Thanks Jason. And thanks for starting this turners thread I see that you like to make wood handles It is always nice to talk with fellow Turners about different woods
For domestic (North American) hardwoods, I love working with Walnut, whether it be turning or fine woodworking. Love the variety and workability. For turnings, I’d add figured Eastern Maple. Love the striping and how it takes a finish. For fine woodworking in general I enjoy Cherry very much as well. For exotics? I love the variety...can’t say I have a favourite specifically for turning, but have used true Mahogany, Sapele (African Mahogany) and Poculi(red zebra wood) all with good success lately.
For expanding collett chucks, Patrick, you can order a set from Lee Valley. If you know the exact sizes you want, you can order individual ones directly from Beall tools. They are the same ones (Beall) at Lee Valley as well.
Don't forget a face shield. You want some protection if a piece of wood comes loose and flies toward your head at a high rate of speed. Sent from my DROID Turbo using Tapatalk
Advice here is rather minimal. Keep the tool rest close to the work piece. I had a tool catch and bend downward. It could have been prevented if the rest was closer to the wood. Also, check out some well known turners on YouTube for tips. Oh, and use paper towels for applying finishes. A rag might get caught, start turning into the piece, taking your hand with it. Sent from my DROID Turbo using Tapatalk
No loose clothing and sleeves rolled up passed the elbow. Gloves weren't allowed in my machine shop class when working with rotating equipment. Nothing that could get caught and pull you in. Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
A co-worker of mine was wearing gloves while using a bench grinder. He got a little too close and it grabbed the finger tip of one of the gloves and pulled his hand in. Tore him up pretty good. Had he not been wearing gloves he may have just needed a bandaid on his finger tip instead of a trip to the ER. Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Years ago where I work at a rotating winch driveshaft stripped a man to his underwear. The winch driveshaft runs under the floorboard of the skidder. The floorboard was out and he was in the cab starting the machine. The driveshaft grabbed his pants leg. He was a strong man and was able to pull away as it ripped his clothes off. Also, don't wear rings around equipment as well.
Not wearing gloves, etc. was some of the first advice I received when I started turning. @jluc This is great advice. Sent from my DROID Turbo using Tapatalk
My oldest son works on repairing skidsteers (spelling?) I will have to mention this to him. Sent from my DROID Turbo using Tapatalk