I have a Nova 3, and while it is well made, it feels like I spend way too much time changing jaws. It’s annoying esp. when I just need it to be a tiny bit wider or narrower. So I have way too many jaws now and I look for excuses to use other mounting methods, even though they are usually not the best choice. Are there any good chucks that have a bit more travel and need fewer jaws?

I’ve been thinking about getting a machine shop to make me a longer pen mandrel. Not for the turning but for the sanding and finishing so I can do multiple pens at the same time. Anyone ever done this or know if this is something I could get off the shelf?

I’m looking to upgrade to a decent 14”x20” lathe to do some bowls, and larger vases. I’m in Canada (Ottawa), looking for lathes I can buy locally. It looks like the Rikon is all around a heavier and nicer unit, but I’m leaning towards the Craftex for the price, portability and it also seems pretty good. Curious if anyone else has considered these two lathes.

I currently have the Craftex 8x13” lathe, looking forward to the step up.

Coaster made from poplar wood with an inlay of epoxy and smashed upcycled glass from a beer bottle ♻️

My husband has been talking about getting back into turning for the last several years, and the cost of getting back into it is stopping him, he doesn’t like to spend money on himself.

I’m wanting to gift him a midi lathe but am now questioning if I should get him a midi or a full sized one after looking at prices. I know basically nothing, but have been given some advice by a friend (probably don’t buy grizzly esp used, Jet 1221 is a good midi…) but I’m more just wondering if a full size is a better fit.

He wants to do bowls, but has also expressed interest in vases, and I know the depth of what you can make is impacted by the size of the lathe itself (in addition to the diameter ofc). Otherwise…I know basically nothing. I also don’t know what tools I would need to get him as a starting kit. Any advice? This is his “new dad/christmas” gift, and I want to do right!

Hello! I’m a total noob looking to sand and refinish some very nice vintage dansk bowls. I have a wood lathe at my disposal. Can you guys recommend a sanding attachment kit for a basic hand drill? The original finish needs to be removed so I’m assuming I need to start around 120 grit and work up to X(?) grit? I’m a potter interested in turning so I’m considering this my intro project, really really appreciate any advice!

Specifically, where are you buying your tools, chucks, and kits (pens/bottle stoppers/etc)?

Rockler, woodcraft, penn state industries?

1st, 2nd, & 3rd ring. I really like how the 3rd one turned out. Trial and error, works every time!

Hey all, I inherited a Jet, and have been loving getting into turning. The banjo is not original and is a bit janky, and I'm trying to find a decent replacement for it. Any recommendations?

I'm looking for some info about finish for utensils, specifically spatulas and spoons where heat may be involved.

If you've used something other than mineral oil / beeswax finishes for these I'd love to hear your thoughts, things you've learned etc.

Thanks!

I have enjoyed learning how to turn after taking a few classes but those were most about bowl making. I wanted to try to recreate a piece of furniture I already had in my home and I'm pretty happy with the results. I'm not sure if I like the stain and finish I used but oh well.

https://preview.redd.it/mrkfgoi1oetd1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=315f82788adf638fe5504e05f407da45c16f1b77

Walnut and mule deer antler coyote howler with a CA finish.

What is the minimum tenon size you use? Had a few blanks in the 7-8 inch diameter range. My choice was either a 3.5" jaw or my 2" jaw. It felt like the 2" jaw wouldn't be enough so I used the larger one but while I turned, the size of the tenon limited the design capability and I felt like I got locked into a more funnely shape and I wonder if I could have gotten away with the smaller jaw.

Gabon ebony, osage orange, pink ivory Pencil The back comes off to sharpen the 2mm lead! And 3 pens made from stabilized buckeye burl