Hey Keith just a general safety tip: roll up your sleeves or wear something with short sleeves, it might be the perspective but at 14:43 you look very close to the workpiece and your sleeve might get caught up in the lathe
I am a big fan of Shawn at Wortheffort channel. I have learned so much about wood and tools that I became one of his patrons. They are much longer videos than most, but are full of great information.
I've said it before but I have to say it again. I really appreciate your honest vulnerability regarding your personality type and how you prefer to engage with the world around you. I used to be a huge introvert but later became the polar opposite. Nest to you
I've been considering a lathe as well, so your approach to purchase, getting started, and your honesty in your first project was quite insightful. Very much appreciated!
I recommend the Record SC4 chuck, i assume your lathe is m33 x 3.5mm thread so you can get one easily from Record. The chuck has been great for me, ive had it a few months and its very accurate and smooth. Ive had a few chucks over the years and the SC4 has been the best. The accessories range is extensive and reasonable.
I own 2 Nova G3's and love them. They'll handle anything that your lathe can safely turn. Make your base as heavy as possible! It is astounding how an out of balance few pounds can make a lathe walk around the room.
Another advantage of the Nova G3 bundles is that if you later decide you need a bigger chuck, most (all?) of the jaws for the G3 also work on their bigger chucks like the Supernova and Titan.
A chuck will make a massive difference, I used to have a Dakota branded 4 jaw chuck from Rutlands, this worked great with no issues and hundreds of bowls and more made with it. When I upgraded lathes and got a Record Nova 1624 2nd hand they have a unique 1 1/4” x 8 TPI thread, this came with a Nova G3 chuck and the appropriate adapter. The nova G3 is great, loads of clamping and expanding force, easy to use with the hex ball type tool and has worked great with no flaws! I haven’t used the Axminster evolution or clubman, I’m sure the Evolution would be great. Personally I wouldn’t get the clubman... You’re on the edge of starting a life long addiction ! Good luck 😉
So refreshing to hear another woodworker acknowledging that a lot of these woodworking machinery are probably the same machine with different paint job, including respected brands like Axminster. Also love how you are so honest about your "mistakes" in you build processes in this and previous videos. So refreshing! Thanks Keith!
Thank you. Yeah maybe others don't do as much geeky research when buying something and just go for a brand with a good reputation - I don't blame people for taking the lazy option though
Great video on getting started. My grandfather made quite a few of his lathe tools from old files ( said the metal was perfect for holding an edge and already have the spigot/point for mounting into a handle) then turned his handles in lathe. He did this for specialized/ specific/ roughing tools as he also found he could get more tools for a lot cheaper. His main tools were all bought though. Like all of us he had to convince the boss to buy new tools so got around this by making his own. Those tools made from old files are just going on for fourth generation use as mine and brothers children are just getting into wood turning as we and my father did.
Ps we have always made it a practice to have tight clothing, leather apron (great as body armour) with short ties and rings, watches etc taken off. We just have a small box on wall near door that we put all that stuff in and just becomes natural habbit. I personally had a long tie from apron get caught once and was lucky. After cleaning the brown you are well aware to never let happen again. Keep safe and have fun
RTFM. How to align the centers is detailed in the manual. The locking levers on that model are diecast zinc or similar and are crap, get a couple of spares. Drive belt is a consumable item, get a spare. Check the grub screws holding the drive pulleys to the motor shaft and to the headstock spindle. If these are loose you will end up needing a new set of pulleys. Ensure the shafts where the sliding half of the pulleys run/slide are well greased especially the drive key and slot. Keep your tools sharp, I mean razor sharp. Look at different sharpening systems, I use the Tormek system and jigs though there are cheaper clones around and there is always the abrasive belt type which seem to get reasonable reviews. Chucks? Go for m33 x 3.5mm and fit an adapter insert to suite the 1" x 8tpi spindle thread on your lathe. Most midi lathes use the m33 thread of when you get a bigger lathe you keep your chucks and remove the adaptor(s), saves buying new chucks or m33 x 3.5 to 1" x 8tpi adapters. Look at the Charnwood range and go for 4" or 100mm. Practice, practice and more practice.
Turning can become addictive :) I'm pleased you had a look at Mike Waldt. His style is so easy... Digital readout is a not necessary, it is with feel and practice. BTW faster is better, and the rule of thumb is when the lathe starts to shake :) , drop it back a notch. Taking off the corners makes life a lot easier and helps with the balance. All my tools so far are Crown and boy can the collection grow. When your finances allow, get yourself the nova chuck. You will definitely need a sharpening system because depending on the wood, you can be constantly sharpening. I have a Wet Wheel from Record, and have set up a couple of jigs to easily, sharpen the tools. Clubs are good, but you are restricted at the moment, so YT will have to do. The rest should be about a fingers thickness from the wood. Catches happen to decade turners so do not worry. Always start from the end stock and work towards the drive. Enough of me prattling on, just get out there and enjoy it
Keith, you mentioned in your workshop planning video a while back that you weren't sure about putting doors on some of your cabinets - if you do more woodturning, you'll quickly realise you want most of that part of the workshop protected from flying shavings as they get everywhere (including inside the lathe bed)! Really enjoying your videos, Keith, thank you!
I am a wood turner of two years, Martin Saban Smith has excellent videos on his channel of wood turning and his websites Hampshire Sheen and m saban Smith, you have to pay for the videos but there good quality and he goes into detail and if you can catch a stream of his on CZcams he also answers any questions you have in stream and gives out tips. Hope this helps
I have the supernova chuck but have an issue with the soft metal pinions that wear out, after researching I now know the culprit is the supplied hex key with the ball end, many turners grind off this ball shaped part. This is why I prefer the earlier Nova chuck model with the tool steel key.
Good effort Kieth. My first go I didn't even attempt turning a thing. Just turned a large piece to a small one! I quite like my Coronet has the legs rather than a cabinet. It's a messy business and legs make for easier clean up for me. I was gonna recommend Mike Waldt to you. He also has made some really useful playlists. I live close to Westcountry Machinery 4 Wood. Awesome shop (online too). They stock Nova chucks and a huge selection of Robert Sorby tools and chisels. Keep meaning to drop £4-500 on them for a chuck and decent chisels. Costly endeavour innit.
Worth the effort, Shawn, is an excellent virtual teacher. I turned my males based on his lessons. Feels great in the hand. The Nova Chucks are excellent. I got mine through Rockler on one of their sales. A set of 3 chuck jaws for various kinds of turning. Also bought a spur for the Nova jaws, so I could leave the jaws in place & still do basic spindle turning.
Video timeline, in case you want to skip to the bits you're interested in: Buying A New Lathe 0:23 Chisels & Accessories 5:17 Work Area 9:19 First Turning Project 11:43 Learning Resources 17:41 Product Links: Please note I earn a small commission from any purchases: Axminster Craft AC370WL Lathe : amzn.to/2WdFFf9 (Amazon UK) Axminster Craft AC370WL Lathe : bit.ly/axminsterlathe (Axminster) David Lloyd Carbide Turning Tools: amzn.to/2WFy9IZ (UK) amzn.to/3dwXtrr (UK) Centre Finder: amzn.to/2zgcqPN (UK) Understanding Woodturning Catches by FineWoodworking channel: czcams.com/video/jOvF5f1phhY/video.html Mike Waldt Bowl Turning Without A Chuck: czcams.com/video/L0w10-14yNc/video.html WorthEffort Wood Turning Demystified: czcams.com/video/I60ilWTDss0/video.html WorthEffort 4 Cuts: czcams.com/video/KXzEjCorWO0/video.html WorthEffort First Bowl Tutorial: czcams.com/video/D_P8Fm5-aVs/video.html Please subscribe, click like if you like, and hit the bell icon for future video notifications MY TOOLS: For links to the tools I use, plus some of my favourite consumables, finishes and more see links below. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases: UK affiliate store: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/ragnbonebrown US affiliate store: www.amazon.com/shop/ragnbonebrown HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: Support with Patreon: www.patreon.com/ragnbonebrown Support with PayPal paypal.me/ragnbonebrown
For a first attempt I think the mallet turned out great Keith. The funny thing about this video is the lathe your uncle gave you is exactly the same as mine lol and yep the two downsides are the lack of power and how awkward it is for changing the speed via the belt pulleys. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the name kinzo 😁great video mate 👍🏼👍🏼
Bob on, well done Keith. Just keep practicing and you’ll get better each time. Just a quick safety tip in case nobody has mentioned it. A professional turner told me never to use cloth for putting a finish on a turning object. Always use paper towels as they will tear off before there is any danger of your hand being dragged in! Keep up the good work.
I enjoyed watching you at the lathe. I hope that you make videos documenting your journey into wood turning. I am also an absolute beginner and I'd love to follow along and learn with you. Stay safe.
I recently got a lathe myself. And I am really exited to see how you solve the sharpening part... That is what is holding me back at the moment, as I don't have a Tormek.
Hi Keith,I'm sure you will get a great amount of pleasure working with your newly purchased lathe,I can give you one very Important and useful advice, always take the time to get the tool rest set correctly,it is very important when you're wood turning,take care and enjoy
Yandles have the record power SC4 chuck for 129 quid or the sc3 (smaller) for around 110 - both come with a set of jaws, a mounting plate and woodworm screw. Get a chuck, seriously if you're going to do bowls, platters anything that isn't just between centres you are going to want a chuck. You can do it without but it is, quite frankly, a pain in the arse to do so because you'll be trying to hot glue bits of scrap on. Also consider getting a thin parting tool too. You don't really want to have to think about the screw length + space for a 15mm parting tool on the end of your work where a 3mm parting tool would work out better. Hope you enjoy doing it as much as I have. I brought a box of bowl blanks, 15 or so, off ebay and went through them in less than a week. Can get expensive though. If I recall correctly you have a grinder already so it might be worth either making ( czcams.com/video/Db4JPSb8LqU/video.html ) or buying a jig ( www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gouge-chisel-sharpening-tool-for-woodturning-gouge-fingernail-2-jigs/222535647760 ) - worth watching the Welsh Woodman's how to on sharpening too it's really informative. czcams.com/video/Kk6yKUQkQX0/video.html Don't use cloth on your lathe at all, use paper towel it's much safer - See Adam Savage's accident if you want to see an example.
A mallet is a fun first project. And I thought your pass was a pretty good looking one! I laughed at the pile of chips on the floor, it is amazing how much of a mess it makes. One good tip I learned was that you can use the chips/dust for extra polishing after sanding; simply take a handful and hold it to the wood while it is spinning (as safely as possible of course). Congrats on the new setup!
I really like the shape of this mallet I think it's really good for a starter piece. WoodturningWithTim is a good channel to learn from when he's not doing totally insane things with various toys on a laithe. Carl Jacobson is also really good. They both have some really good teaching styles. A fantastic sanding tip I learnt from Pask Makes is to use sand paper glued to a piece of ply wood to sand things that you want to be flat. I supose you could do something with a rounded block of wood for curves as well. Nick Zammeti is also a really good wood turner and has some awesome ways to sand and finish almost any material on a wood turning laithe. I found that learning to make mushrooms was an awesome way to learn the basics without having a really expensive or large piece of wood on the laithe. Also, dust collection, a decent respirator and a visor can, and will, become your best friends. I've been hit in the face with a chunk of wood before and my visor definitely saved a trip to the hospital........ It was between centres and I hadn't notice a crack running through it....... it was also several hundred years old having been removed from the loft of an Alms house. Please don't let that put you off, it's just an example of why we where safty kit. Hope you come to love the art of turning 👍
I have never had a bad experience with the nova chuck’s but from my personal experience I prefer the ones with a key and not the two bars to tighten the chuck and if you are willing to spend a lot the easy wood chuck is amazing. The one way wolverine sharpening system is what I use with a slow speed grinder and cbn wheels but I have seen people getaway with fast grinders you just have to be more careful about heat buildup to not ruin the steel. The fact that the centers did not align could be that the lathe is not leveled and that just means that the slight twist is removed from the lathe the biggest of lathes need to have this done. For learning I took one class at a local maker space just to give me some confidence but That is my only real education in wood tuning that and CZcams. Happy to see you get in to the fun of Woodturning.
We all find fault with everything we make but in this instance its clear that although its a little rough around the edges you're on the money. You just need some practice and I think you'll soon be making all the things you need to advance your woodworking projects. Good luck and enjoy AND STAY SAFE!
Im just going through a similar learning curve! I restored a vintage 1950s lathe and modernized it with a variable speed motor and DRO, its working great, plus you can make your own tools too if need be. For a chuck ive found the record ones are really nice to use. ive been buying my bits from 'The Tool Post' Been really helpful guys. Happy turning mate! :)
Good choice with the Axminster. Generally very good customer service. But you missed a deal around chrismas they has a deal which included a chuck. I've just upgraded my table saw from a £100 one that broke after 2months to the axminster craft AC216TS I'mvery happy with it. Like you I did a hole lot of research. I'm just finishing off my first piece of furniture a cabinet for my drill press.
Great video. Thanks for sharing. If I'd ever buy a lathe I'll come back to this video and follow the links to the lathe-videos on CZcams you've put in the description. Maybe you can make a face-shield out of plexi-glass (acrylic) what you should bend while heating it. And you should protect the lathe-motor from all the wood shavings and dust. I think a board on top of it will already help a lot.
For a first attempt I thought that mallet turned out really well. I can see with the work you do how a lathe might come in handy for the added detailed parts. Bet your glad you didn't persist with the old one in the end 🤪
I think you did well for a first attempt. The only way you learn is by having a go. Ive always wanted to have a go at turning but the mess puts me off. Im a bit o.c.d & i think the mess would do my head in lol
I’d recommend “Woodturning, A Foundation Course” by Keith Rowley. Possibly out of print now but a very useful read at your own pace and what I relied on when I was Wood turning in the pre CZcams era. Happy turning!
Hi Keith, great video and for your first turning the mallet turned out OK , the 3 set of tools from eBay is a Skew, a Roughing Gouge and a Captive Ring Tool. To save you money you can buy your tools without handles this works out cheaper and you can make your own handles to suit you.
Nicely done Keith 😁. Glad to see you went for a new one (you won't look back). Also can't wait to see what you do with the old one (thanks for picking up on the sander conversion idea... I watch with interest). As suggested take a look at John McGraths "man in shed". Check his back catalogue of vids from about a month or so ago when he just got his Record Power unit... you will just want to turn until you run out of stock 😁. Thanks Keith and stay safe 😁👍.
Thank you for this video, I'm currently looking at starting to learn how to turn. This video came at the right time 🤣, I really appreciate all the information
For ur sharpener....there is a tormek bgm 100 i think...thats the name....it can be used to attach to any grinder...you can then buy tormek jigs to sharpen your chisels. Defo invest in a chuck...i have the axminster model which is very nice.
I started turning on a slightly older version of the one you have. I bought the Axminster chuck, never had a problem with it. I doubt I can give you any advice that you haven't already seen or heard. However I will say one thing, if you start with a an interesting piece of wood, a burl, something with a strong grain pattern or some spalted wood, it's very easy to make a simple object into a stunning piece!
Happy Turning Keith! It’s something I love watching others do but unlikely will ever do myself - mostly because it’s so expensive to start, bit like golf! By the time you’ve bought all the gear, you’ve spent well over a grand which I simply don’t have
You can certainly spend over a grand but not necessarily. Brand new, a Record Power DML250 costs £250 and that's more than capable to get you started. The Robert Sorby 67HS set offers a comprehensive selection of quality tools including roughing, bowl and spindle gouges, skew chisel, scraper and parting tool for £150, quite a bit cheaper than buying them individually. The Record Power SC3 chuck can be had for £100; I went for the SC4 @ £125 and it's great and all that but did I really need one just yet? Perhaps not. Second hand versions can be had for less; a DML250 with bed extension and tools went for £170 on ebay just before I bought mine, sets of Sorby tools for £100. Chucks don't seem to come up so often and rarely represent much of a saving but again, not absolutely necessary to get started. I've added a couple more tools and my total outlay still hasn't reached £500.
Thanks for another good video, interesting to see you starting out on turning. It is worth attending a turning club, my son and I have just started and visited a club before the lockdown. We saw a bowl turning demo, wihich was great, fair to say most of the people there were retired,, keen to offer advice and support and genuinely interested to see a new person. Welll worth a try. M Sabah Smith has been doing some great live streaming recently.
Great video. And congrats on getting a lathe.. Your doing great.. I too learned from watching hours of CZcams and even more hours of scrap wood hacking away. Hooe your enjoying it.
Just a tip, have the tool-rest as close to the workpiece as possible. Also the tool you didn’t know what it was is used to cut off your finished workpiece.
Great job Keith. You will learn that all turners have their own ways. Many videos later you will be doing good. Look at “Wyoming wood turner”. He is also a good learn. Enjoy. I have been turning for years and still love it.
Hi keith, just a word on the Axminister Clubman SK100. I purchased it with my own money about 3 years ago when I started turning at 14, and have used it every day since. It's a great chuck, solid as a rock and handles everything I have worked with, including some big pieces. However, when I realised that I could have bought 2 chucks for the price of 1, I was quite frustrated with the money I paid for 1. Record power sells a chuck called the SC4, which I wish I had opted as they are cheaper, and have a solid build aswell. Just a heads up, as I do a lot of bowl and spindle turning, and switching jaws and chuck equipment is a hassle when switching from bowl to spindle. Hope it helps
I love the carbide tools and tend to use the above anything else. I can use traditional tools but find the grinding a pain. chucks, I found the record power SC3 can take just about anything I throw at it. I made my own carbide tools, round steel bar and a bit of file work for the cutter plus a drill and tap for the bolt as for a handle well I have a lathe.......
Put me down as another Nova chuck proponent. They are very well built and have multiple jaw configurations. I also have purchased disappointment via ebay. I've decided I will no longer purchase lathe tools off of ebay unless the size is listed and it's a brand name. Happy turning.
When I was taught to use the lathe I _think_ I was taught that the front hands rests on the tool from above instead of grabbing on from below ... more stability that way. But don't quote me on that, it's been quite some time already ;) But hey, looks good :)
great video i have the same lathe you need to keep tool rest as close to the work piece as possible with out touching and the higher the speed and gentler the touch the better the finish
1" x 8tpi chucks are pretty much made by everyone, you just need to decide which jaw system to go for. Charnwood Nexus 3/Record Power SC3 and SC4, Nova G2/Sorby Patriot all use the same jaw pattern and the Record and Nova even use the same fixing bolts. Rutlands.co.uk sell a version as well although their compatibility listing seems a bit skew compared to Charnwood. I use an SC3 and a Nova G2, both almost identical to each other. Charnwood seem to have the most compatibility info on their website. Just bear in mind there are 2 versions of the Nova chuck one which directly fits your lathe and one that needs the correct threaded insert.
I find the world of woodturning fascinating Keith. I watched the blind woodturner give a demonstration last year at Makers Central and was completely captivated. However, I don’t think it’d be for me, safety first and all that😂
Yeah for sure . Saying that I did see a video the other day with the lovely Ashley Harwood turning something one handed! Probably best left to those with years of experience! 😂
Hey Keith
just a general safety tip: roll up your sleeves or wear something with short sleeves, it might be the perspective but at 14:43 you look very close to the workpiece and your sleeve might get caught up in the lathe
Defo. A mate of mine was literally scalped when his long hair got caught up in the mechanism.
A good one to watch is Matt Estlea. He started turning a while back and documented all the stuff he tried right from the start
not a bad job for a first attempt. You deserve a little round of applause from me.
Guess that makes me a nerd too with spreadsheets!!
How did it turn out? Ha! I love puns.
Enjoy your new toy and be safe.
I am a big fan of Shawn at Wortheffort channel. I have learned so much about wood and tools that I became one of his patrons. They are much longer videos than most, but are full of great information.
I've said it before but I have to say it again. I really appreciate your honest vulnerability regarding your personality type and how you prefer to engage with the world around you. I used to be a huge introvert but later became the polar opposite. Nest to you
Buddy that mallet is awesome. Be proud of yourself, it's prefect.👍
Very good instructional video Keith. You are an excellent teacher
Nice, glad to see someone dive in like I did. I hope you enjoy it 👍
Well I'm impressed!
I've been considering a lathe as well, so your approach to purchase, getting started, and your honesty in your first project was quite insightful. Very much appreciated!
Thank you for your time.
I recommend the Record SC4 chuck, i assume your lathe is m33 x 3.5mm thread so you can get one easily from Record.
The chuck has been great for me, ive had it a few months and its very accurate and smooth. Ive had a few chucks over the years and the SC4 has been the best. The accessories range is extensive and reasonable.
I own 2 Nova G3's and love them. They'll handle anything that your lathe can safely turn. Make your base as heavy as possible! It is astounding how an out of balance few pounds can make a lathe walk around the room.
Another advantage of the Nova G3 bundles is that if you later decide you need a bigger chuck, most (all?) of the jaws for the G3 also work on their bigger chucks like the Supernova and Titan.
I thought this was fantastic for a first go. Mesmerising to watch and see something coming to life.
Thank you Mandy
A chuck will make a massive difference, I used to have a Dakota branded 4 jaw chuck from Rutlands, this worked great with no issues and hundreds of bowls and more made with it. When I upgraded lathes and got a Record Nova 1624 2nd hand they have a unique 1 1/4” x 8 TPI thread, this came with a Nova G3 chuck and the appropriate adapter.
The nova G3 is great, loads of clamping and expanding force, easy to use with the hex ball type tool and has worked great with no flaws!
I haven’t used the Axminster evolution or clubman, I’m sure the Evolution would be great. Personally I wouldn’t get the clubman...
You’re on the edge of starting a life long addiction ! Good luck 😉
So refreshing to hear another woodworker acknowledging that a lot of these woodworking machinery are probably the same machine with different paint job, including respected brands like Axminster. Also love how you are so honest about your "mistakes" in you build processes in this and previous videos. So refreshing!
Thanks Keith!
Thank you. Yeah maybe others don't do as much geeky research when buying something and just go for a brand with a good reputation - I don't blame people for taking the lazy option though
Great video on getting started. My grandfather made quite a few of his lathe tools from old files ( said the metal was perfect for holding an edge and already have the spigot/point for mounting into a handle) then turned his handles in lathe. He did this for specialized/ specific/ roughing tools as he also found he could get more tools for a lot cheaper. His main tools were all bought though. Like all of us he had to convince the boss to buy new tools so got around this by making his own. Those tools made from old files are just going on for fourth generation use as mine and brothers children are just getting into wood turning as we and my father did.
Ps we have always made it a practice to have tight clothing, leather apron (great as body armour) with short ties and rings, watches etc taken off. We just have a small box on wall near door that we put all that stuff in and just becomes natural habbit. I personally had a long tie from apron get caught once and was lucky. After cleaning the brown you are well aware to never let happen again. Keep safe and have fun
As always, great ‘real life’ video, warts n all. Much more informative than some of the super-polished channels.
RTFM. How to align the centers is detailed in the manual.
The locking levers on that model are diecast zinc or similar and are crap, get a couple of spares.
Drive belt is a consumable item, get a spare.
Check the grub screws holding the drive pulleys to the motor shaft and to the headstock spindle. If these are loose you will end up needing a new set of pulleys. Ensure the shafts where the sliding half of the pulleys run/slide are well greased especially the drive key and slot.
Keep your tools sharp, I mean razor sharp.
Look at different sharpening systems, I use the Tormek system and jigs though there are cheaper clones around and there is always the abrasive belt type which seem to get reasonable reviews.
Chucks? Go for m33 x 3.5mm and fit an adapter insert to suite the 1" x 8tpi spindle thread on your lathe. Most midi lathes use the m33 thread of when you get a bigger lathe you keep your chucks and remove the adaptor(s), saves buying new chucks or m33 x 3.5 to 1" x 8tpi adapters.
Look at the Charnwood range and go for 4" or 100mm.
Practice, practice and more practice.
Turning can become addictive :) I'm pleased you had a look at Mike Waldt. His style is so easy... Digital readout is a not necessary, it is with feel and practice. BTW faster is better, and the rule of thumb is when the lathe starts to shake :) , drop it back a notch. Taking off the corners makes life a lot easier and helps with the balance. All my tools so far are Crown and boy can the collection grow. When your finances allow, get yourself the nova chuck. You will definitely need a sharpening system because depending on the wood, you can be constantly sharpening. I have a Wet Wheel from Record, and have set up a couple of jigs to easily, sharpen the tools. Clubs are good, but you are restricted at the moment, so YT will have to do. The rest should be about a fingers thickness from the wood. Catches happen to decade turners so do not worry. Always start from the end stock and work towards the drive. Enough of me prattling on, just get out there and enjoy it
Cheers Peter that's really helpful. Feels like I've got a lot to learn!
WorthEffort a good pick
Don't knock yourself. Looks great!!
Keith, you mentioned in your workshop planning video a while back that you weren't sure about putting doors on some of your cabinets - if you do more woodturning, you'll quickly realise you want most of that part of the workshop protected from flying shavings as they get everywhere (including inside the lathe bed)!
Really enjoying your videos, Keith, thank you!
i geek out too when buying a new tool. spreadsheet all the way 😊
I am a wood turner of two years, Martin Saban Smith has excellent videos on his channel of wood turning and his websites Hampshire Sheen and m saban Smith, you have to pay for the videos but there good quality and he goes into detail and if you can catch a stream of his on CZcams he also answers any questions you have in stream and gives out tips. Hope this helps
I have the supernova chuck but have an issue with the soft metal pinions that wear out, after researching I now know the culprit is the supplied hex key with the ball end, many turners grind off this ball shaped part. This is why I prefer the earlier Nova chuck model with the tool steel key.
Good effort Kieth. My first go I didn't even attempt turning a thing. Just turned a large piece to a small one! I quite like my Coronet has the legs rather than a cabinet. It's a messy business and legs make for easier clean up for me. I was gonna recommend Mike Waldt to you. He also has made some really useful playlists. I live close to Westcountry Machinery 4 Wood. Awesome shop (online too). They stock Nova chucks and a huge selection of Robert Sorby tools and chisels. Keep meaning to drop £4-500 on them for a chuck and decent chisels. Costly endeavour innit.
It sure is. I've been on their website a few times, could have spent a fortune! 😂
I just started with a lathe as well and enjoyed your video, subscribed. Thanks
Worth the effort, Shawn, is an excellent virtual teacher. I turned my males based on his lessons. Feels great in the hand. The Nova Chucks are excellent. I got mine through Rockler on one of their sales. A set of 3 chuck jaws for various kinds of turning. Also bought a spur for the Nova jaws, so I could leave the jaws in place & still do basic spindle turning.
Video timeline, in case you want to skip to the bits you're interested in:
Buying A New Lathe 0:23
Chisels & Accessories 5:17
Work Area 9:19
First Turning Project 11:43
Learning Resources 17:41
Product Links: Please note I earn a small commission from any purchases:
Axminster Craft AC370WL Lathe : amzn.to/2WdFFf9 (Amazon UK)
Axminster Craft AC370WL Lathe : bit.ly/axminsterlathe (Axminster)
David Lloyd Carbide Turning Tools: amzn.to/2WFy9IZ (UK) amzn.to/3dwXtrr (UK)
Centre Finder: amzn.to/2zgcqPN (UK)
Understanding Woodturning Catches by FineWoodworking channel: czcams.com/video/jOvF5f1phhY/video.html
Mike Waldt Bowl Turning Without A Chuck:
czcams.com/video/L0w10-14yNc/video.html
WorthEffort Wood Turning Demystified:
czcams.com/video/I60ilWTDss0/video.html
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With regards to getting a face shield, I made one by attaching a piece of Lexan to the brim of a hard-hat.
It ok mate ..its for hitting things...it will be hit/Damaged...;-)
For a first attempt I think the mallet turned out great Keith. The funny thing about this video is the lathe your uncle gave you is exactly the same as mine lol and yep the two downsides are the lack of power and how awkward it is for changing the speed via the belt pulleys. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the name kinzo 😁great video mate 👍🏼👍🏼
Another good video and enjoyable to hear and watch 👍🏻👍🏻
Great video Keith! Thanks for sharing it with us!💖👌👍😎JP
Bob on, well done Keith. Just keep practicing and you’ll get better each time. Just a quick safety tip in case nobody has mentioned it. A professional turner told me never to use cloth for putting a finish on a turning object. Always use paper towels as they will tear off before there is any danger of your hand being dragged in! Keep up the good work.
Good video Kieth thanks
I enjoyed watching you at the lathe. I hope that you make videos documenting your journey into wood turning. I am also an absolute beginner and I'd love to follow along and learn with you. Stay safe.
I recently got a lathe myself. And I am really exited to see how you solve the sharpening part... That is what is holding me back at the moment, as I don't have a Tormek.
Cheers Goran, video coming about that this Friday hopefully if I finish it on time!
The Axminster chucks are awesome! You will forget the pain of a high price after using it for a while!
Nice to see the new back drop. Hope you enjoy the new lathe.
Hi Keith,I'm sure you will get a great amount of pleasure working with your newly purchased lathe,I can give you one very Important and useful advice, always take the time to get the tool rest set correctly,it is very important when you're wood turning,take care and enjoy
Thanks for sharing mate 👍
Yandles have the record power SC4 chuck for 129 quid or the sc3 (smaller) for around 110 - both come with a set of jaws, a mounting plate and woodworm screw. Get a chuck, seriously if you're going to do bowls, platters anything that isn't just between centres you are going to want a chuck. You can do it without but it is, quite frankly, a pain in the arse to do so because you'll be trying to hot glue bits of scrap on. Also consider getting a thin parting tool too. You don't really want to have to think about the screw length + space for a 15mm parting tool on the end of your work where a 3mm parting tool would work out better. Hope you enjoy doing it as much as I have. I brought a box of bowl blanks, 15 or so, off ebay and went through them in less than a week. Can get expensive though. If I recall correctly you have a grinder already so it might be worth either making ( czcams.com/video/Db4JPSb8LqU/video.html ) or buying a jig ( www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gouge-chisel-sharpening-tool-for-woodturning-gouge-fingernail-2-jigs/222535647760 ) - worth watching the Welsh Woodman's how to on sharpening too it's really informative. czcams.com/video/Kk6yKUQkQX0/video.html
Don't use cloth on your lathe at all, use paper towel it's much safer - See Adam Savage's accident if you want to see an example.
Next video up on my subscriptions page was Frank Howarth turning a mallet.
Big difference between mine and his 😂😂😂
Welcome to the rabbit hole that is woodturning
I found the Axminster APF10 respirator comfortable to use, you get a constant fresh air flow inside the mask. It’s not cheap.
Brilliant video, love sewing shop improvements. Good call getting a new one
A mallet is a fun first project. And I thought your pass was a pretty good looking one! I laughed at the pile of chips on the floor, it is amazing how much of a mess it makes. One good tip I learned was that you can use the chips/dust for extra polishing after sanding; simply take a handful and hold it to the wood while it is spinning (as safely as possible of course). Congrats on the new setup!
It may not be perfect but it's very satisfying to watch!
I have a similar lathe from harbor freight... i found shimming the feet actually can help align your centers. Worth a shot maybe
Great video, look forward to seeing your progress, I've had a lath for many years and don't use as often as I'd like.
mallet looks good to me mate!
Cheers Terry
I really like the shape of this mallet I think it's really good for a starter piece.
WoodturningWithTim is a good channel to learn from when he's not doing totally insane things with various toys on a laithe. Carl Jacobson is also really good. They both have some really good teaching styles.
A fantastic sanding tip I learnt from Pask Makes is to use sand paper glued to a piece of ply wood to sand things that you want to be flat. I supose you could do something with a rounded block of wood for curves as well.
Nick Zammeti is also a really good wood turner and has some awesome ways to sand and finish almost any material on a wood turning laithe.
I found that learning to make mushrooms was an awesome way to learn the basics without having a really expensive or large piece of wood on the laithe. Also, dust collection, a decent respirator and a visor can, and will, become your best friends. I've been hit in the face with a chunk of wood before and my visor definitely saved a trip to the hospital........ It was between centres and I hadn't notice a crack running through it....... it was also several hundred years old having been removed from the loft of an Alms house. Please don't let that put you off, it's just an example of why we where safty kit. Hope you come to love the art of turning 👍
Thank you great info 👍
@@RagnBoneBrown no problem, I hope it helps 👍
I have never had a bad experience with the nova chuck’s but from my personal experience I prefer the ones with a key and not the two bars to tighten the chuck and if you are willing to spend a lot the easy wood chuck is amazing. The one way wolverine sharpening system is what I use with a slow speed grinder and cbn wheels but I have seen people getaway with fast grinders you just have to be more careful about heat buildup to not ruin the steel. The fact that the centers did not align could be that the lathe is not leveled and that just means that the slight twist is removed from the lathe the biggest of lathes need to have this done. For learning I took one class at a local maker space just to give me some confidence but That is my only real education in wood tuning that and CZcams. Happy to see you get in to the fun of Woodturning.
Thank you! Will consider the nova then ✌️
We all find fault with everything we make but in this instance its clear that although its a little rough around the edges you're on the money. You just need some practice and I think you'll soon be making all the things you need to advance your woodworking projects. Good luck and enjoy AND STAY SAFE!
Im just going through a similar learning curve! I restored a vintage 1950s lathe and modernized it with a variable speed motor and DRO, its working great, plus you can make your own tools too if need be. For a chuck ive found the record ones are really nice to use. ive been buying my bits from 'The Tool Post' Been really helpful guys. Happy turning mate! :)
Good choice with the Axminster. Generally very good customer service. But you missed a deal around chrismas they has a deal which included a chuck. I've just upgraded my table saw from a £100 one that broke after 2months to the axminster craft AC216TS I'mvery happy with it. Like you I did a hole lot of research. I'm just finishing off my first piece of furniture a cabinet for my drill press.
That looks like a nice lathe for the price. A cast iron base is certainly a must.
Congrats 👍
Great video. Thanks for sharing. If I'd ever buy a lathe I'll come back to this video and follow the links to the lathe-videos on CZcams you've put in the description.
Maybe you can make a face-shield out of plexi-glass (acrylic) what you should bend while heating it.
And you should protect the lathe-motor from all the wood shavings and dust. I think a board on top of it will already help a lot.
For a first attempt I thought that mallet turned out really well. I can see with the work you do how a lathe might come in handy for the added detailed parts. Bet your glad you didn't persist with the old one in the end 🤪
I think you did well for a first attempt. The only way you learn is by having a go.
Ive always wanted to have a go at turning but the mess puts me off. Im a bit o.c.d & i think the mess would do my head in lol
Rex Krueger has a good book on wood turning
I’d recommend “Woodturning, A Foundation Course” by Keith Rowley. Possibly out of print now but a very useful read at your own pace and what I relied on when I was Wood turning in the pre CZcams era. Happy turning!
This is a great book and it is still available. Really useful as a woodturning bible lol 😆😆
Yup, still in print and the later editions come with a DVD (you remember DVD's, those round shiny discs).
Hi Keith, great video and for your first turning the mallet turned out OK , the 3 set of tools from eBay is a Skew, a Roughing Gouge and a Captive Ring Tool. To save you money you can buy your tools without handles this works out cheaper and you can make your own handles to suit you.
Thanks a bunch, now I’ve got to save up for a lathe and associated paraphernalia - great video thanks. 👍😁
Nicely done Keith 😁. Glad to see you went for a new one (you won't look back). Also can't wait to see what you do with the old one (thanks for picking up on the sander conversion idea... I watch with interest). As suggested take a look at John McGraths "man in shed". Check his back catalogue of vids from about a month or so ago when he just got his Record Power unit... you will just want to turn until you run out of stock 😁. Thanks Keith and stay safe 😁👍.
Cheers Frank will check it out 👍
The second one is a parting tool. You can also use that for grooving.
Thank you for this video, I'm currently looking at starting to learn how to turn. This video came at the right time 🤣, I really appreciate all the information
For ur sharpener....there is a tormek bgm 100 i think...thats the name....it can be used to attach to any grinder...you can then buy tormek jigs to sharpen your chisels. Defo invest in a chuck...i have the axminster model which is very nice.
Thank you will check that out
I started turning on a slightly older version of the one you have.
I bought the Axminster chuck, never had a problem with it.
I doubt I can give you any advice that you haven't already seen or heard.
However I will say one thing, if you start with a an interesting piece of wood, a burl, something with a strong grain pattern or some spalted wood, it's very easy to make a simple object into a stunning piece!
Happy Turning Keith! It’s something I love watching others do but unlikely will ever do myself - mostly because it’s so expensive to start, bit like golf! By the time you’ve bought all the gear, you’ve spent well over a grand which I simply don’t have
You can certainly spend over a grand but not necessarily. Brand new, a Record Power DML250 costs £250 and that's more than capable to get you started. The Robert Sorby 67HS set offers a comprehensive selection of quality tools including roughing, bowl and spindle gouges, skew chisel, scraper and parting tool for £150, quite a bit cheaper than buying them individually. The Record Power SC3 chuck can be had for £100; I went for the SC4 @ £125 and it's great and all that but did I really need one just yet? Perhaps not. Second hand versions can be had for less; a DML250 with bed extension and tools went for £170 on ebay just before I bought mine, sets of Sorby tools for £100. Chucks don't seem to come up so often and rarely represent much of a saving but again, not absolutely necessary to get started. I've added a couple more tools and my total outlay still hasn't reached £500.
Great video Keith 👍🏻 keep at it. I’ve had a go at turning and it’s not for me but it’s great to watch you on the learning curve.
Thanks for another good video, interesting to see you starting out on turning. It is worth attending a turning club, my son and I have just started and visited a club before the lockdown. We saw a bowl turning demo, wihich was great, fair to say most of the people there were retired,, keen to offer advice and support and genuinely interested to see a new person. Welll worth a try. M Sabah Smith has been doing some great live streaming recently.
I’ve just started wood turning....it’s a buzz!
Did well 🦆🦆. I remember sending a leg of 4x4 through a window while still at college. Good video
Totally agree, go to a club when they are open again, as a fellow introvert get your reluctance.
Great video. And congrats on getting a lathe.. Your doing great.. I too learned from watching hours of CZcams and even more hours of scrap wood hacking away. Hooe your enjoying it.
Just a tip, have the tool-rest as close to the workpiece as possible. Also the tool you didn’t know what it was is used to cut off your finished workpiece.
Great job Keith. You will learn that all turners have their own ways. Many videos later you will be doing good. Look at “Wyoming wood turner”. He is also a good learn. Enjoy. I have been turning for years and still love it.
Yeah I've been caught out buying chisels on eBay, when they turned up they were tiny 😏
I have found Carl Jacobson a great turning resource. He turns everythng including bowling balls.
Awesome, I always say "You wont know, till you try it"
I like Bill Jones of Turntastic Wood Design who does normal woodworking as well as turning. Good luck with the lathe!.
Hi keith, just a word on the Axminister Clubman SK100. I purchased it with my own money about 3 years ago when I started turning at 14, and have used it every day since. It's a great chuck, solid as a rock and handles everything I have worked with, including some big pieces. However, when I realised that I could have bought 2 chucks for the price of 1, I was quite frustrated with the money I paid for 1. Record power sells a chuck called the SC4, which I wish I had opted as they are cheaper, and have a solid build aswell. Just a heads up, as I do a lot of bowl and spindle turning, and switching jaws and chuck equipment is a hassle when switching from bowl to spindle. Hope it helps
Thank you great info 👍
Watch Ed Oliver 10am Saturday he also has a woodturning shop near Ashford Kent
Thanks... I liked this video.
I love the carbide tools and tend to use the above anything else. I can use traditional tools but find the grinding a pain. chucks, I found the record power SC3 can take just about anything I throw at it. I made my own carbide tools, round steel bar and a bit of file work for the cutter plus a drill and tap for the bolt as for a handle well I have a lathe.......
Put me down as another Nova chuck proponent. They are very well built and have multiple jaw configurations. I also have purchased disappointment via ebay. I've decided I will no longer purchase lathe tools off of ebay unless the size is listed and it's a brand name. Happy turning.
Record Power SC4 chuck Keith.
You may want to check out Stumpy Nubs for sharpening jigs for your turning tools for use with your grinder
Already watched it 👍
Nice use on India ink. I also really want a lathe
Cheers Matt. You can have my old one 😂
@@RagnBoneBrownThanks, I will pop right over
Keith I have an eBay purchased sharpening jig used with a bench grinder, which I don't use anymore, you can have for free if you like.
When I was taught to use the lathe I _think_ I was taught that the front hands rests on the tool from above instead of grabbing on from below ... more stability that way. But don't quote me on that, it's been quite some time already ;)
But hey, looks good :)
great video i have the same lathe you need to keep tool rest as close to the work piece as possible with out touching and the higher the speed and gentler the touch the better the finish
For tapers, set the tool rest to the desired angle and lock your hand in place and slide along. Get that tool rest as close as possible.
Uuuh! Hat and coat stand post :D
I just purchased a Wen lathe it has a 1" by 8 threads per inch spindle and they sell a Chuck on Amazon for it too.
1" x 8tpi chucks are pretty much made by everyone, you just need to decide which jaw system to go for. Charnwood Nexus 3/Record Power SC3 and SC4, Nova G2/Sorby Patriot all use the same jaw pattern and the Record and Nova even use the same fixing bolts. Rutlands.co.uk sell a version as well although their compatibility listing seems a bit skew compared to Charnwood. I use an SC3 and a Nova G2, both almost identical to each other. Charnwood seem to have the most compatibility info on their website. Just bear in mind there are 2 versions of the Nova chuck one which directly fits your lathe and one that needs the correct threaded insert.
Thank you very helpful
I find the world of woodturning fascinating Keith. I watched the blind woodturner give a demonstration last year at Makers Central and was completely captivated. However, I don’t think it’d be for me, safety first and all that😂
Yeah for sure . Saying that I did see a video the other day with the lovely Ashley Harwood turning something one handed! Probably best left to those with years of experience! 😂
@@RagnBoneBrown for what it's worth... I also think she is lovely.... but don't tell the wife 🤣🤣. 😁
Go with the axeminister I have been using one for about thirty years. I also have a oneway also great