Determined to try in Southwestern PA

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cestmoi

cestmoi

Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2014
Messages
79
Location
Cranberry Township, PA
Hi all! I'm greener than spring grass when it comes to turning as I've never turned a pen or anything else. However, I've wanted to learn penturning for a number of years. I've read through many threads on this site and, based on advice from these posts and the way I know I learn best, I'd like to take a class or get some instruction from a seasoned pro. I was signed up for a workshop in Pittsburgh on woodturned pens that was scheduled for this morning. Unfortunately, the class was cancelled and I can't find any others in the area. I also checked this site for a local chapter and it seems there is only one and it is mostly inactive and on the other side of the state. We do not have a Woodcraft store in the area. Though I did find a Rockler store nearby, there are no classes scheduled on penturning. Are there any members in the Pittsburgh area here on the forum who offer instruction/workshops? Any advice for getting started other than to just dive in?
 
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There are some folks in the Pittsburgh area on here - don't know if any will jump up and offer a tutorial or not - but nothing wrong with jumping in
Watch a couple videos and follow safety guides!
 
Some time ago I visited the Rockler store in Pittsburgh and at that time they knew of a group meeting somewhere in the area. The store personal that I spoke to was very informative. By the way welcome from Bolivar Ohio.
 
Welcome. If you ever find yourself coming toward Harrisburg, I'd be glad to help you with whatever you'd like.

I'm not a pro by any means, but I know what I'm doing at this point.

Dan
 
Thanks, everyone, for the welcome. I'm so new to the craft that I don't even have a lathe yet, so jumping in will require a little more time, money, and effort. My husband purchased a small "hobby" lathe for me for Christmas, but from all that I've read here, we need to return it and get something with more power and capabilities. I've been scouring craigslist for a used lathe before running out and spending $500+ on a Delta 46-460 (seems to be universally liked on this forum), and found the following. Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal/good lathe?
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Delta Model 46-700 12-inch variable speed lathe with stand (46-705) on roller assembly. 3/4 HP motor, spur chuck and cup center. The headstock pivots for outboard (bowl) turning. (Photo shows live center and self-centering 4-jaw chuck which are not included). Additional the original lathe are the bowl turning too post and tool rest (shown in photo) will be provided. There are no gouges or scrapers included in this offer.
 
Welcome to the site. You can learn here by watching things in the library. However, there is nothing like "hands-on".

Personally, get with someone and listen to them. This may take a while but there are people in your area. You may need to get a better lathe......But after looking at it on line.......it looks like a great piece to start and learn. Yes, you might need to get a few things but don't go crazy. When you upgrade, then you can get better equipment.

Start simple.......see if you like the hobby........then if you do, make the jump.
JMHO
 
Like you there are no classes near me. I learned from the many videos on You Tube.There are videos on there from Rockler,Woodcraft,Wood N Whimsies and more . Also videos from seasoned turners. I have been turning for almost 4 years and I still watch them over and over. thats the best information I can give you. Good Luck
 
By the way I am at the Other end of Pa. 15 minutes South of Gettysburg Pa.

Welcome to the world of Turning. would be glad to help you. Also if you use Facebook look for the Pen Turners Page. a Bunch of great people! :)
 
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