Woodturning 7 Things I Wish I Knew

[@bryantgehring9056]

I’m so grateful for your content. I’m actually buying a lathe this morning and haven’t done a whole lot of turning. I plan to share it with others skilled in turning and to limit my time to avoid burn out. This year I started teaching woodworking at my son’s school, mostly hand gouging spoons and bowls. I’m hoping to gain skills enough by next year to bring in the kids that want to keep learning. I’ll be signing up for your online courses before I plug in the lathe. Thank you!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Fantastic, Bryant! Remember; persistent, patient practice will yield the bowls you imagine creating! If you're a carver, you already have a head start. Enjoy! and Happy Turning!

[@markdicer]

Hi Kent. thank you enough for this video. You addressed everything I went through as a novice Turner. You have made me feel better about myself for sure. I get asked what have you made lately? I simply tell them...A lot of sawdust and some really pretty firewood. Very grateful for your views Kent. You have taught me so much already.

[@ThomasGates-y4h]

Well, I found out that I am not just addicted to Woodturning, it has become my second love, and my wife puts it this way, if I can’t find him I know he’s with her. The lathes name is Elsa. Also, thank you about the scraper and the bull gouge that was very helpful. I found your channel 4 years ago. I really appreciate everything that you taught me. Cheers.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thomas, Thank you for writing and sharing! I like that you've named your lathe. I hope there's not true jealousy. ;) All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@bruceallen6377]

Great advice, thanks Kent! Here's a tip for you all, if you're looking for places to find wood become friends with as many arborist as you can and have them give you a call when they are about to do a job. Also, if you ever have any wind storms or ice storms the next few days after is a good time to drive around your area and find down trees and ask the owners of the property if you can cut some of it to take home. Thanks for your channel!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing, Bruce! Also, see this article turnawoodbowl.com/find-free-wood-10-places-for-bowl-turners/ Happy Turning!

[@mrPauljacob]

@@bruceallen6377 I'm an Arborist here in North Texas and you're absolutely right. I've had way too much wood that I knew what to do with and would just dump it and give it away or burn it. Now I turn everything I possibly get my hands on. Of course I'm willing to share. Got about a ton of live oak yesterday from 3 trees

[@davidwilkinson-z7r]

Probably the best teacher for turners that I've seen. Thanks Kent, I definitely appreciate the info shared.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you kindly, David. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@mrPauljacob]

The learning curve involved in advanced wood turning is absolutely tremendous and it can be so expensive. People don't realize how much that goes into making a wooden piece. Yes, I'm absolutely addicted to it honestly and I'm an Arborist so every tree job I do I'm just obsessed to get the wood to the lathe.. of course all the steps before the wood ever actually makes it to the lathe is a whole other story. My advice I tell myself is to not get frustrated over perfection. I do it for fun and not because I have to

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You've got that right, Paul. And don't underestimate the "expense" of time. It will take time invested to get to a higher level of turning skills. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@mrPauljacob]

@@TurnAWoodBowl thank you for the response Kent! I appreciate that. I agree too that my time is very valuable to me.. and that's a good point. Kind of like how , " you're not paying a mechanic 175$ and hour just to fix your car, You're paying for all the expense of buying tools and the years of knowledge and experience to do the job right. I'll make sure to value my time and experience when I go to price my work lol

[@brentread5114]

Great info Kent, I find Woodturning a excellent escape , I also turn in my Crocs 👍😎👌

[@larrylawhon9687]

He Kent, I've been turning since high school (1957) and find your videos refreshing and informative. Keep up the good work. Here's a few things I've learned over the years. One of the best places to find turning material is in firewood piles. It's usually well dried and sometimes spalted. There will come a time when your finished turning projects overwhelm your ability to find space to accommodate them. It's time to find an outlet to share your turning projects. Craft shows, gifts to friends and relatives help keep the addictive hobby in check.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

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

[@johncox8882]

I am just getting started in this hobby. I believe you need 3 bowl gouges. I am so glad I bought lathe and tools and tool sharpening system and grinder. He had a bottom feeder grind finger grind and a swept back grind. I plan to buy harbor freight tool kit to experiment with making different grinds and shapes. I and using fresh cut limbs from tree service that was cutting near me.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and welcome, John! Check out this video before buying anything more kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3OaeYaKrL2Zn7M All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@tielkgate]

Good talk Kent. You touched on thoughts that we all encounter while turning, and we must sit back and sometimes think about them. My biggest concern is - when all is done, and we are aging out, who is going to teach the younger generation these crafts? I see many of the younger generation of folks wanting to know more about the latest game craze on their Xbox or how they can enhance themselves by adding to the recent AI (artificial intelligence) craze. Many of us who grew up learning by fixing or bucking bails on the farm know things break down, and you need to know how to fix it, and that's how we learned. Our skill sets came from growing up in our environment. What skill sets come from typing on the phone? How do we pass this knowledge to our grandchildren? I am lucky enough that my grandson wants to learn to turn. He's in junior high and is like a sponge seeking knowledge. Good talk Kent! Let the chips fly! Lowell😀

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing, Lowell! All good points. Well, I'm trying to do my part by making wood bowl turning accessible for everyone and I do have quite a few younger people watching and in my courses. And you have to remember, if not for us "hobbyists," woodturning would have disappeared a long time ago. Have you seen this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3OaeYaKrL2Zn7M And your grandchild will learn from watching you, and not just turning! I'm certain they have learned tons from you already. It might not seem so yet, but they will say throughout their lives, "I learned that from Papa!" ;) Happy Turning!

[@timheady371]

Kent, thanks for all the great videos. One thing i would like to know is more about dust collection, everyone seems to have an opinion about a dust collector. I need to get a good one.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing, Tim! I've got you covered. Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGO8nIaZYpuoprs Happy Turning!

[@qapla]

Fun video, Kent. The part about the shavings/dust is right on point. They get everywhere. I do wear steel-toed boots because I have for years on my job. At my age, I no longer wear laces in the boots. Of course, that means I also wear socks. But then, I wear long pants and an apron when turning so I get few shavings on my socks. I also blow off with a small blower (cordless Ryobi model) after turning - does wonders for getting the shavings off. Since I have done various types of woodworking for many decades, I find that turning does not consume me like I have heard some comment on. I like segmented as well as solid turning - so, I also enjoy the process of building the segments ... which is a whole different skillset. I also am one of those who doesn't really mind sanding and finishing. At my age, spending time in the shop at odd hours is no real problem since I have the time for it. Happy Turning

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing! Boots are a great idea, especially with pant cuff over them. Happy Turning!

[@davejohnson9495]

Hi Kent love these tips especially the woodchips part. I ended up getting closed in slip on shoes with long pants to stop the sock problem. 😅 might have to get some crocs hehe.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing, Dave! Do what works for you. ;) Happy Turning!

[@timofeyzhukov-khovanskiy9173]

My lathe sits on top of a Nicholson workbench I built just for it. With framing dovetails and extra bracing. Ditch wood is the best to start turning. Probably keep turning too, I don't think I've paid for any wood in the last few years I've been turning. Now, I do live in rural New England, so finding it is not hard. Also Ken, don't mind the haters, I've done a fair share of hand tool work in socks only. Including the Nicholson bench. While dropping a chisel sharpened to 4000 grit and then stropped on a bare foot is no joke, we'll be alright. I do find that a shop vac with a brush attachment is great for self cleanup though. Not only I find myself dreaming about turning, I do hoard wood. In fact I just cleaned out last years unprocessed wood, got the middle, still good chunks out and sealed them, and now getting more wood. It's apple and chokecherry this time.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing, Tim! Enjoy New England! What a beautiful time to be there now, and always. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@nordy67]

I wish I had known that despite the confidence of people on the internet there is no grand "right" way to turn or grind. Good results always seem to come back to understanding wood grain, tool techniques/control to cut that grain, and lots of practice. I like that Kent explains benefits/drawbacks rather than advocating "the only way." In this video I appreciated his scraper discussion; when I started turning I kept hearing that scrapers were awful, but later I see pros like Richard Raffan use them to great effect (not that I consistently get shavings from my pieces like he can). My conclusion now is that scrapers, like any tool in the turners arsenal, requires specific techniques, knowledge and lots of practice.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing! Yes, do what works for you and gets you the results you want. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@RuudInTheWood]

Another thoughtful video! This one shows particularly how you combine the personal with the technical. Your thoughts about things like "burnout" are very helpful and unique to teaching woodturning. It takes a special person to be able to combine the two. Thanks for your help!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks again! You're the best. Happy Turning!

[@bobbyhosey7502]

Kent …. You are my go to guy when I have questions or problems bowl turning. I’ve been turning almost two years and you have taught me so much watching your videos !! Thank you !!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Bobby! That is awesome. I'm so happy to be part of your wood bowl turning journey. Keep it up. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@glen3257]

another awesome video. I think you directed directly at me! I saw videos on you tube and bought the tools needed to make that beautiful bowl or whatever. I also bought the expensive blanks to make those things... Yeah you know how that went. I then bought a set of carbide tools. Guess what .. yeah you do not have to guess. I am going to your website and going to learn the right way. I wanted to ask if you are available to converse as well. Thank you again for your channel. My first thought is sharpening course, but how do I know what profile to start with to find what works for me. I just need simple guidance like that. My thought is learn the tool and then try different angles. Which coarse should I do first to learn.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing, Glen! We all go down these paths at one point or another. Yes, the sharpening course is ideal to start with. Learning to make sharp tools makes everything else easier. You should experiment with different gouge profiles. In the Tool Sharpening course I also show you how to shape the bowl gouge to any profile you'd like. I prefer the 55° swept-back profile, but you can make any other you'd like. Check it out www.TurnAWoodBowl.com/sharp Start with one 1/2" bowl gouge and experiment. You'll be surprised what you can do with that one tool. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@garytompkins3761]

Great video. Kent, I became interested in turning from watching your content and took your online courses. I have to say that if I hadn't done so I might have become quite discouraged. Your teaching has really softened the steepness of the bowl turning and sharpening learning curve . The only thing I could say about carbide scrapers it is an OK option if the cost of a good sharpening station is out of reach at the time. But do save up go one, and save for a good one, CBN being the only way to go and cheaper in the long run. I understand that a lot of creators are leaving YTube or slowing down and I applaud your hanging in there. You have help and inspired so many, thanks again

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you kindly, Gary! I appreciate your thoughtful analysis. Happy Turning! BTW, if you (and anyone else in my courses) would be so kind to fill out a review (at the bottom of each course purchase page turnawoodbowl.com/product/wood-bowl-turning-online-course/ ) I'd be very appreciative. Thank you, and Happy Turning!

[@tielkgate]

Thats a great point - creators leaving YTube - so I guess we need to promote younger turners to learn to teach. Kent has been around as a guy turning and the guy behind the camera shutter. I consider these skillsets as an art that has the potential of being lost. I guess we need to work on teaching younger folks, what are your thoughts about that. Lowell

[@cbryantbear6498]

Thank you for this information!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

My pleasure, Bryant! Happy Turning!

[@mtnbiker310]

Not only sharpen the tool, but I've been surprised how frequently I need to clean my CBN wheel. I can sharpen a bowl gouge and it doesn't feel much better than before. But if I clean the CBN wheel, then I get a much better edge.

[@markduggan3451]

Lots of things to think about.

[@keithreutter4253]

Your right on the addiction on bowls and spindle turning

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

It's a fun addition, Keith…and relatively healthy. ;) Happy Turning!

[@johnbrereton4756]

Thanks kent. I have never committed before but I came across your channel a few years ago. It made me want to turn wood and I made all the mistakes you have highlighted but I got the bug and have learnt a lot especially from your good self. Your a living legend in my turning club , so keep up the good work.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

That's awesome, Thank you, John. You're making me blush. LOL I'm just happy to be able to help you along your wood bowl turning journey. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@DiggaTheWolf]

Fantastic, Kent. Especially the point about turning and not learning which has really resonated with me. I’m an absolute beginner, so thank you.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad to help. Remember; persistent, patient practice will yield the bowls you imagine creating! Happy Turning!

[@markashlock9017]

Great advice as usual. Thanks!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you, Mark. Happy Turning!

[@loucinci3922]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Glad you enjoyed it, Lou! Happy Turning!

[@heythereyagerhere2273]

Knowing about GREEN wood turning would have been helpful for me. Starting out using dry hardwood was kind of a downer. Of course, then we have to talk about DRYING green turnings which adds complexity but maybe just a mention about the ease of greenwood turning vs. dry wood. That assumes a rookie turner can even tell the difference.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great points! That's why I made a course all about green wood called Tree to Bowl - Understanding Green Wood www.TurnAWoodBowl.com/green Check it out, we cover everything you mention and tons more. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@thesmallwoodlot433]

As with everything else in life, practice is needed this is where we build our skill sets! And when I return to lathe work, my first stop is the wood pile for our stove, because I think it will if nothing else give me kindling and fire starter!😂😂😂! Investing in big buck equipment will not make you an expert! So remember that constant turning keeps skills as sharp as our tools should be!

[@williambuckley1185]

Good information, thanks Kent.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You are very welcome, William. Happy Turning!

[@shaneparker7963]

Awesome video for us beginners. Thanks. Where do you get the curtain for dust blocking? I can’t find it anywhere.

[@avago2day]

Hi Kent, great talk and some valuable points and tips. You might mention cost, although that's probably a whole video in itself. Also some disabilities, I remember when I was first thinking about woodturning and I put a comment on one of your videos asking you if I could learn to turn wood even though I have essential tremor, another commentator advised me not to even try it! But I did anyway, it's not easy, but with perseverance I'm now turning quite lovely bowls, lidded boxes, honey pots and all sorts of other items. Jane ❤

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing, Jane! I'm so glad you are turning. Don't let physical limitations stop you. I once read about a turner who was epileptic and would pass out while turning. You would think that would be a "no go" situation. Nope, he made a custom arced wood rail around his lathe that would stop him from falling into the turning. Seems crazy, but where there's a will, there's a way. Keep up the good work. All the best to you and Happy Turning!

[@fern6114]

Some really good comments here 😂 Crocs no way they are very bad for your feet, I know what I talking about because of flat feets, the addiction is there an shawings are everywhere, using scrapers and gouges is really depending what you doing, but I‘m a beginner with 63… woodturning since 8 months but woodworking since 40 years… what is really important, have fun, cheers from Luxembourg 🇱🇺 europe

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you for writing and sharing, Fern! Yes, have fun. Happy Turning!

[@daviddavison2922]

I'm a dedicated fan with a question: I use dust collection and masks but I see you have a hanging mesh screen of some kind behind you in this video and it looks like a way to keep dust from going all over the shop when turning/sanding and I'm trying to find something that will work for me. Can you explain and recommend that product? Thanks.

[@ronfinch5532]

I do wish I started turning long before my 60’s. I think my stress level would’ve been much lower at a younger age.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Ron, not to worry, you are turning now and that's all the matters. Happy lower stress levels to you. Happy Turning!

[@drodver]

Shavings and Socks - hiking gators have solved the wood chips in my shoes problem.

[@nigelwest3430]

I don't see the need for steel toe cap shoes but I would I have thought that the holes in Crocs would be a potential problem if you should drop a chisel !

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Thank you, Nigel! I've only dropped the gouge a couple times. One time it was dropping cutting edge first and I did a very fast and youthful dance move to avoid contact. ;)

[@turningwiththewoods]

Budget would be a good topic - i didn’t appreciate that the lathe might be less than 25% of the total cost (or even lower over time). Grinder, tools, chucks, pipe, disposable items, etc. etc.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Great point! Happy Turning!

[@ivanbukh7576]

Ты все правильно рассказал, но я думаю ты пропустил возможность обучаться, смотря видео по токарным работам в KZbin! Смотря видео и применяя подсмотренные навыки, можно научиться многому самостоятельно! Спасибо!

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Спасибо, что написали и поделились! Вы правильно подметили. Я смотрю на некоторых других ютуберов, потому что некоторые из них не показывают должных техник и могут быть очень опасными. Но вы правы, смотреть хорошие видео и пересматривать их полезно. Всего вам доброго и счастливого поворота!

[@IggyArt]

Could you please do a video on where to get free wood I live in AZ so it's not like there is a forest in my backyard

[@matthewjohnston1400]

First 😊

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

Well done, Matthew. Happy Turning!

[@michaelogden5958]

Ha! Don't ask me how I know this. Re: Using nice wood when you're starting out. You WILL get catches that will take big divots out of your piece. You will turn away half of your nice wood to get rid of the divot(s) before you have another catch. Rinse and repeat. Better to save the really nice wood and fairly substantial money for after you've developed some chops. Even so, even the best turners will botch something now and then. Just part of the game.

[@TurnAWoodBowl]

You got that right, Michael! Thank you for writing and sharing! Happy Turning!