Another Newbie!

[PeterO]

Hello all,

I am new to woodturning, but have wanted to try it since I was 12 and saw a demonstration. Always seemed to have trivial matters to spend my money on (college, children, housing, you know!) and never got around to getting a lathe. I am recuperating from surgery and have a few months of down time and my wife has been encouraging me to spend time on myself and do things you've always wanted to do... so...

My Father-in-law has a "1960s era Sears shopmate multi-use" unit that apparently has a drill press, router, sander and can be used for wood turning. I don't have a model number but perhaps one of y'all might have a clue about what he is talking about. I have had no success with my Google searches. ANYWAY...

I am planning on purchasing a mini/midi lathe to learn the basics, as well as a grinder to learn sharpening. I have a couple of good books and videos to get me started.

Could someone make some suggestions about where to purchase woodturning materials locally? Suggestions for a decent mini/midi lathe? I intend to pursue this seriously, so don't mind investing for quality. Do NOT want to waste money on tools or machinery that is not going to last.

I am sorry to ramble, but excited to start doing something I have always dreamt of. Glad I stumbled onto this forum and am pleased to meet y'all!

Peter

 

[RandyJ]

Hello Peter and welcome to the best WWing site on the whole WWW! :eusa_danc There are great folks here always willing to assist. We have many turners who I'm sure will be putting in their .02.:eusa_clap Don't hesitate to ask questions or jump in with suggetions. We love pictures around here so don't forget to set up a photo gallery.
Take care,

 

[SteveColes]

Welcome Peter. I live in Apex as well, in the Abbington complex, on Chilcott.

I too, am just learning to turn and we have a lot members who are experienced turners.

We have 2 stores that I would recommend, Woodcraft on Glenwood and Klingspor on Capitol.

As far as mini/midi lathes, I would recommend the Rikon, which I have. It is inexpensive but well built and feature rich. It is available from Woodcraft and they usually have them in stock. Tom???

 

[dozer]

Welcome to the site, I would also recommend the Rikon It is a good solid lathe. If you need turning blocks there are a couple of wood suppliers listed on this site that are local and would be a good place to start.

 

[erasmussen]

Welcome to the site

 

[NZAPP1]

Welcome Peter
I am also a learning turner and live in Apex off of Olive Chapel Road. If you would like you could stop by my mess (shop ) and see my set up. I have a large Delta lathe, grinder with the wolverine sharpening set up and loads of wood. Send me a PM and we can arrange a visit. As stated we love pictures so set up an album:icon_thum

 

[DaveO]

Welcome PeterO, glad you joined us!!!
Dave

 

[sapwood]

Welcome Peter!
Apparently I'm a little behind on my post viewing as I just responded to xebec's intro suggesting that you, xebcec, Steve, and Nick get together

Enjoy, it's time for me to move on :lol:

Roger