Happy student

[Mike Davis]

My student this week took a class at a highly respected school and learned little for the very high cost.

We spent the day today learning the traditional turning tools, sharpening, and turning in pine and maple.

I had a great time and I think she did too. She left with a small table leg to practice making duplicates and a smile on her face.

 

[Graywolf]

Great job, I'm glad you're up to teaching!

 

[brendajotb]

That's me!!! Thank you so much for your instruction AND PATIENCE Mike! This newbie will definitely will be back!

 

[brendajotb]

Great job, I'm glad you're up to teaching!

he's awesome!

 

[Flute Maker]

Great job Mike! I know you have a bunch of treasure packed away you need to pass on! It is much appreciated !!

 

[Oka]

Awesome Mike !, Love it.

 

[ScottM]

Mike thanks for your ever present willingness to give of your time and talents.

 

[Hmerkle]

That's me!!! Thank you so much for your instruction AND PATIENCE Mike! This newbie will definitely will be back!

@brendajotb that spindle loos great, I even think I see a little shiny spot where you were "riding the bevel" good teacher, GREAT student!

 

[Mike Davis]

Correct, no sandpaper on that spindle.

 

[Hmerkle]

Correct, no sandpaper on that spindle.

I can see it (compressed fibers indicative of the bevel properly riding the wood) on the bead or round end of (what I call) the vase section of the spindle...

 

[Mike Davis]

We did the demo, learning, and practice in pine at about 50 rpm and much slower. That gives you a chance to see the edge of the tool cutting fibers and what different presentation of the tool does to the wood. When you can make a smooth polished cut in pine at low speed you know you have the technique correct. People who say you have to speed up to get a clean cut do not know how to turn.

Then we made a couple spinning tops to warm up and gain confidence.

Finally we sketched a spindle, roughed a maple blank, marked a layout on the blank and did the finished cuts at medium speed.

A very different approach from the failed class she had taken somewhere else. Fortunately I didn’t have to fight bad habits since there had not been much instruction before.

 

[golfdad]

Great job to both of you!

 

[Endless Pursuit]

Mike,
I see you have the original prototype for Robust’s American Beauty....

 

[Mike Davis]

I wish I knew more about it. The only tag I ever found was a small copper oval embossed with “Chambers Aircraft”.