Wood Lathe Video - What They Didn't Tell You

[@DancingFox6]

Hi Kent. My daughter got a lathe for Christmas and I just shared this video with her. Just what she needed. In fact, every question that comes up that I can’t explain over the phone winds up with ‘Kent’s got a video about that’. She’s a happy newbie and you’re her favorite teacher.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

LOL! Thank you Lois! I appreciate you sharing the word! All the best to you (and your daughter) and Happy Turning!

[@jamesbaldwin7676]

As a retired professional spindle turner, my lathes were always bolted down to a concrete slab and and the head and tail stocks were braced to a concrete tilt-up wall. The lathe beds were heavy wood timbers. The lathes were also, big and heavy. All this made high-spindle speeds possible, hence higher production rates. Production rate was very important since all work was piece-work and piece-pay. My lathes were actually made in the late 1800's and had to be converted to ball-bearing from babbitt bearing. All my gouges and cutting tools were home-made from solid, M2 steel and none shorter than two feet. (My old Dutch Grandpa wouldn't have it any other way.) He was of course my teacher and the tools were his. He began his professional career and apprenticeship when he was only 12 years old, working 5 1/2 days a week (12 hour days) as an indentured apprentice. His teachers were all men born and trained in the late 1800's He worked in a shop where all the belt-driven, jackshaft lathes, ran all day and never stopped. The spurs were always live but had long center points to allow for loading and unloading. At the end of everyday, the foreman would come around and talley the parts and deduct for anything scrapped. Grandpa said he once spent two years turning the same style stair baluster. All of this was well before the invention of any automatic, duplicating lathes. His pay was sent home, directly to his parents. All his siblings were working as well under similar arrangements. His sisters were domestic helpers (cooks, maids etc.) BTW, bowl lathes and spindle lathes. are and were, two different machines and the actual cutting is scraping or shear-cutting. And one more thing...hand turning doesn't necessarily produce parts with slight variations. That's just something you may have been told. That's really more of a quality-control issue. I could take any two of Grandpa's parts, split them and hold them together with each other, with virtually no visible variations. Well that's the way it was. I still learned a thing or two from this KZbin.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

James, Thank you for writing and sharing! Wow, it sounds like you have a very fascinating time with your grandfather. What a priceless experience! Thanks again for sharing. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@otagomike]

That is an amazing story going way back.my grandfather worked in the railway workshops and loved passing on his knowledge. Some of my prized possessions are files he gave me in the mid 1970s when I was five or six.Ive still got them and use them.the old fellows had stories to tell....

[@JamesCouch777]

I'm 71 and I just recently got a Crescent lathe from the 1930's and converted it with a treadmill motor and I've been having a blast with it. Thank you for sharing your story 👍

[@janwinter4542]

When I bought my first lathe (DML24) I only knew…….zero about setting up. Actual turning I learned from watching others on utube. Your videos are perfect for me & for total beginners. Thank you Kent. Jan (Staffordshire). 70 yr old pensioner Turner. Still learning. Lol

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing Jan! I'm so glad you are finding these videos helpful. All the best to you (across the pond) and Happy Turning!

[@JamesCouch777]

71 year old beginner turner here. I'm learning and having a blast 😊

[@brianwarbrick2225]

Hello Kent from the UK. It was my wife's idea that we/I should take up wood turning I'm 76 and she thought it time I move out of my shed where I do fixes of most things mostly electronics. So she bought me a belt and various pulleys drive lathe it's not very big compared to yours and other professional models. It's a Lumberjack WL305. With just a basic faceplate. The purpose of my comment is that I can now add an 8th 'they never told me/us that' ! And there's probably more that other beginners might add? Nobody said that the decent tools and more versatile Chucks would cost an arm and three legs to buy. Yes cheap tools are readily available but they're like cheap screwdrivers you get what you pay for etc etc. thank you for your very clearly presented and explained videos. In a new convert to your channel. I've not yet tried your website as yet but I will be doing. Kind regards Brian.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Hello Brian, thank you and welcome! And thanks to your wife for her great idea. Once you get hooked on turning, I think you'll see the joy. And she probably added another ten years to your life! Remember; persistent, patient practice will yield the bowls you imagine creating! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@chrisbraid2907]

Hi Kent, I found when I had out of round Bowl blanks in my lathe, to round them up for better balance I would bring up the Quill on the tail stock to stabilise the blank while turning it rounder. I use a Scroll chuck most often when I turn bowls , for the roughing down of the blank I find the faceplate or the screw chuck are good. I use them on the wood that will be turned away . My speed range options allowed me to happily turn both Bowls and Spindles along with Goblets and Vases. Wood turning is great therapy and patience is well rewarded especially in the area of finishing. Keep up the good work …

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Chris, Thank you for writing and sharing! All good point. And yes, it's great therapy! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@russellwaite5874]

I bought my lathe quite a few years ago, it is quite heavy at the motor end and came without a stand. My solution was to make a sturdy wooden stand with retractable wheels at the heavy end. This allows me to pick up the light end and wheel it about like a barrow. Then I simply retract the wheels and I'm ready to go. The wheels by the way, were from a discarded baby pushchair. I made the legs wide enough apart to be stable. Enjoyable video, you're never too old to take good advice. Thanks from Yorkshire U K.

[@hotrodhog2170]

I didn't get to talk to anyone when I purchased my midi lathe! Ordered it online and figured I would watch Kent's videos and teach myself. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me Sir!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You are very welcome! Hope all is working out well for you. Happy Turning!

[@hotrodhog2170]

@@TurnAWoodBowl Thank you, you too!

[@otagomike]

I'm 52 and a month and a half into it. I'm really enjoying your videos. Safety is really important to me so I find these videos really helpful. Kia Ora ( good health to you) from New Zealand.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing Michael! Enjoy the process and Happy Turning!

[@peteg4526]

I hurt my rotator cuff last summer/fall so when my shoulder started to hurt from woodturning I thought oh well I’ll just spend less time at the lathe. Then my elbow decided to join the fun. After an hour on the lathe it was really painful to reach up and touch my head or even reach my chin with my left arm. Based on your video I checked the height of my lathe and raised it the thickness of 3 pieces of 3/4” plywood. I was at my lathe for a couple of hours yesterday. No pain at all. Thank you so much for this video.

[@danielgeiger7739]

Great video as always. Best tip was rubber mat under legs. Just upgraded from Wen bench top to full size (Laguna revo 18/36 with extension, on wheels), and garage floor is anything but flat. Also love your chisel storage in the background. Am converting old pegboard to French cleat and was thinking about chisels and was not happy with any of my ideas. I like the upper cross bar. Re chucks 1 vs 1.25" I would recommend getting a 1.25" chuck even if headstock is only 1" as a bushing is keeping the chuck close to headstock. When one inevitably upgrades, with 1.25 chucks, just take the insert out. But putting a 1" chuck on a reducing adaptor puts it further away. For smaller accessories such as 1" bottle stopper "chuck", those are small pieces anyway, so not as critical to keep everything tight.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing Daniel! Glad you liked the video. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@qunningStunts]

Height was the thing that I was really looking for, after 10s of videos and about a week of asking around, you've finally given a reasonable answer with reasoning behind it. THANK YOU

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great to hear! I like dispensing reasonability! ;) Happy Turning!

[@kevinbooth2063]

Hello Kent, Wow you hit all of the things that they didn’t tell me. A couple of things which probably are not that big of an issue is the ability to reverse the spindle, being able to lock the spindle, being able to index the the spindle and being able to have a way to turn the spindle without turning on the lathe. These were items that I wasn’t told about that I discovered after I had purchased my lathe. Knowing these sooner would have saved me buyers remorse. One thing I would like to see is how you keep your Tools close to you? We see you set your 55deg gouge down and pickup your spindle detail gouge. As new turners ideas like this would help tremendously to stay organized. One thing is for sure I have learned a lot from watching your KZbin and others. I have already told my lady that I’m going to get a Robust lathe. I just don’t know when. Thanks

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Kevin, Thank you for writing and sharing! I will consider this for a future tips video. Stay tuned. Happy Turning!

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

Very good information -- Thank You! I'm one of those carefully starting bowl turning. My wife got me a small Nova lathe that has a variable speed motor and four-position belt headstock. A far cry from the high school shop lathe I remember from the mid-1960's!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing Graeme! It sounds like you have a great set-up. Enjoy the whole process. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@stapeling]

Hi Kent. Great video, once again. About vibrations: when a little (repeat: little!) unbalance occurs at low speed (lets say 400 rpm), in stead of lowering it to 350, I speed up the lathe to around 700 rpm: most of the time the vibes dissapear according to laws of resonance and self-frequency, and you can turn with a more stable gauge. Only try this when the weight is uneven distributed within the wood of a fairly even piece, not for large or irregularly shaped pieces.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thanks for sharing. That is a very good point. A slight speed up can help at times. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@assynt]

This is known as speeding up through the first critical speed. Usually works, but can be dangerous. I’d always recommend staying below 1st critical.

[@TheOtherGuybo]

Great set of, here are things you should know, tips - which I will be sharing with my brother who just got his first lathe. Here's another - headstock to tailstock alignment. I recently purchased a second hand lathe with a headstock that can be turned out. As it happens, the stops are not perfect. i discovered this when I started getting big vibration after moving the headstock. I now minimize the number of times I use that feature, and I pay attention to having both centers aligned prior to turning, making adjustments as necessary. Love your channel.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great point, Guy! Thank you for writing and sharing! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@randsipe224]

It seems pretty elementary, even for a beginner like myself but I guess there are some for whom nothing can be taken for granted.

[@BrentLink]

Thank you for the advice! I My back hurts when I turn very long. Now I know why! I need to raise my lathe! Also, I wish I'd known about the uses of the gouges. I spent $$ on a spindle gouge I don't really need. Oh well. Thanks again for sharing your wealth of knowledge!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Brent, Thank you for writing and sharing! Yes, we are all learning all the time. Happy Turning!

[@bwrightaway2877]

If you're new to turning... pay attention to Kent. I started turning a year ago when I got a little WEN 3424T 12x18" table top lathe. I watched a ton of Kent's videos and they helped out tremendously. I've had so many ppl tell me "Wow, you're a natural at this" and I tell them I just got great tips and advice from Kent @ Turn A Wood Bowl. Thx Kent

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing this channel. Much appreciated! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@01ANGELCAT]

The small benchtop Wen lathe is doing kzbin.infoUgkxKGVtPhqZBB5AQXXFlU2kdd4mQhO6wlhl just what it was desighed to do, turn small pieces. This product is workig very well in wood and plastics, I wouldn't recommend any metal turning on it though. Overall from an old tool guy, I highly recommend this lathe as long as you realize that this is for small turning only. I bought this a few weeks ago and have noticed the price has gone from $174. to $249. Might want to get one sooner than later.

[@ronaldperkins5655]

Kent, I had subscribed to your channel a while back in addition to those of several other turners on KZbin. I just now got to a point where I can actually start viewing videos, and I am so happy that I chose yours to start my viewing process. Although I have been turning for several years on pens and such, I have only attempted a few bowls, and felt very awkward and not confident at all. With this one video you have taken away the mystery of basic bowl turning and have answered many of the questions I had. Your style of teaching the very basics fits my need perfectly, and you explain things very well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I'm sure many other novice turners feel the same way. Can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit so that I can man the lathe again!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you kindly, Ronald! I'm so glad to help! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@daviddenroche3429]

HI Kent…As a new turner I sincerely appreciate your gifted teaching techniques. I am hiring a very seasoned wood turning coach weekly, but your videos serve to remind and refresh his teaching points when I am on my own. I would like to see a video on how to deal with a bowl blank that is not quite dry and actually changes shape as the walls of the bowl get thinner and start to dry out. I have already pretty much destroyed my round end scraper by trying to “cut” the chatter out of a shifting bowl shape. Make sense???? Again great teaching…THANK YOU

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, David! Yes, that makes sense. See my full bowl turning videos. Almost all of my videos demo how I work from the wall into the center, down the inside wall without returning to the top rim. This process removes the chatter of thin walls. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@brgovender8879]

I'm new to wood turning. Thanks for sharing this invaluable information.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, BR. Welcome and Happy Turning!

[@carterharrison9067]

Kent, You have really helped me many times. THANK YOU! I'm a retired teacher, and I consider you an excellent one. I have a question: Is there a screen behind you in some of your videos? Is it to catch wood shavings? It looks like nylon mosquito netting. I would like to create some sort of barrier that catches the flying wood shavings and localizes my sweeping, but that also allows light and air to pass through in my garage shop--especially on days when I can keep doors and windows open. I'd like to avoid the clear shower curtains that many people use. Sincerely, Carter

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing! Screen Answer here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qafXXoWom5poZtU

[@douglasjordan1746]

Great video, after turning for about a year there was more information I wish I would have known a year ago!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad you enjoyed it Douglas! Happy Turning!

[@billrobinson8939]

Great info for me. Bought a used lathe from a guy who turned a couple pens. I like different things and have spent twice on accessories as I did on the lathe. Live and learn

[@rkimberly985]

Thank you so much. I was always wondering which speed I needed to put my belt to, for whatever project I was attempting to do. I have an Excelsior Minii lathe I bought on sale from Rockler, with the bed extension.. It has 5 speeds. I really like it. There is virtually no vibration, and quiet! I am still just learning to use it, and what not to do etc. So far the only things I have made are billy clubs, and small tube type boxes, like the old wooden little tubes that you used to get fish hooks, swivels, and split shot, in, etc. , and a birch mallet head. I enjoy using the lathe, when I have time, but I am lacking in knowledge. I have watched some videos with Ernie Conover. I don't have much in the way of lathe tools. Just some Chinese communist lathe tools,which I would not have bought, if I had known, but Rockler doesn't let you know the country of origin. and a set of mini carbide lathe tools for pen turning. I have not tried pen turning yet. I can't afford the good tools, the only higher end tool I have is a Robert Sorby parting tool. But when I can save enough pennies, I will get some higher grade tools. I try not to support companies that support communist China! I need to get a bowl gouge, and a crook neck bowl tool. Anyway thank you for doing this, and your other s videos.. Right now my lathe speed is still the factory setting. I will have to experiment with different speeds to see what I should use for various projects. Thanks again.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Awesome. Thank you for writing and sharing! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@Horsewomann]

I wish I had seen this 2 years ago before I bought my lathe from Harbor freight (I know, but so far it’s been okay). I have a bad back from 26 years as a Paramedic and nurse, so standing for long periods does not work for me. I have a tall stool I can sit on, and that brings the height to a good level since I’m tall for the leg height of the unadjustable base. For turning pens, it’s worked fine. I’m hoping it won’t be a big problem as I get into doing bowls. One nice thing with mine is that the headstock rotates, so I can possibly work on projects that would otherwise hit the rails.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Not a problem. Do what works for you Karen! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@waynepaul9554]

I am glad I watched this. I have just bought an upgrade lathe and I am building a bench for it. So gauging the height was very helpful for me. Cheers 👍

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad it helped. Good timing is always nice. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@alcameron1999]

I love your videos and watch them all. I have a starter lathe that I bought for a few hundred dollars, now I want to buy a more advanced lathe. However, the cost new is thousands of dollars. Is there a used market place where I can get used quality lathes? Thanks!!!

[@jackknows6509]

Well delivered and yes, a new-to-you lathe can be intimidating. Feel free to reach out to folks like Ken who are generous with their helpfulness as well as forums and turning clubs. Thanks Ken, this is very informative, definitely a video to be saved for later reference.

[@leftmono1016]

Kent 😉

[@jackknows6509]

@@leftmono1016 Sorry, Kent

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thanks for that! Happy Turning!

[@thecordlesscarpenter7956]

Funny you spoke about a platform to stand on, I felt like I was the only one with a cinder block/plywood platform in front of my lathe haha. Thanks for the video!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You're not alone, but few people talk about getting the height correct for you. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@davidross2376]

Happy New Year, Kent. Your excellent videos have been a critical factor in my educational journey on the lathe. As you know, I started out a year ago an a (minimum 700rpm) ShopSmith, turning my first bowl with a spindle roughing gouge! A classic example of not knowing what I didn't know. Fortunately my search online for helpful advice led me to your channel. First, you may well have helped me avoid a serious injury. Next, I learned how to keep my tools sharp. Once I got a grasp of the fundamentals, regular practice and more videos flattened my learning curve dramatically. Acquiring a Robust lathe allowed me to turn locally salvaged green wood, and larger pieces. I've now reached a place where I can get even more out of your videos, and reflect on a year of satisfying, steady progress. In short, I couldn't have gotten here without you. Many thanks, and keep up the good work. I'll email you a photo to show you Nancy's acknowledgement of your role in my life - she got me a Turn a Wood Bowl t-shirt for Christmas!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

David, Thank you for writing and sharing! That is awesome on all levels! I'm thrilled for you. Enjoy your skills and keep building them! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@hughcawley473]

Hi, Kent. Really helpful, thank you. I’m relatively new to turning (2 years) so this sort of confirmatory instructional film is reassuring. Keep well and Happy New Year. Best Hugh

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Wonderful. Thanks and Happy New Year to you too Hugh! Happy Turning!

[@mandygraham5627]

We're was this video two yrs ago. 😂 All the things I had to learn n took a few days on some stuff. Lol tyvm

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

LOL, I understand Mandy. We all were there at one point. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@thomasmcelderry5713]

I really enjoy your very practical information on laths and bowl turning. I have been turning pens for a year and a half and just received a free central machinery 14 x 40“ lathe left by somebody that didn’t want it and moved away. I realize I may end up upgrading eventually. I had a chuck that fit my mini lathe and had to buy two different spindle adapters to allow it to fit the chuck. I was unable to find anspecial adapter that goes from 3/4 by 10 to 3/4 x 16 TPI.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Thomas. Why a 3/4" to a 3/4"? Have you considered something like this amzn.to/3JWVsFE Happy Turning!

[@raymondsmith2868]

I joined a local wood working club where , I learned many of these tips. tip 6 about the height of the lathe was not addressed though, thanks for the rule of thumb on that, I will have to check it out. I do get a stiff neck and shoulders if I turn for several hours.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing Raymond! I hope a minor height adjustments corrects that discomfort. Happy Turning!

[@tmber01]

HI Kent. Re: Tip #2, it is my experience that most single-speed (non-variable) lathe motors will not work with a variable switch or rheostat. The reason is that, unless it is a 220-240 volt motor, it will not work properly because slowing down of the speed can only be accomplished by decreasing the amount of electrical energy delivered to the motor and, therefore, diminishes the torque/horsepower very quickly, even if you could effectively slow down the motor without causing damage to it. I don't know the electrical terminology but I tried it with my first lathe and it failed miserably. When I went to my local electrical supply shop and asked them about it, they explained it but I don't recall the lingo. Anyway, unless the motor is designed to be variable it will not work with a variable switch; they are not like a light bulb.

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

Correct - a single-phase AC motor will only rotate at a single speed. The actual speed is controlled by the design of the motor, specifically the number of poles on the rotor. Some motors, like the one on my radial arm saw, can be wired to run on 120 V or 240 V but this has NO effect on the rotation speed. Using the higher voltage reduces the amount of current (amps) used by the motor. Before I rewired mine, the basement lights would dim and it would take several seconds for the saw to get to full speed. On 240 V none of that happens.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

I believe that is correct and why the process involves converting to DC rather than AC. But don't quote me on that. Happy Turning!

[@JamesCouch777]

The best modification to my lathe was to convert to a treadmill motor. Works great.

[@johnfage459]

Number 7 has been my biggest problem. Have a bench top lathe and had it bolted to a table top but was strong enough to stop vibrations when if out of balance at all.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing John! I hope you're able to lose the vibration. Happy Turning!

[@brettlons4707]

Thanks so much for this video I am so glad you explained about the variable vs fixed speed drives and pointed me to the lathe speed video. As a newbie on a tight budget your videos are saving me a lot of time and money and would have wasted finding these things out on my own. BTW do you have a lathe buyer’s guide? Either in print or on video? Thanks Brett in Charleston, SC

[@glennclarke9787]

Nice one Kent. Really you are full of information. I will be having a look at your other videos. Cheers 👍

[@masjabrikdiy8422]

hello friends greetings healthy and successful always. Thank you for sharing knowledge and always faithfully watching your latest stuff.❤❤

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You are very welcome! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@wendyheller8390]

Super helpful, thanks professor! Also true that many of your useful articles I have found to be quite on point for a number of obstacles I ran into. Best always and very appreciative of your clear, concise and relevant instruction!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Excellent! You are very welcome Wendy! Thank you, and Happy Turning!

[@tkishkapesilurian4281]

My new lathe had an owner instruction pamphlet and it did not address the fixes to vibration while cutting. Thank you for the help needed. My unit would vibrate and walk across the slick polished concrete coated by epoxy. The fix of the rubber foot pad will be installed tomorrow! Your channel has reopened an old love from high school. I retired in 1999 and began a wood shop rebuilding wooden furniture. It grew into a good business until covid killed it. Then a wood mill got me into the forest making lumber. Now I take the air dried fruit of my work and make mountains of wood chips. What do you do with yours? I learned that if used as mulch in the garden, it keeps moisture more even. Even better, over the winter, the worms turn it into black humus.

[@johnramirez6849]

Hi Kent very very good and helpful I'm looking to get into turning I'm looking at smaller items like pens and small bows I'm on a tight budget and looking for a lathe under 400 if you can suggest what to stay away from and some suggestions on what I should be looking at thanks again and do t stop you explan very well and look very comfortable in front of the camera, take care John Ramirez

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad to help, John! Thank you for writing and sharing! Happy Turning!

[@bobboyer9440]

Lots of good information. I particularly like the way you go about finding out if your lathe is at the right height.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Bob. Happy Turning!

[@sheilawhite9210]

Very good info, thank you. Can I add #8? ... They didn't tell me how addictive turning can be. A day away from the lathe can make you feel out of sorts, like something was missing. 2 months waiting for a replacement part is pure torture!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

LOL, I agree! Turning is definitely addicting! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@denistremblay4713]

First of all, i wood :-) like to thank you for sharing your knowledge. For about 4 months now, i've been looking at wood bowl turning on youtube. So this is a GREAT video for me. I had so many questions, now only one left is what size (diameter) should get for my first wood lathe. thank you and keep turning bowls :-)

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Denis, good question. It all depends on what you want to do. In general, a 12" swing will give you plenty of room for turning decent-sized, but not huge bowls. Check out this video too kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3OaeYaKrL2Zn7M All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@florimundos]

Hi, i am a fan of woodturning, and to your Chanel, i dont have a lathe yet. But i plan to have one with variable speed. My question is the lathe needs to have reverse motor function?

[@ChuckPritchett-s1s]

I've bought 2 cheap lathe to learn on had a lot fun and I was glad that l learned on them

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Sounds good. Happy Turning!

[@JamesBondDZero7Mi6]

Great topics for newbies to wood lathes. I strongly suggest NOT using a morse taper drive for out-of-balance bowl blanks. They are prone to slipping and can destroy your tapered drive shaft. I start all my bowls between centers and use either a Oneway Big Bite spur that goes in the chuck or sometimes a 4-tang chuck spur that also clamps in a chuck. There are also spur drives that thread onto your lathe shaft. They are pricy but are a great option too. I have the best luck with a 2-prong spur for bowl blanks.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Sounds good Greg. Thank you for writing and sharing! Happy Turning!

[@jude4896]

Also finding the toolrest and banjo. ... thanks for sharing

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

No problem 👍

[@gregdeardurff3774]

Your videos have really helped me get started turning bowls over the last year. Thank you for all your efforts on these videos! I actually remember watching one of your videos about gouges. Like many other turners I bought a used setup with chisels and chucks thinking it would be turn key - not realizing I only had spindle gouges. I promptly bought a bowl gouge and have been continuing to use that since. Now for the actual question. This past month I took a turning class. Much to my surprise they had us use a roughing gouge to true up the round blank once it was chucked up. I did this for the first time at home today and then saw this video. Is a roughing gouge okay to use for that purpose?

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Greg, Only if that roughing gouge is a "bowl roughing gouge," if you are using side-grain mounted blanks. If you are using end-grain mounted blanks, a "spindle roughing gouge" is ok. Watch this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5nWd3iehcytkMk Happy Turning!

[@sandiekelley8513]

I made a deck to stand and shift on while working. My lathe is mounted on an old desk of mine so I had to modify a wood pallet into a standing deck with nonslip mat for me to be tall enough. I am about 5' tall. Cardboard is a vibration canceler placed between the desk and the floor. The desk is mounted to the floor with L joints. Cardboard is also between the lathe and the desk. The same with my bench grinder on its workbench. Cardboard and duct tape are your friends.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Sounds great Sandie. Thank you for writing and sharing! and YAY for duct tape. ;) Happy Turning!

[@howardwittwer7490]

Happy New Year from down under. Your discussion in this video hit all issues on the head, great, well done

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Howard! Enjoy your summer! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@lloydglazer2231]

Thanks Kent, didn’t know about the 7 screw threads below the faceplate.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Fun little tips are the best. ;) Happy Turning!

[@rajakorban8838]

Thank you Kent, one of the most informative videos. As a new wood turner nice to learn the right way. Happy New Year.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Raja! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@georgecorreia1169]

Excellent tips Ken! I just put rubber pieces under my lathe legs and it did make a big difference.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad it helped! Simple pleasures are the best! Happy Turning!

[@jimarcher159]

Thanks for the great tips, Kent. I going to check out my lathe tomorrow. I don’t know where you live, but I wish it were closer to me. I’d love to work one on one with you.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thanks Jim! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@martinelliott2720]

Hi Kent, great information. Thank you. I love your videos. Always learn something when watching them. I believe the tapers are classified as Morse Tapers. Happy New Year!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you kindly, Martin! Happy Turning!

[@hasanalsaffar8386]

Very useful video. Thanks for sharing it with us 🙏🏼

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure 😊 Hasan! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@Bbutler787]

Love the videos. Great I formation’s. The abbreviation for Revolutions Per Minute is RPM, not rpm’s.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Bruce

[@elizabethswindler4551]

Hello I am just starting my turning adventure. I had a friend come over yesterday to get me started and he says that of all the many chisels I have( which were give to me) I do not have a bowl gouge. I have spindle gouges. After watching this video about not using spindle gouges for turning bowls I went on a search. I have had a hard time finding a 5/8 bowl gouge which seems to be your favorite. Where do I get this? I looked on the Roller website and they have 3/8 and something something called a fingernail gouge. Where do I find the 5/8 bowl gouges?? None of the local home improvement stores seem to offer them either. I would love to get stared on bowls but I want to be safe about it. Please advice when you get a chance. There is a company called the Hurricane out of China that offers the 5/8, but not sure whether the trust them or not. Thank you!!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing Elizabeth! Check out my Gear Guide here www.TurnAWoodBowl.com/gear All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

SUPER SUPER COOL ADVICE. THANK U KEN.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure! Happy Turning!

[@foreverturningpeterkipfer5468]

Hello Kent, very interesting video and great for those thinking about buying a lathe. On another note, just wanted to congratulate you on achieving 50,000 subscribers. Great accomplishment and I'm sure your channel will continue to grow.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Cool, thanks Peter! Happy Turning!

[@jude4896]

Thanks for sharing Good safety instructions

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You are welcome Jude. Happy Turning!

[@chuckwalton2868]

I had to laugh when you said "don't ever use a Spindle Roughing Gouge on a bowl... the shank isn't strong enough." Yeah, and also your hands and face also might not be strong enough, and your bowl might be ruined! Ha! That tool (it came with my lathe) always baffled me. Thanks for the warning though, I wish I'd found you 5 years ago Kent. You're a great teacher. It's a gift. Chuckw

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thanks Chuck. Well, you've got me now. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@bloke875]

Happy New Year to you Kent. Great video & well timed for me, as I will soon be unpacking my Laguna 18/36, after 18months frustration filled workshop build. However something I have pondered upon for some time is the tool rest & the variations. Are you planning to cover this in an up coming video, or possibly you have done so, which I have missed. Round bar versus flat with small round mild steel top etc?

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Peter, check this out kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3baYYugbc2Hl9k ;) Happy Turning!

[@ypaulbrown]

Great information....well done video, thank you......cheers from Florida, Paul

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad you liked this one. Thanks and Happy Turning!

[@monarchWS]

Really useful video for the beginner turner, me! Thank you! I’m already subscribed and will be looking further into your online offerings.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you kindly and Happy Turning!

[@epone3488]

Nice video. Great tips. Happy New Year and all the best wishes for 2022.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you kindly, Epone and Happy New Year and Happy Turning!

[@desmondjones7540]

Great refresher info. Keep teaching us. Thx

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Desmond! Will do and Happy Turning!

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

There are a few other very important items they don't tell you about your new lathe. You must very carefully level the lathe, whether on it's own stand or one you put it on. You must go through the lathe headstock and make sure that all the little grub screws are tight and the various parts screwed onto the spindle are in their proper position (rpm sensors). Any accessories like chucks screw onto the headstock spindle completely and that there are no ledges or burrs to catch the chuck screw threads on. The height between the floor and the spindle center must be measured and set to the height of the turner correctly. The toolrest may have burrs or dings present that must be removed and the surface polished to prevent toolmarks on the wood being turned. All of these things must be done before one can successfully get the results that you get on your $9000 top of the line Robust lathe that doesn't or shouldn't have these issues to begin with. Finally, the lathe is the cheapest part of the entire craft. You need another $2000 minimum of equipment, tools, sharpening systems, benches, measurement tools, chucks, lighting, storage, and finally wood. Yes, wood is expensive these days, even from the big box stores. Oh, and space enough to put all this stuff. I focused on the lathe itself. I thought that because I bought a better name brand that everything would be perfect and with a couple of carbide tools I would be set. Wrong, wrong, wrong. It took me 2 months of work to get the lathe to work properly and another 5 months of learning, experimenting, making mistakes, to get to the point that I could make something creatively. I hope these tips help someone new to the craft understand what is involved and this is just scratching the surface of woodturning in general.

[@gemofthewoods5802]

Hi grumpy (you don't sound so grumpy to me)...I have an old lathe, nothing special. I am watching videos to get pointers. You sound like you have quite a few. Have you made a video addressing these ?

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

@@gemofthewoods5802 No video yet but that is on my short list of things to do this month. The other video I am considering is about all the variables one has to be aware of every time you turn a piece of wood on a lathe. My wife pointed this out to me the other day. She didn't know how I could ever keep track of everything even to start turning.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing Grumpy! All good points. Happy Turning!

[@JamesCouch777]

I'm about 6 months into turning and the learning curve is quite steep. I'm just now getting comfortable with it.

[@rickcichon5065]

I haven't turned since 1979 in wood shop.I'm wanting to make some tables with large legs and will need a large lathe. I'm just starting in this part of woodwoking and know nothing more than I'll need a big lathe. Can small pieces be done on a full size lathe any help is appreciated. I'll likely start woth used.

[@bobsproles3437]

Great advice, wish i had seen this before i bought my first lathe. Bob S

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Bob! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@cattleNhay]

On pulley driven lathe’s, can loosen the belts so they slip and control the speed with how heavy a cut you make.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Perhaps, but not ideal. Thanks for sharing. Happy Turning!

[@jeffreylopez5403]

Recently got a used shopsmith. I have the speed reducer as well. Is this what you refer to as a "direct drive belt and pulley" lathe?

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

I could have explained it better. I'm comparing a "fix speed" lathe to a variable speed control lathe. You really want to be able to use a variable control to make fine adjustments to the speed at all times. Happy Turning!

[@robarmstrong7389]

Just got a wood lathe for Christmas also what they don’t tell you is you need a way to sharpen your turning tools

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Good point Rob. Oh, yeah, sharp tools are important. Most all other woodworking practices only require sharpening every so often. With bowl turning it's not uncommon to resharpen a tool 4, 5, 8 times for one bowl. Also, be sure to check out my Tool Sharpening course www.TurnAWoodBowl.com/sharp All the best to you, and Happy Turning!

[@szabolcsbiro166]

It is fantastic. Great video. Easy and clear explanation. Many thanks!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad it was helpful! Happy Turning!

[@jim3922]

nice video. thanks!

[@MrBlownaway]

Steve W. from Tipperary, Republic of Ireland, Turning - start to finish course

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thanks for entering! Happy Turning!

[@jessorndorff122]

Kent what is going on I ordered blanks in kil dried I start turning next thing I know they are cracking. I have not had this problem before. These were from 2 different companies. One is Spanish cedar and zebra wood I’ve never turned them before do they just naturally have cracks?

[@jessorndorff122]

Also, I live in West Texas a dry arid climate is that what is doing it? I let them acclimate about a week.

[@MrPete1x]

Happy New Year. Another great video thank you.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Peter! Happy Turning!

[@mrb1060]

Always informative and upbeat. Thanks.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure Martin! Happy Turning!

[@toadamine]

i just got a almost new Jet 1221 on a 4 jaw chuck and stand for $200... now i just need to learn how to use it...

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Welcome to the club and you are in the right place for learning. Check out my online courses to accelerate your process. Enjoy and Happy Turning!

[@charlesreicks648]

I have a Lathe with a motor mounted on the side, it sticks out so far that it limits me to how big of a bowl I can turn. Do they make drive extenders that would allow me to turn larger blanks into bowls? Thanks Tim

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Hm? I have some adapters listed on this page turnawoodbowl.com/recommended-equipment/recommended-lathe-accessories-2/ You could use a reducer then and expander, but that is going to move your work farther from the headstock and possible introduce vibration. You might have outgrown your lathe. Yikes. ;) All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@stever746]

awesome lesson

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thanks! 😃

[@dongrundy8165]

What would be the best way to raise the lathe? I HAVE to stay slumped over while I am turning.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Well, if the stand of base is maxed out, then consider making "shims" or blocks to raise the lathe. Happy Turning!

[@ronh9384]

Good video as always Kent. I have been turning for a few years but am definitely not an expert. I am planning on getting a larger lathe soon. My current lathe has MT2 tapers. The lathe I am looking at has an optional MT3 Morse taper available. I plan to stick with the MT2 but was curious why they offer an MT3 and how would an MT3 be beneficial? If at all? Thanks for your time. Ron

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Good question, Ron! There must be a reason, but I don't see many MT3 accessories. Happy Turning!

[@ericmoorehead1100]

Interested in your thoughts on lathe tool handle length!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Longer is better especially with bowl gouges because you want to be able to brace them against your side as you turn! Good question Eric! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@chriscunningham7790]

I was wondering if I installed a motor off a treadmill would there be enough torque and rpms to work? The reason why I would do this is for variable speed control.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Wow! Never got that question before. ;) I have no idea. Give it a try, I guess. Best of luck to you. Happy Turning!

[@davidculbertson2830]

Another great information video. Thanks for sharing it, and a very Happy New Year to you!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Happy new year! Thanks David! Happy Turning!

[@bushmaster2936]

Happy New Year, Kent ! Thanks for the helpful tips ! Stay safe : )

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Happy new year to you too! Happy Turning!

[@arkansasboy45]

Good information! Thanks for the video.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, David. Thank you, and Happy Turning!

[@katherineharris6786]

Great information! And the eye opener? Not using the roughing knife to round it a rough piece of wood!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Katherine! Happy Turning!

[@henrydesterke3851]

When using your lathe the first time you must degrease the tapered parts so that they do not slip and damage

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing Henry! Happy Turning!

[@dennissouba1432]

Great education! Thanks

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Dennis! Happy Turning!

[@RumahBubutRB]

very useful wood lathe equipment, how much does a package of lathes cost, friend?

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Hm? "Package" of lathes?

[@florencehargis4068]

Just got a new to me lathe, cantata to get started

[@florencehargis4068]

Can't wait to get started!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Awesome Florence! Remember; persistent, patient practice will yield the bowls you imagine creating! All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@fraklinwitteman]

hockey puck makes a good spacer

[@carolriley8472]

Good tips to know!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Carol. Happy Turning!

[@rebeccaladd8759]

Super great info. Thank you!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad it was helpful! Happy Turning!