Hi all. New member. New to woodworking.

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Xander

Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2012
Messages
373
Location
Arizona
Hi everyone. Been looking at this forum today and just had to join.

A little about me. (really boring)
I'm in my 50's and 'retired' do to a disability so I have lots of free time. Currently I'm living in Phoenix and see no reason to move (again). Spent a good part of my life living in Australia but it's good to be back "home".
For the last year or so I've been looking for a hobby without much success, until now (I hope). Tried stamp collecting, diecast cars, etc but found those really dull. Need something more hands on. I've always been good at making things and been thinking about woodwork for awhile now but I thought I can't do anything in an apartment. Well, I can. (or going to try anyway).

Last time I did any lathe work (or any woodwork apart from a few shelves for my Matchbox cars) was in high school XX years ago. Geez, that long ago !!

I don't have a lathe ... yet... but will have very soon. Been doing a LOT of research but still can't decide what lathe I want. I think I'll end up with my 1st thought ... a Turncrafter Commander 10" var. speed.

I have so many questions so please bear with me. I know you have been asked all this so many times before so I apologize in advance. I'll post my questions in the correct section of the forum (I hope).

That's about it for now.
 
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Welcome Ed, from far west Kentucky, to the addiction, sometimes referred to as the vortex. You mention that you have read some of the site, be sure to give the library a good bit of time. The link is at the top of the page. You will find an article called Library Index. This covers tutorials on about anything pen making you can think of. You will also notice that there are articles listed by year. Much good info there as well. When these fail to answer your questions, by all means post it here. I have never seen one go unanswered very long. You might also want to give this thread a good look. It has some very good info for the beginning pen turner; http://content.penturners.org/library/general_reference/Getting_started_in_pen_turning.pdf. Grab some wood, make some shavings and have fun all the while being safe.
Have a look at the series of videos ed4copies has just posted showing how to complete a pen from drill to finish.

Charles
 
Hello Ed.Welcome from Va. Just jump in and ask.There are some really great people on here that is always waiting to answer.
Happy Turning!!
 
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I've been reading this forum and looked in the library all day today.

Over the last ... month... I've been researching pen making at length. Seen many vids, read a LOT. Yes I still want to go ahead with it :tongue:
 
Thank you all for the welcome.

The fun hasn't started yet. Wait, there is fun to be had?:eek:

I'm so stressed out from trying to choose a lathe.... think I'll take up knitting.

Seriously, this is a very big investment for me, as I'm sure it was for everyone here, and I'm thinking so far ahead that it's getting really stressfull. Things I shouldn't even be thinking about yet are flying around inside my head (which is a very scary place). This is supposed to be a hobby, something to help me relax and fill in the long hours of nothing to do. I'm sure it will be once I get all set up and start making chips.
 
Do what you feel fits your budget and interests. Just remember the lathe is the beginning investment. You will spend the price of a lathe and more in the other things you buy to get started. Welcome to the addiction. I was in your place a little over a year ago.
 
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