For those who saw my introduction post, you know that I am new. I got my Nova Comet 2 about a month ago. So far, aside from some very limited practice spindle work, I have turned three bowls. Each has been a challenge. East Indian Rosewood, Canarywood and African Mahogany. It seems the Canarywood was the easiest, followed by the Mahogany and the Rosewood was a pain. I also have a small section of Black palm that I've fought with. All were kiln dried.
I got some more bowl blanks from Bell Forest and thought I'd give it a go. First up was Red Elm (again, kiln dried) and I fought it until I got a massive catch. I decided to stop right there until I can try to figure out what is going on. The catch wasnt even on the interior of the bowl, but while shaping the exterior.
I know this is limited information to diagnose, but I would have thought kiln dried Elm would be easy. I cant even get shavings, just hot dust. Hot enough that I'm fearful of ruining the temper on my gouge.
So likely culprit here...
tools not sharp enough?
improper technique?
wood more difficult than I thought?
Combination of all these?
Open to suggestions. Thinking I should get a small section of green wood so I can at least cancel one variable here...
Any advice appreciated.
I got some more bowl blanks from Bell Forest and thought I'd give it a go. First up was Red Elm (again, kiln dried) and I fought it until I got a massive catch. I decided to stop right there until I can try to figure out what is going on. The catch wasnt even on the interior of the bowl, but while shaping the exterior.
I know this is limited information to diagnose, but I would have thought kiln dried Elm would be easy. I cant even get shavings, just hot dust. Hot enough that I'm fearful of ruining the temper on my gouge.
So likely culprit here...
tools not sharp enough?
improper technique?
wood more difficult than I thought?
Combination of all these?
Open to suggestions. Thinking I should get a small section of green wood so I can at least cancel one variable here...
Any advice appreciated.