First Lathe: What to turn...

Your first turnings will be toothpicks unless you start with a definite plan. Most of the books I have suggest: roughing a blank down to a 1 1/2” or 2” dowel about 12” long. Divide that into 3/4” segments and turn coves in every other one. Then turn beads on the others. It’s practice for coves and beads.

-- If we learn from our mistakes, I'm getting a fantastic education.

Check out wood magazine, & look for woodturning videos.

They show some very good beginner projects.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

As MrWoody says, some practice in turning dowels, beads and coves first. Then some bottle stoppers, Christmas tree ornaments or pepper grinders are all progressions from the practice work.

-- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the Universe's finest custom rolling pins.

i agree you need to get a lot of practice doing beads and coves so spindles are good to work on , but if you want a good first project a mallet is pretty easy. have fun with your new “toy”.

-- Roper - Master of sawdust- www.roperwoodturning.com

As soon as I get a lathe (not in the near future) I know I’ll be making a hardwood carvers mallet as my first project.

Chuck up a piece of wood and turn nothing. Use the tools and learn what each does and what you can do with it. After that is done you will be able to make anything your abilities let you make.

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.

Here’s my first turning…a black walnut votive holder finished with amber shellac. I have a lot to learn, but darn if I ain’t hooked.

-- http://www.tenoclockwoodworks.com

heeheehee… we got another one :)

WARNING! Woodtuning is very addictive and detrimental to the health of your other woodworking projects. Just ask my wife!

btw, great first turning! My first didn’t even make good firewood! ;)

-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - Please visit http://www.woodworkersguide.com and sign up for my project updates!