Getting Started in Woodturning: 18 Practical Projects and Expert Advice on Safety, Tools and Techniques

The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is dedicated to advancing the art and craft of woodturning worldwide. The AAW provides opportunities for education, information, and organization to those interested in turning wood while and is focused on establishing lathe-turned work as a major element in the art and craft world. Established in 1986, AAW has thousands of members and a network of local chapters globally, representing professionals, amateurs, gallery owners, collectors, and wood/tool suppliers. The official journal of the AAW is American Woodturner, the leading publication on the art and craft of woodturning in the world. A wellspring of practical information, inspiration, and resources, American Woodturner is published six times each year and is one of the premier benefits of membership.

Introduction



Section 1: Getting Started



* Advice for Beginning Turners



* Shopping for Your First Lathe



* Turning and Aligning Your Lathe



* Learn to Sharpen All Your Turning Tools



* Sharpening Jigs



* Are You Wearing the Right Faceshield



* Collect Dust at the Lathe



* Safety Checklist



Section 2: The Tools



* Choosing the Right Driving Centers



* Faceplates



* Sweet and Simple Chucking Strategies



* Mastering the Four-Jaw Scroll Chuck



* What Speed is the Best?



* Get a Good Start with Lathe and Turning Tools



* Your First Bowl Gouge



* A Guide to Gouges



* Spindle Roughing Gouge



* Getting the Most from Scrapers



* Using the Point Tool



* Carbide Cutters



* Humanizing the Skew Chisel



* Parting Tool



* Bandsaw: Safe Setup and Operations



* Bandsaw: Safe Practices with Green Wood



* Grinder Wheels



Section 3: The Techniques & Tips



* Wood: Kiln-Dried, Green, or Air Dried



* Twenty Ways NOT to Turn a Bowl



* The Complete Spindle Turner



* Twenty Ways to Master Spindle Turning



* Quick Guide for Avoiding Catches



* How to Avoid a Catch



* Good Grip: Feel the Wood through the Tool



* Sandpaper: The Nitty Gritty



* Guide to Finishing



* Food Safe Finishing



* Nice Turner's Finish Last



Section 4: The Projects



* The Honey Dipper is a Classic First Project



* Egg Cup Introduces End-Grain Hollowing



* Letter Opener: A Skill Builder that Makes a Great Gift



* Basic Wooden Bowl



* Out of a Limb: Natural Edged Bowls



* Ring Holders Make Great Gifts



* Classy Clocks



* Turning Offset Handles Simplified



* Pepper Mill: It's a New Grind



* Scoop for Ice Cream



* Napkins Rings



* Salt and Pepper Shakers



* Turning the Finger-Snap Top



* Pen with a Wooden Grip



* Holiday Tree Topper: Turn Something Special



* Colorful Christmas Lights



* Two-Part Goblet: Tenon Connects Bowl to Stern



* Door Knob Upgrade



Index