Today I was turning a small candle holder base from a round blank of cherry. I was using Bill G. techniques with an inexpensive bowl gouge I ground Ellsworth style. 45 deg - 45 deg - 45 deg- Well, I got it. I GOT IT!!! Bevel, angle, the sound and sight of long, smooth ribbons of wood!!!
The only thing I can think of that is comparable was the first time I rode a bike without training wheels. I couldn't go fast, couldn't make tight turns, but I stayed upright all by myself for a whole block!!! Do you all remember that feeling??
I barely had to sand the piece. It was wonderful. This turning stuff is like golf. You play like crap for 14 holes, then you make a shot that is so smooth, stoney, 2 feet from the hole and sink the putt. And you're back in a day or two. With turning, you ruin/create firewood, cut your hands in ways you've never imagined, but you come back ASAP.. I'm DONE! And at least with the dark side, you might just have something to show for it unlike a bad "fish" story from the links.
Happiness!!!
Pat