Getting Started in Lathe Turning
WWGOA EditorsDescription
Lathe turning is an incredibly fun hobby, and is one of my favorite woodworking tasks. I’m frequently asked, “How do I get started turning?” I’ve answered this question a number of times, and it’s nice to hear someone else’s thoughts on this. Luckily Paul Zaspel was recently in my shop. He’s a relatively new woodturner, and ready to share what he’s learned as his lathe turning has grown.
Chisel selection
Paul tried a starter set of chisels, but found that carbide chisels made his turning a lot easier. They don’t need to be sharpened, you simply replace the tip when it’s dull, so there’s no need to master sharpening techniques.
Choosing a lathe
Part of your lathe-buying decision will be based on capacity and what you intend to make, but the mechanics of the lathe are very important, too. V-belts and step pulleys are commonly used for speed control, but you can’t beat electronic speed control. Paul and I are both big fans of dialing in your desired speed instead of moving a belt on a pulley.
Instant (or nearly so) gratification
There aren’t many woodworking projects that can go from start to finish in a few hours, but bowl turning is one of them. Going from log to bowl can easily be done in an evening.
Learning lathe turning
Lathe turning videos are great, but you can’t beat a hands-on class for lathe turning. Check woodworking stores in your area for classes. You might also consider checking out the AAW Symposium.
Identifying what you find
If, like Paul and I, you’re scrounging wood for your projects, you’ll benefit from the Good Wood Handbook. It’ll help you identify the stuff you pick up.
Unlock Your Woodworking Potential!
Sign up for our newsletter for endless woodworking inspiration! Become a member today and gain access to a world of craftsmanship.
Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.
Already a member? Sign in
2 Responses to “Getting Started in Lathe Turning”
Premium Membership
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Woodworking Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Plans, and Tutorials
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the Woodworkers Guild of America Shop
- 2 Printable Woodworking Plans
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Woodworking Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Plans, and Tutorials
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the Woodworkers Guild of America Shop
- 2 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 2 Printable Woodworking Plans
Gold Membership
$370 Value
Get everything included in Premium plus exclusive Gold Membership benefits.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Woodworking Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Plans, and Tutorials
- 8 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 3 Full-Length Woodworking Classes to Keep for Life
- 7 Printable Woodworking Plans
- Discounts on Purchase-to-Own Content in the Woodworkers Guild of America Shop
- Access to Ask the Expert Program
- Exclusive GOLD LIVE Streaming Events
I really liked this. It gave me confidence that I can actually turn
I wanna make BANISTERS & stuff. Super detailed railings, miniature pillars they can be added to boring dressers, you can cut in between the studs of your walls & cut through the sheet rock & utilize the extra space by putting shelves in them - with a ‘pillar’ on each side of a protruding shelf. I’m really concerned about the fact that no lathers have clear casing cover. But I bought a cheap 40” wood lathe .. I’ve never used it. I need lathe tools plus I’m scared of it I want someone to use it with me.