Hello from Iowa

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m575

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Thanks for allowing me to join. This seems like a great community and forum.


I am just beginning to explore this fine hobby and art form. I'm reading and watching everything I can and I'm pretty sure I am going to jump in, but I have to get some equipment first. I have never turned anything before. I think my strategy may be to go inexpensive for a lathe to see if I like it. Then if I do enjoy it, I'll buy something much better. This way I'll know more what I really want in a machine and won't short myself in the long run.

I look forward to learning.
 
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Welcome to the forum. I understand your thought process about starting out with cheaper tools. The problem with that though is the fact that lots of frustration can arise from trying to use a tool that is not capable of doing precise work. That frustration can lead to abandoning pen turning altogether. This is by no means a cheap hobby to get into, but once you have the main tools, it is not that bad. You can take it in multiple directions, plain wood barrels, acrylics, segmenting, casting, stabilizing, kitless etc. Every avenue you go down requires very specific tooling, and none of it is what you might call cheap. Not trying to scare you off. I hope you stay and find this hobby as rewarding as I'm sure, most of us do.
 
KenB259 said:
Welcome to the forum. I understand your thought process about starting out with cheaper tools. The problem with that though is the fact that lots of frustration can arise from trying to use a tool that is not capable of doing precise work. That frustration can lead to abandoning pen turning altogether. This is by no means a cheap hobby to get into, but once you have the main tools, it is not that bad. You can take it in multiple directions, plain wood barrels, acrylics, segmenting, casting, stabilizing, kitless etc. Every avenue you go down requires very specific tooling, and none of it is what you might call cheap. Not trying to scare you off. I hope you stay and find this hobby as rewarding as I'm sure, most of us do.
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Thanks Ken - this is food for thought.
 
Welcome to the forum, Jeff.
I agree with Ken. Don't buy cheap. Find some local turners and pick their brains. You may get a free lesson or two and plenty of good advice on lathes.

Alan
 
Greetings from Nebraska and welcome to the IAP Community. I suggest you look up the Des Moines Woodturners club. I also think the Woodsmith Store in Clive carries pen turning kits and supplies. - Regards, Dave
 
m575 said:
Thanks for allowing me to join. This seems like a great community and forum.


I am just beginning to explore this fine hobby and art form. I'm reading and watching everything I can and I'm pretty sure I am going to jump in, but I have to get some equipment first. I have never turned anything before. I think my strategy may be to go inexpensive for a lathe to see if I like it. Then if I do enjoy it, I'll buy something much better. This way I'll know more what I really want in a machine and won't short myself in the long run.

I look forward to learning.
Click to expand...
I agree with others,join a woodturning group, get advice and get familiar with lathes,tooling and processes before buying your own.
 
egnald said:
Greetings from Nebraska and welcome to the IAP Community. I suggest you look up the Des Moines Woodturners club. I also think the Woodsmith Store in Clive carries pen turning kits and supplies. - Regards, Dave
Click to expand...

Thanks Dave. I'm originally from Nebraska, had some friends from Columbus back in the day, its a good place.
 
Hey Jeff, welcome from Montana. We're missing our snow this year. Should have at least 6' of the white stuff on the road but probably no more than 11". Going to be a bad fire year for sure. But plowing has been great!!!
 
Hello and Welcome to our home. We have many ideas and Downloadable PDF tutorials for your review.

Here's an Introductory Document for Reference.

Welcome Quick Start Reference for New Members

This is a good Quick Start document for new members. Revised 10-14-2024. Click on the image below to begin download of PDF. Author: Wayne Racinowski
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Complete List of Forums

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The International Association of Penturners
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Menu of all IAP Library Articles, References, Tips, Tutorials

IAP Library Menu of Tutorials (Last Update 12-1-2024)

IAP Library Menu of Tutorials (Last Update 12-11-2024) Search All Current Library Resources View Latest Additions - Last 6 Months CATEGORIES
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Pen Kit Suppliers - World Wide

World Wide Pen Suppliers - Revised 10-9-2024

Please notify Library Manager of Additional Suppliers. This is a Revision to World Wide Pen Suppliers List - Revised 10-9-2024 Click on the image below to begin download of PDF. IAP Supplier Poll...
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Which Pen Suppliers do you Purchase from? (Poll)

Which Pen Suppliers do you Purchase Pen Kits from? (Revised 10-9-2024)

Current Suppliers Chart Here. Revised 10-9-2024 NOTICE: IF YOU ADD OR CHANGE A VOTE YOU MUST RE-ENTER ALL PREVIOUS VOTES! Many members ask the simple question, Which Pen Suppliers do you Purchase from? Added points below 5-7-2022 Here are some things you should consider, when choosing a...
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