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92K views 151 replies 17 participants last post by  MovingChips 
#1 ·
New turner and member... feedback welcome

I'm starting my first ever blog! This is great.

I am a new member to LumberJocks and I am a new wood tuner.

I have always been a fan of turned wood and I final decided I would give it a shot. I found the most inexpensive lathe (under $200), just in case I didn't like it. Bought a cheap set of starter tools and a face shield, what more do I need? Turns out, (pun intended) I like spinning wood.

Let me step back a little though. Before I got started, I decided to wait for an opportunity to learn the right way from an experienced turner. Learn good habits up front and avoid injuries later.

So, I joined a local wood tuners group and attended a few meetings. Watched several in person demos and interacted with other turners discussing the dangers. Eventually I got my first hands on teaching/training making "tops" for a local event. I learned a lot and realized I have a long way to go to achieve muscle memory in wood turning.

Then the COVID lock down happened. With the lock down in place, I knew I had an opportunity to turn a lot. I took the knowledge obtained to this point and jumped in. At this point, what more could I learn if I don't start doing, right? I also decided to chronical my progress, so I could get feedback during the lock down.

So, I started to record my work with the unboxing of the WEN 8×12 wood lathe. Armed with the newly acquired hands on information, I set about turning my own items. I started with a baton, carving mallet, failed at making a tea light holder, some tool handles, returned to making a top (reinforcing my teachings), turned my first bowl, etc.

I started a YouTube channel, calling it "Moving Chips". Little did I know its actually shavings, not chips. I wasn't going to change it after I started the channel. I also thought I should have a logo. I managed to create a logo that I think is pretty neat, with the image of the crosscut section log and heavy line drawing of an evergreen outline.

I started to capture and edit my videos, releasing them once a week. Sometimes I can get two or three projects done in a week and sometimes nothing for two weeks. My thought was to collect and hold onto my collection, until I had a few months' worth of videos prepared.

My first video was made public in March and I uploaded videos scheduled to release weekly until almost Sept. This preparing gives me plenty of time to be consistent, back logging more videos for the future. I modified the purpose of the channel, part learning and part entertainment.

The comments on what I am doing wrong has been great feedback. However, there are several videos already scheduled showing my incorrect use of a tool, until the videos catch up with the current turning. More feedback was received telling me to place a disclaimer in the video, so other people wouldn't take my videos as a "how to". I did place this disclaimer in the text information area, but valid point that I should include it directly in my videos.

So now I have an intro that states I am new and that my videos are not a training or teaching activity, but rather strictly for entertainment and requests for feedback to better myself. Of course that intro is new and wont be seen until Aug.

This was a bit of a long blog post, so I'll end it here. If you would like to see my channel on YoutTube, search for Moving Chips or click this link. I will be posting a weekly blog to go along with each of my videos and maybe some random thoughts along the way.

Thanks for reading this far and I hope you will join me on this journey.

This weeks video I attempt my third try at making a bowl: Wood Turning through the exotic woods, African Mahogany!
 
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#4 ·
Made an Ebony and Ivory Pen! Okay, its just dark and light wood.

This weeks adventure in turning took toward making a pen. I made my own pen blank, thinking I could get a dark and light contrast pen. The exotic wood from the box I got off Amazon is getting slim. Not much left of the box, I'll have to grab some more.

This is not my first pen, but this is one of my first few times turning anything on the lathe. If you see anything that I'm doing wrong and could improve upon, please let me know.

This was a fun project! Thanks

Here is the link: Pen without a wood blank. Working with exotic wood, Morado!
 
#5 ·
Lacewood bowl failure! And improper use of roughing gouge

Improper use of a roughing gouge on end grain. I'm new to turning and found out after the fact that spindle roughing gouge and a roughing gouge are not two different types of tools. In this week's video, you will see that I use the roughing gouge successfully on end grain, mostly as a scraper.

The last of the fancy exotic wood from amazon, Lacewood. I believe, after some research on the Wood Database site, this particular piece of lacewood is Leopard Wood. The unfortunate thing is it had a crack. So, a bowl turned into a tea light holder.

This was a lot of fun making the curves of the wood on the WEN model 3420t lathe. I am starting to feel the urge to upgrade, is it too soon for that? Well, I really can't afford a "bigger" lathe just yet, which means it'll have to wait.

This weeks video: Wood turning Lacewood Bowl failure into TeaLight! Improper use of roughing gouge, I'm new to turning
 
#6 ·
Once people find out you have a lathe

Funny thing about getting and lathe, when people find out you turn, requests start coming in (which I don't mind right now). I had a request for a dark wood pen, so I turned the exotic wood of morado. I think it turned out great. Which of the exotic woods that I have do you think would have turned out better (see previous video)?

On a side note, I like pen turning, but its not really my first passion on the lathe. I have no desire, at this point in my turning, to become a professional pen turner. From this point forward, any pens I turn will be a bonus video and not the main video for the week. Unless there is some sort of major challenge.

Here is this weeks video: Pen from the Dark Side - request for me to turn a pen.
 
#7 ·
EPIC FAIL.... on many fronts.

Epic Failure! Big box of exotic wood cutoffs… NOT what I expected. The chuck seems to be losing grip. When I started sanding a segmented ring, it fell apart in my hands. I think I have reached the limitations of the lathe and chuck, but bad glue? It was going so well until it wasn't. LOL

Check out the video here: EPIC FAILS...
 
#8 ·
First Successful Box! while using a roughing gouge improperly

My first successful box. Still not perfect but darn close. I used a soft maple kin dried bowl blank.

The exotic wood from the first box from amazon was depleting. The second box was all small stuff. So, I went big and got some bowl blanks to push the machine and myself.

There were a few challenges I faced, but in the end I think the box turned out great. I'm new to turning and although this was turned awhile ago using a roughing gouge on end grain, I have since discovered the proper way to use the roughing gouge.

Here is this week's video: First successful box turning with soft maple
 
#10 ·
Maxed out the lathe? Failure turned to success!

I think I've pushed the lathe a little too far, BUT… failure turned to success! The tool rest began giving out and coming loose and I discovered I was using the roughing gouge improperly.

Got the tool rest fixed and finished turning a smaller project that became a potpourri box. It was a little expensive and I found out after the fact, I could have easily done it for much cheaper. Live and learn… boy am I learning. The feedback has been great, keep them coming.

This week's video: Maxed out the lathe? Failure turned to success!
 
#11 ·
2 Pens & a Lathe! Twice the fun at one time!

2 Pens & a Lathe! Twice the fun at one time!

Prior to fathers day I made a pen for my dad and father-in-law. I used padauk and brushed nickel for my dads pen and purpleheart with copper accents for my father-in-law. I had a lot of fun making these pens and I can tell you now that they were surprised. I guess they didn't know I can make a pen on a lathe. Of course now I have to make pens of mom and mother-in-law. LOL

Here is the link to the video: 2 Pens & a Lathe! Wood turning purpleheart and padauk pens for fathers day gifts.
 
#12 ·
Canary wood plate - first time using a glue block

Canary wood, the last few pieces of wood turning lumber from Amazon. Trying to turn a plate is not easy and this was the first time I used a glue block, sanding sealer and lacquer finish. In both cases I was not happy. The glue block was a bit of a pain, gumming up the tool trying to cut through it. The sanding sealer was nice, but the lacquer was very fumy. Its one thing to circulate air, but the lingering smell was not a joy for me. I don't think I will be using lacquer again, but I can't say never.

This week's video: Turning Canary wood plate on a lathe!
 
#13 ·
First Salt and Pepper Shakers!

I attempted my first try at simple, yet challenging, salt and pepper dispensers. This was a fun project, even if it did not end perfectly. The salt shaker was made from Ash and the pepper was made from Black Walnut.

The shakers were not the same size in the end and proves I need a lot of practice in duplicating items. I could have spent some time making measurements and getting the shapes a little closer. Live and learn I suppose. In the end, they are functional and look great independently, so is it a failure?

This week's video: Salt and pepper shakers!
 
#16 ·
Best Turn Thus Far!

I had no idea when I started turning this piece of cherry wood that it would turn out so well. I like the shape, but the shine is what truly makes this project a success. I can't wait to see what my next project looks like after using the O.B. Shine Juice. Regardless, this was absolutely the best turn on the lathe thus far! I'm going to steal a line from Sinead O'connor, "nothing compares…. to you!". Just WOW. LOL

This week's video: Potpourri Pot out of cherry, with O.B. Shine Juice
 
#17 ·
Wing Lid, Ring Minder, Padauk Bowl Project

On a wing and a prayer, I set myself and the lathe up for a challenge. Sure, a bowl is a challenge in its own way, at my beginner level, but I wanted to push myself even farther with a "wing lid". What's the worst that could happen, right?

I realized after I started the project, the lid was a little small to be cutting the corners to give it eight sides, so I left it at four sides. The lid was the scariest thing I think I've turned on the lathe. It was like a wooden saw blade spinning just a fraction of an inch from my hand. I guess being afraid made it safer, know the dangers and always having it on my mind.

The finial was made from a pen blank and really took on a design of its own. In the end, this was three projects in one. The finial, the wing lid and the bowl. Overall, I think it turned out alright and I learned a lot.

If I were to do this over again, I would get a bigger piece of wood and try to make it all from the same piece. The finial I don't think made much of a difference, but you can clearly see the wing lid has a slightly different color. Same species of wood, but different tree and grain structure.

This week's video: Wing Lid - Ring Minder - Bowl
 
#18 ·
EPIC FAILURE! Pushed the WEN lathe too far?

While back I had that 7×4 bowl blank I was turning into a box and failed.

I attempted to revisit the bowl blank with a new plan and tools, only to fail again. To find out if its me or the tools, I grabbed a 6×3 bowl blank and turned a nice bowl. Using the OB Shine Juice, is becoming my favorite finish.

Here is this weeks video: EPIC FAILURE! Turning an Ash bowl
 
#19 ·
EPIC FAILURE turning "Legacy Old Line Pen kit"

I tried my hand at turning a Legacy Old-Line Pen, which is a two part pen kit. Main body seem simply enough and even the top appeared to be straight forward. However, I need longer pen blanks for this kit. Also need 10mm drill bit, that I over look initially. Not to mention, old glue that seemed to dry on contact with the wood before I could activate it, were just a few problems I had along the way in this video.

Eventually, I managed to get all my ducks in a row and marched toward a finished pen. On the final steps on pulling the part together it was painfully obvious that the pen construction was a failure, yet again. This time, there will not be a forth attempt.

I do not like this pen design and find it hard to believe I will attempt to make this again. For a "larger" pen I will stick to the Jr. Zen Pen or the regular slim line pens for now.

Here is this week's video: "EPIC FAILURE turning "Legacy Old Line Pen kit"":https://youtu.be/xMHA2vALoys
 
#20 ·
Humpty Dumpty sat on my lathe!

Looking over the scraps of wood, thought I'd make an egg holder with the black walnut. It was either the black walnut or the ash. I thought the ash would not make for a great contrast in color between the egg or holder, so black walnut it is. Still not sure what I'll make the ash into.

One issue I had was after turning it round and putting a tenon on, it was too small. The chuck couldn't get smaller. So, no tenon, just straight round managed to fit the chuck. Any other mistakes the O.B. Shine Juice hides and makes the black walnut pop. The fancy design might have been a little overboard, but I think it turned out great.

Here is this week's video: Humpty's great fall! (Egg holder)
 
#21 ·
Failure Turning My First Pencil Kit!

This is my first attempt at a pencil kit and it was marred with failures. First it was the off cut of lacewood, which was in the wrong orientation. Causing tear outs and catches. Followed by the switching to african padauk, only to have the first attempt at the pencil chip out. Finally, the end results were in sight and another set back, as the pencil eraser cap could not be seated correctly. I managed to solve the problem, by filing the cap down. Challenging project, but I learned a lot.

Here is this week's video: Failure Turning My First Pencil Ki
 
#22 ·
Black Walnut Candle Holders

Black walnut is a great wood to work with. It cuts so nicely, sands well and finishes great. So, I couldn't resist getting my hands on these two 4×4x6 pieces of black walnut to attempt turning a pair of candle stick holders. This was a great project and I had a lot of fun with the challenges. The difficulty being a duplication of one holder to the other, without using calipers.

The end result turned out fantastic and here is what I learned. I think in the future I would rather a 4×4x12, so the wood grain and colors match better. Also, I need more practice duplicating designs, but then again, I did this by eye and maybe shouldn't be too hard on myself. Next time I might use calipers and see if I can copy an item closer to the original. I highly recommend this project for anyone getting into turning.

The design of these older appear to be a classic look (in my opinion). What do you think? What differences did you notice?

Here is this week's video: Black Walnut Candle Holders
 
#24 ·
Harry Potter Back-scratcher!

I channeled my inner Harry Potter to make a wand backscratcher. I picked up a back-scratcher project kit and some red oak from home depot. Maxed out the length on the lathe and turned a stick. Well a stick with a handle, that also had a pommel and threaded insert.

It really does look like a magical wand, without the brass hand attached. This was an easy turn on the lathe and a fun project, while still being practical. I've been wanting a backscratcher for so long. Never have one when I need it and when I don't need it, I'm not thinking about it. Now I have one and it's a nice one too.

Here is this week's video: Back Scratcher
 
#25 ·
Exotic Wood Koozie!

Beer koozie has been on my list of projects for a very long time. It just took a while to get the pieces and my imagination in right frame of mind. Until recently, I was not thrilled with the selection of wood and it felt like something was missing. The new box of exotics, which came unlabeled, gave me the pieces I think I was missing. I decided to give the koozie a try, and boy am I glad I did. This project turned out great!

I am fairly confident that the wood used is purpleheart and zebra wood. However, there is a yellow wood that did not come labeled and is not a soft wood. I believe, based on a little research that I did, the wood in question might be yellowheart. It felt like the zebra wood and the yellow wood had similar hardness while turning. Zebra has a janka hardness of 8.2kN and yellowheart has 8kN. Or it could have been the purpleheart I was feeling the hardness on, which is 11kN and Osage is 11.6kN.

I have no clue what the yellowish wood is, yellowheart, osage, other… I do know it looks amazing. What do you think it is?

Here is this week's video: Exotic Wood Koozie!
 
#26 ·
Spalted Ambrosia Maple Fruit Bowl!

Spalted Ambrosia Maple, just saying it sounds fancy. Maple is a nice wood. Ambrosia Maple is special. Spalted ambrosia maple is beautiful. Wood grain in general is like a fingerprint of a piece of art. When the fingerprint becomes a tattoo of art unto itself, it's more than the signature of the piece. It takes on another look, feel, persona, gesture, ambience… beauty.

I knew going into the piece it would be shallow and probably a fruit bowl, but I did not see this wood turning out so amazing. Also, I learned a little more about the kind of wood. Boring beetles make the extra look of the wood. When the tree closes and repairs the holes, it creates the incredible lines through the grain. Spalted, is another term discovered. I'm learning all the time and having fun along the way.

Here is this week's video: Spalted Ambrosia Maple Fruit Bowl!
 
#27 ·
LSD on Bloodwood!

Bowl blank of Bloodwood, just in time for Halloween! This bowl turned out beautiful, then again, I'm bias. Tell me what you think of it.

I drew out the concept of the design and its close, not exact. The idea for the side of the bowl was to have a large bead that had crosscuts in it, like a large decorating tool might make. Above and below would be smaller beads to highlight the section. Unfortunately, I got lazy holding the tool on the final pass and got a catch in the middle of the top bead, which is why there is no top bead.

The design changed now that a portion of the bowl had to slimmed down. I was able to maintain a curve of the inside to match the outside. This was the real challenge for this bowl. Thinner walls then I've ever made, taller and deeper.

I think it will be a nice candy dish, even when it's not Halloween.

Here is this week's video: LSD on Bloodwood!
 
#32 ·
Custom Hot Rod Shifter!

Here is a fun little project, if not for yourself, maybe a family member or friend. Shifters are something you can change and customize to fit your style or the look of the vehicle. In this case I turned a three-wood piece, in hopes that it matches slightly to the hot rod in question.

My uncle has built many race cars and races every weekend. Recently he got an classic vehicle back in his hands from the early 70's. He did an amazing job building it and it looks great, with a flat black top, satin tan bottom and an orange stripe separating the two other colors.

So, I tried to make a matching shifter from wood. I used black walnut for the top, padauk for the middle stripe and ash for the bottom for the custom shifter knob. He did not request this and knowing car guys particular on what they put in or on their car, I understand if he doesn't want to use it. This was simply a fun project.

Here is this week's video: Custom Hot Rod Shifter!
 
#33 ·
2 Sexy Pens!

Sexy pens! I was requested recently at a party, to make pens for a couple of lady's, specifically my mother-in-law and step mother. They both agreed the pen they were to receive should be curvy and more feminine. Only one requested walnut and silver trim. The other got the matching wood and trim given out on father's day.

This was the first time I made curvy/sexy pens. I think they turned out great and I'm sure the lady's will appreciate them.

Here is this week's video: 2 Sexy Pens!
 
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