pen turning

[zapdafish]

Picked up the GWL over the Holidays and am finally able to start trying something. Kinda clueless tho. I have boxes of parts and no idea what does what. Anyone able to describe what I need to do maybe a dowel? Figure I'd experiment with 2x4 scraps.

[Don Alexander]

not exactly sure what GWL is??????

however if you need help with pen parts might be able to offer some assistance

[erasmussen]

not exactly sure what GWL is??????

GWL = good will lathe

[WoodWrangler]

Search NCWW for GWL ... it's a site-specific acronym

As for getting the lathe ... congrats! I think NCWW members need to host a turn and learn at your place to learn how to turn a pen (and some other things!)

[CaptnA]

Congratulations on the GWL!
And welcome to the dark side~
I'd strongly suggest finding someone in your area to help a little. As much as I love the lathe, it isn't a very good tool, imho, to figure out on your own. Even the most basic hands on help can get you started into the wonders of round!
If nothing else I'd start looking at some youtube.com wood turning videos.

[JJD]

There are also some very good videos, e.g., the Shop series from Woodcraft. The lathe video is very good, and that's where I learned.

[cskipper]

Lathes are great - but probably a hands-on session with someone is the best thing. You'll hear terms like "ride the bevel" and trust me, that will mean nothing until someone physically shows you. Hopefully a turner in your are will jump in and offer some basics. Otherwise, Woodcraft (and probably other similar stores) offer classes.

[Don Alexander]

if you need some help just send me a PM be glad to help any way i can

Earl;
thanks for helping me out with the GWL thing i am not always so good at figuring out initials

[Douglas Robinson]

Steve:

I have to go to the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary tomorrow mid-day sometime. Drop me a PM and maybe I can swing by and give you some help, assuming the timing works for you.

Doug

[zapdafish]

Doug stopped by on Friday and helped out alot by showing me how to setup and use the GWL. I woulda thanked him sooner here but what started out as a scratchy throat and sniffles earlier that morning turned into something pretty nasty that knocked me out for about 30 hrs. I am still a bit woozy but strong enough to come into work.

First on my list of things to get is a pen turning mandrel.

[BMW540]

Congrats on the new lathe! I spent days straight turning when I first got mine.