Three huge tasks face the beginning woodturner.
First is the difficulty in learning to use the new array of tools, most of which are unique to the craft.
Second is learning to sharpen those tools, a process similar to and at the same time different from the sharpening of similar tools in the modern workshop.
Third is knowing what to turn and why.
A good sequence of beginner projects serves to answer all three questions well.
A sequence is needed.
To look into a section of a woodworking catalogue dealing with woodturning tools is to look into a sea of confusion for the uninitiated.
One of the more reasonable innovations to overcome the difficulty of what to buy is the beginner's set of woodturning tools.
Unfortunately even this selection can be confusing in its own right.
A well thought out sequence of beginner projects will introduce the tools one at a time and build some proficiency with and a lot of understanding of the tools.
Each project will use a minimum number of tools and introduce them one at a time.
It is quickly realized and is really no surprise that turning wood with sharp tools is both safe and more enjoyable than using dull tools that of course get duller with continued use.
Learning to sharpen the repertoire of tools that woodturners handle is best done one at a time.
There are two ways to sharpen woodturning tools, with or without a jig.
Beginners are better off by far with a jig, either commercial or homemade.
For that matter, experienced wood turners generally do a better job with a jig.
It takes the guesswork out of sharpening and makes the whole process more enjoyable for both beginner and experienced crafts people.
In addition, most turning tools will require sharpening much faster than do flat wood working tools just because of the nature of the craft.
Frequent sharpening is required and the fig shortens the learning curve and makes the whole process much easier.
Deciding what to turn first, second or third and so forth, is simply answered.
Turn what you have to or what you want to.
Sometimes there is just something that is required by the house, work or circumstance and must be turned by you.
What to turn has just been decided.
If there is nothing in that category, and considering that most woodturners are hobbyists, whatever turns your fancy is the thing to be turned.
However, that object of desire is likely beyond the ability of the turner.
This means that a series of beginner projects that teach specific skills are just the thing to use to get ready for the turning.
While the projects may be enjoyable in their own right, they are the road to the goal and the final project is the dream that makes travelling that road worthwhile.
Beginning woodturning is the beginning of an adventure and a lifetime of pleasurable activity.
At the same time it can be confusing, especially at first.
A good selection of beginner level projects will make the process a delight for all concerned.
First is the difficulty in learning to use the new array of tools, most of which are unique to the craft.
Second is learning to sharpen those tools, a process similar to and at the same time different from the sharpening of similar tools in the modern workshop.
Third is knowing what to turn and why.
A good sequence of beginner projects serves to answer all three questions well.
A sequence is needed.
To look into a section of a woodworking catalogue dealing with woodturning tools is to look into a sea of confusion for the uninitiated.
One of the more reasonable innovations to overcome the difficulty of what to buy is the beginner's set of woodturning tools.
Unfortunately even this selection can be confusing in its own right.
A well thought out sequence of beginner projects will introduce the tools one at a time and build some proficiency with and a lot of understanding of the tools.
Each project will use a minimum number of tools and introduce them one at a time.
It is quickly realized and is really no surprise that turning wood with sharp tools is both safe and more enjoyable than using dull tools that of course get duller with continued use.
Learning to sharpen the repertoire of tools that woodturners handle is best done one at a time.
There are two ways to sharpen woodturning tools, with or without a jig.
Beginners are better off by far with a jig, either commercial or homemade.
For that matter, experienced wood turners generally do a better job with a jig.
It takes the guesswork out of sharpening and makes the whole process more enjoyable for both beginner and experienced crafts people.
In addition, most turning tools will require sharpening much faster than do flat wood working tools just because of the nature of the craft.
Frequent sharpening is required and the fig shortens the learning curve and makes the whole process much easier.
Deciding what to turn first, second or third and so forth, is simply answered.
Turn what you have to or what you want to.
Sometimes there is just something that is required by the house, work or circumstance and must be turned by you.
What to turn has just been decided.
If there is nothing in that category, and considering that most woodturners are hobbyists, whatever turns your fancy is the thing to be turned.
However, that object of desire is likely beyond the ability of the turner.
This means that a series of beginner projects that teach specific skills are just the thing to use to get ready for the turning.
While the projects may be enjoyable in their own right, they are the road to the goal and the final project is the dream that makes travelling that road worthwhile.
Beginning woodturning is the beginning of an adventure and a lifetime of pleasurable activity.
At the same time it can be confusing, especially at first.
A good selection of beginner level projects will make the process a delight for all concerned.
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