Wed, Dec 20, 2006, 11:18pm (EST+16) snipped-for-privacy@optushome.com.au (Chilla) doth sayeth: The thing I wasn't used to was my arms feeling like the bottom of an animal cage A pallet knife, well in Australia its sort of a spatula used for painting. I was going to cast a ferrule, but think I'll just make a nice bolster, and hold the lot together with a rivet :-)
A long sleeved shirt will take care of the arms, with the cuffs buttoned, or course. Personally doesn't bother me.
Ah, first thought in my mind was a knife for doing something pertaining to wooden pallets. But now I recall what they are. I use 12 gauge shotgun shell brass.
When I got my lathe I got the cheapest set of tools I could find. Five or six tools for about $10-12 U.S. Figured I'd learn sharpening on the el cheapo tools, so's not to ruin any good tools. Then chunked a piece of scrap wood in the lathe and had at it. I'm not great, but even so have turned some fair pieces. Loads of fun. I'd say just use cheap wood and practice. I've got a little belt sander I sharpen the tools on. They're actually fairly decent quality, but do need sharpening oftener than the more expensive tools. I figured I'd probably use them for 6-12 months, then they'd be so worn down from sharpening I'd have to get a better set. Well, I'm still using them. Hey, they're paid for, they work. Eventually, if other plans come to be, I'll make some lathe tools myself to replace these. Until then I'll keep using them.
I use the belt sander for sharpening because it's fast, and I don't think lathe chisels need precise angles, from being sharpened with a jig, because you continually are changing the angle of cutting. It's a case of close enough is good enough. Tools like planes, I do think that using a jig to get precise angles IS the best way. Chisels, no. Not saying you should do it that way, just that's the way I do it, and it works for me.
Far a books go, I'd say check your local library first. I never like to buy a book until I've thumbed thru it first, so I know excatly what it has - too many books only have maybe one little bit of interest to me, and often nothing. I do have a lot of woodworking books, but nothing specifically on turning. Most of my books,, were bought in used boostores, which I highly recommend as a source of books. Now I tend to buy used books on-lines, much better selection. I've bought some books off of eBay, because they weren't available anywhere else, just be sure to check shipping costs before bidding, because some of these sellers will really put it to you on shipping. I just read some articles, then started practicing turning, and sharpening. Worked for me.
JOAT Chubby had not demanded much out of life, and had got it.