Craft Forum / Wood/Metal / Woodturning / February 2010

Afternoon all ..
I recently acquired a small antique (?) lathe that I am unable to
identify and was hoping to get some expert input here.
I was told it was from the 30's or 40's but I lean towards 50's. It

Hello - I trasck this group and know there are many knowledgeable
turners here, so I am seek some advice.
I am on a mission in Samoa teaching young people to do woodturning
with a friend from Australia, Ernie Newman.

Hi, All.
Got a new lathe, HSS tools, a recommended book, and no experience with
a lathe.  I sharpened the gouges on a low speed grinder to same approx
angle as they came from the factory, then buffed on a cloth wheel.

My new toy actually arrived a few weeks ago, due to a family emergency
trip and a work trip I was unable to actually attach it to the lathe
until this past weekend.
The delay was a little frustrating, but on the good side, that delay

I have turned now for 15 years but i now turn out a bowl, goblet or
similar mainly in spalted wood, I look at it and cannot part with it.
Each one is like a painting, the spalting is nature, the creation is
me. I did sell my turnings over the internet but I probaly broke

Anybody here ever try turning wood from a Monkey Puzzle tree?
Sycamore? I have dibs on some wood from both and was wondering about
any likely problems.
TIA

IMHO most of us retain the handle that came with the tool or substitute
a cold hard pricy aluminum weapon for it because of pride in owning a
touted brand name commercial product with its logo prominently stamped
on the shiney (slippery) handle that bears little relationship to the

I got the Woodchuck "Bowl-Pro" tool and I'm lovin' it..
Anyone that is considering the EX Rougher should go for Woodchuck tools by Ken
Ferrel..
http://www.woodchuck-tools.com/

It's that time of year again when I unabashedly mention that my club's big
woodworking show is happening soon!
Northeastern Woodworkers Association's
19th Annual Fine Woodworking Show

Please forgive my long, boring and predictable "anti-eponym rant" that
you older members remember and expect.  :)
I don't remember inserting tool bits into a CRS bar held in turned
wooden handles then, but I remember as long ago as the late 30's using

Registration is open for the 2010 Spring Market.  The application is
online now, please click on the FORMS link to apply.
The 2010 Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa Spring Market is set for
Saturday, May 1st 2010.

The question I have is somewhat off-topic and may well be better asked
in the wreck.  I hesitate to do so though.  I want to build a table.
It will be approximately 7' - 8' in length and stand about 32" - 36"
high.  As horizontal surface in a workshop tend to be prime real

I feel like making a new tool, either a an Oland tool which uses HSS
cutter inserts, or an Easy Rougher-style tool, which uses carbide
inserts.
What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of each one?

Violated one of my basic rules this morning and I'm paying the price now...
I usually sit down when I'm hollowing, not only easier on the back but it avoids
leaning over the tool..
I was hollowing with the Mega Eliminator and was aware of the cutter position,

Has anyone made duck or goose calls,if so what did you use for a finish and
was the wood stabilized.
Kevin