional Tools
Acknowledging the limitations of carbide tools for bowl turning, I explored the realm of traditional tools. A bowl gouge was ordered, aiming to acquire the skills needed for a more nuanced and traditional woodturning approach.
Mallet Turning Triumph
Despite setbacks, I found success in turning a mallet, utilizing a walnut cutoff. The process involved meticulous planning, testing the wood's integrity, and adjusting tool rest height. The use of different carbide turning tools and sanding techniques contributed to the mallet's final form.
Conclusion: A Continuation of Learning
The journey unfolded with sanding, applying wipe-on poly coats, and reflecting on the choice of carbide tools for their beginner-friendly nature. While professionals recommend bowl gouges for turning bowls, my exploration of traditional tools is underway.
Stay Tuned for More
This article is a snapshot of my woodturning journey in 2024. I'll continue to share my experiences, successes, and challenges as I delve deeper into the art of turning wood. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and I look forward to updating you on my progress in the next installment.
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Build Videos
Youtube video - Table saw thin strip jig (https://youtu.be/d5wcoBoeQSk)
Power tools & hand tools
Lathe - https://amzn.to/4aIzAeL
Face shield - https://amzn.to/3HagZe2
Woodturning Carbide Lathe Tools - https://amzn.to/47vhOZr
Woodturning Bowl Gouge Set - https://amzn.to/48FTSDH
Self centering chuck - https://amzn.to/48HsiWL
