Is Overconfidence With The Skew Chisel A Mistake? Let's Find Out!

[@BensGotWood]

Rate my progress - this is what I was like a few days ago! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjCdK1se72sfJI

[@RobertMChapple]

First of all - thank you so much for taking the time to give me a shout out for offering advice! It was unnecessary, but has completely made my day! As someone who has benefited from the kindness and advice of others, it feels wonderful to be in a position to now do the same. Next some observations - I'm shocked that you've not worked more with the bowl gouge & gone straight for the skew ... most people that I've spoken with have started with the bowl gouge, developed some skills & familiarity & then moved on to the skew. To my mind, it makes all you've achieved so much more impressive! And you've definitely improved since the previous video I saw. Small note about starting the planing cut directly on the end of the wood - you can really easily get a catch as you're finding the bevel and lining up the tool edge. The advice i've received is that the planing cuts should be towards the ends, not from them. I see you using this technique, but it should probably be more consistent. As to the destruction of the piece - as you say at the end of the video - a little too much pressure and it snapped at the weakest point. Had the wood been thicker, a minor catch wouldn't be expected to do such damage. If it's any consolation, the rest of us have done stuff that's remarkably similar ... we just weren't brave enough to make videos that document it! Two other pieces of advice you'll hear frequently are of importance here. 1) keep the tool sharp! I was once told that if you ask yourself 'When is it time to sharpen?' the answer is usually '90 seconds ago!' Related: technique is everything! I spent the money & got a Sorby Pro Edge & get consistent, near perfect results every time. It's a lot of expense if you're just new to the field, but it's definitely worth it! 2) lathe speed. For turning bowls there are some calculations for how to derive the optimal speed (even if most people turn it up until the lathe starts to shake & then back it down slightly). But, the advice I've consistently gotten for spindle work is: get it moving as fast as you possibly can! I'd normally turn small spindles (like the Light Pulls) at about 3k rpm without any problems, but it took time to feel comfortable with that speed. The major thing you need to take away from this is that your practice has led to improvements! You're doing great - keep going!

[@BensGotWood]

Hi, no problem, I hope one day I am good enough to offer advice to people starting out as well. Thank you for the additional advice too, really helpful. Sharpening is definitely something I have put off but know I need to address soon. I will check out the solution you mention. I tend to think it's worth investing in quality items up front so will see what the costs are. Also, thanks for the encouragement - it's nice to know I am heading in the right direction. Where abouts are you located btw? Do you go to any woodturning clubs at all?

[@RobertMChapple]

@@BensGotWood I'm based in Belfast, NI. There's a woodturning club not too far away, but it's out in the countryside & I don't get out to it. If you're ever passing this way, you'll be assured a of a warm welcome here!

[@BensGotWood]

@@RobertMChapple I visited Belfast about 20 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the place, and the people, and the Guinness! If we ever come over I'll be sure to let you know and will take you up on your kind offer. Thank you 🙂

[@tonyb2760]

I laughed when the spindle came from the lathe in two pieces because It reminded me of an almost identical experience, and I laughed then as well. We learn from mistakes, not successes. Thanks for sharing

[@BensGotWood]

Yeah, I was not in the slightest bit annoyed either. I know I’ll make many more mistakes…which I’ll keep sharing! Thanks for watching. I’ve just come in from the shed and have managed to actually turn something useful! I’ll post the video in a day or so. 👍🏻

[@jdstar6352]

1. Do you know what a steady rest is? Get one for small diameter spindles. 2. Beads of different sizes like this test piece are tricky. In some cases they can be visually pleasing, but here the look is simply abominable. Learn to make EVEN sized beads. 3. Do you have a caliper, or even a wrench? You need some basic measuring tools.

[@BensGotWood]

Hey, thank you for the suggestions. No, I don't have a steady rest yet - I have seen people make their own. I'll look into it as that would definitely would have helped. Hahaa, yes I agree, it didn't look great, purely just for practice and not aesthetics 🙂. No, I don't have calipers, although I am ordering some today. Thanks again for all the advice, it's really helpful and I appreciate the support.

[@BensGotWood]

Will look into it!