Hi,
Very well done indeed Chop; you are learning fast and already turning useful items. The first light pull picture looks like it could be a newel post cap? Now you've got your first lathe there is no stopping you and I fully understand your enthusiasm because I still enjoy time on my lathes even after 50 years practice. Please be careful because lathes are addictive.
It's interesting to watch your progress Chop in that although this is your first lathe you are already encouraging others to buy a lathe and take up turning; it's a whole new world to explore costing little if done on a low budget.
Grab the Beech on offer whilst you can but be aware it might need drying; if fresh felled then stick it outside under a cover to let it air dry for a couple of years? Practice timber for turning needn't cost a lot of money; offcuts are cheap if not free and it won't matter if turned into firewood; the pleasure is in the making and just spending time on the lathe.
Turning produces shavings which on the whole are harmless but protect yourself from sanding dust Chop which can prove lethal especially with exotic timbers which are poisonous. Spalted Beech is used a great deal but the spalting is a fungus in the tree and should be treated with respect; browse the net for the timber types you are using for their individual characteristics and dangers; I would never put anyone off turning but these dangers are real and present;
http://www.americanwoodworker.com/blogs ... -wood.aspx
As you gain more confidence and obtain more tooling and chucks Chop your enthusiasm for turning will grow; many make a living from woodturning and it will prove to be a better and more interesting occupation than many jobs these days.
Kind regards, Col.
