Turning advise needed

[Dave Gallaher]

I just picked up a nice piece of Walnut. 12x12 x16 It wasn't free, I had to pay a dollar. I'd like to turn something just to play with my new/used lathe. Any and all advise would be helpful as this will be my first attempt. If it turns out I'll post a picture. Thanks Dave

[Dewey Torres]

Watch the bowl gouge videos on woodmagazine online. The bowl gouge takes a bit of getting used to.

http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodvision/?lid=1339217302

[Steve Schlumpf]

Dave - what size lathe do you have? Can it swing 12"? If so, I would cut the block up into 4 or 5 pieces that were either 12x12x4 or 12x12x3 and turn some bowls!

[David Christopher]

Dave, are you looking for shapes/designs if so type in wood bowls in google and click images

[Bernie Weishapl]

I agree with Steve and make several bowl blanks.

[David Walser]

Dave,

There are lots of things you could make with that walnut. As has been suggested, you could make several bowls with it. (Large chunks of walnut don't come around all that often and most turners would love to make a large walnut bowl.) In addition, you could make several nice pepper mills or boxes. (Most turners would love to make a box out of nice walnut, too.) So, decide what you'd like to make and have at it!

But, before you do, practice on something else. Large chunks of walnut don't grow on trees... Okay, walnut does grow on trees, but even if it's close to free wood, it would be a shame to "waste" it. Learn on something else. Then those bowls (or pepper mills or boxes) will be something that'll be kept in the family for generations.

Good luck!

[Dave Gallaher]

I was lucky to find this. I was at the mill dropping off some logs when I spotted it. It had two nails in it and was headed for the firewood pile. I was able to cut out the nails and salvage a very nice piece of wood.

[Marc Himes]

Dave, that is a very nice piece of wood you describe. I agree with Dave Walser. It would be good to save it until you can do it justice. I inherited some wood, my first lathe and tools from my father. While I was first learning I made some bowls using some beautiful wood that I now wish I had saved. If you are learning, start with maple, oak, birch or other available wood. Turn them thick and let them dry. Then turn them to a finished product. You will know when you are ready to turn really nice wood.

Good luck.

Marc Himes

Turning wood is just a hobby. I don't think I could do it much more than 70 hours a week.