Tormek Woodturner's Instruction Box

[GeekGirl]

I have just watched Jeff's DVD on sharpening turning tools Learned a heap of useful information on the package (actually makes me want to go out to the carport and use the T7 to reshape and sharpen my new set of wood turning tools (I just purchased a lathe and some cheap tools (wanted to spend more on the lathe and 4 Jaw chuck first then get better tools when I am a bit more proficient with both turning and the T7 ) Why is wanting to go out and use the T7 a big deal... Well it is nearly midnight and in Perth Au we are in the middle of winter (it is cold and raining right now)..

I loved Jeff's comment on the TTS-100 gauge, that it makes set up "goof proof" I think the world can make people who can do it wrong (usually the people who do not read the instructions )

Tomorrow afternoon is set for me to wheel the workbench into the carport and re do the 6 turning tools I have bought, so they are a good profile for a beginner and can be easily re-touched on the T7 (The last time I turned any wood was back in the late 80's (I am showing my age)  I used to love woodwork

I will post once I have done the turning tools ,I have done a set of Bahco woodworking chisels , I tested them by going across the grain on some pine which would tear out the fibres, once sharpened, I had lots of lovely curly wood shavings with a great cut and no tearing, looked like I had used a plane

Kat.

[Ken S]

Kat,

Keep up the good work!

I don't know if you are familiar with Lee Valley (leevalley.com), a North American woodworking supply store (Canadian with a large US presence).  In their catalog and online they list a series of turning chisels by P&N (Patience and Nicholson).  Being made in Australia, you may already know them.  They look like solid, professional tools.  When you start looking beyond your beginning set, you might consider some of these.  I believe you may find that most of your beginning tools are actually adequate for more advanced work.  Where really nice tools come into play is with the spindle and/or bowl gouges.

The P&N tools are sold, at least in the US, as unhandled.  Tool handles are not difficult to make.  Making your own handles for these tools would give you the dual satisfaction of "Buying Australian" and working with tools you made yourself.

While owning the latest iWhatever gadget may be geekish, using a gouge you have custom sharpened on your Tormek and with a handle you have turned yourself would set you apart as the Prima Geekette.  It provides evidence of skill, not just possession! 

Ken

[GeekGirl]

Kat,

Keep up the good work!

Thanks

I don't know if you are familiar with Lee Valley (leevalley.com), a North American woodworking supply store (Canadian with a large US presence).  In their catalog and online they list a series of turning chisels by P&N (Patience and Nicholson).  Being made in Australia, you may already know them.  They look like solid, professional tools.  When you start looking beyond your beginning set, you might consider some of these.  I believe you may find that most of your beginning tools are actually adequate for more advanced work.  Where really nice tools come into play is with the spindle and/or bowl gouges.

The P&N tools are sold, at least in the US, as unhandled.  Tool handles are not difficult to make.  Making your own handles for these tools would give you the dual satisfaction of "Buying Australian" and working with tools you made yourself.

No I have not seen the P&N lathe tools, I have seen their taps and drill bits, but to be honest I have not been looking for lathe tools at the moment.

While owning the latest iWhatever gadget may be geekish, using a gouge you have custom sharpened on your Tormek and with a handle you have turned yourself would set you apart as the Prima Geekette.  It provides evidence of skill, not just possession! 

Ken

I agree whole heartedly I am a geekette as I have an electronics lab as a lounge room (even my bedroom has equipment stored in it (My one bedroom unit does not have enough room ) I work as an electronics installation engineer, I used to do R&D in electronics, but  found that installing the equipment paid better in Au.

Kat.

[Ken S]

Before I retired three years ago to become a very full time grandfather, I worked for AT&T (formerly the Bell System).  Sadly, when the Bell System was broken up by the government, one of the casualties was the Bell Labs, one of the premier research facilities in the world.  Much of our electronic age came out of Bell Labs, and I don't see where any other organization has replaced it, at least on such a large scale.  So, the northern hemisphere undervalues R&D, also.  Too bad.  I like the work.  (I installed and repaired telephone  and data circuits.)

I also enjoy sharpening.  Perhaps that's my inner cave dweller.

Keep progressing.

Ken