Recent content by UnicycleBloke

I asked Axminster about it. The machine is being discontinued due to overlap with the Powermatic 3520B, or something like that. They said there were a couple of dozen left. Same 3-year warranty and all that. I was slightly concerned about spares and repairs long term, but not too concerned...

I am looking to buy a new lathe. I had a Tyme Avon but sold it when my garage was demolished as part of building an extension. The Avon was great to learn on, but I'd like electronic speed control, indexing, a larger swing and more weight. So I've been dreaming... I'm fortunate that budget is...

I'm very strongly left handed, but have never noticed any major issues in turning. I generally hold the tool handle in my left hand for spindle work, but not exclusively. It's more of mix for the outside of bowls, and in my right hand for the insides. I'm a relative beginner, and expect the...

The egg cups look much better than my first attempts. Still, it was satisfying to eat from my own treen. :) Al

After some conflicting advice, I recently bought the wall hung Camvac twin motor unit. It seems pretty good when sanding, but not much cop at catching the chips. I was mainly worried about dust anyway, so no problem, and using it as a hoover for the chips is far superior to the old Dyson I have...

Thanks for all the advice. There is more to this than I realised. I've gone for the wall mounted Camvac because it claims very good filtration. I suppose this may not be the end of the story, but it should be a good start. Al

Hmm. Those look interesting, but I'd understood that it is best if I can get sub 1 micron particle extraction. I basically only generate dust from woodturning. My other activities are very short duration in comparison, and much less dusty. Chip extraction would be convenient, but I have a broom...

I don't currently have any dust extraction. I do have a Trend Airshield Pro, but it is a bit cumbersome, and I don't wear it consistently. So I've been thinking it's about time I invested in my health a little better, and would appreciate any advice on what to get. I guess I could afford up £500...

Thanks. I did see that afterwards, and felt a plum for posting. :)

I was recently bought a Robert Sorby RS2000KT, which gives me the chance to try something a bit different. The thing is, I'm not sure how to sharpen it. I'm reluctant to grind, as the tip might soon vanish, so I got one of those credit card diamond steel hones. But should I hone the flat top of...

This is my first post in an age. Not been doing much turning lately, but was flattered to be given a small commission by my neighbour. She has joined a medieval re-enactment group, and asked me for a bowl and a cup which she could actually use for eating and drinking. She specified that there be...

I want to make some buttons for a cardigan I've just knitted. Beech most likely. What's a good surface finish for them to be washable? Don't need to be high gloss or anything, just reasonably durable. Cheers.

I was surprised he complained, too - it's been OK in the past. I live in a semi. I have a brick garage/workshop on the opposite side of my house from the neighbour, which is where the lathe is. The lathe stands on a concrete floor. The more I think about it, the more unlikely it seems that he...

Hello all, It's been a while since I touched the lathe, but I had a reasonably productive Saturday. One of the pieces was a 10" elm bowl with some spalting. It was rock hard and I couldn't get a decent finish at all. :-( It was unbalanced, too, but not as bad as some other blanks I've tried...

I'm a southpaw. Impossible to compare how I cope with the equipment: never had the experience of being dextro. Always seem to manage reasonably well. Scissors probably the worst - the ones sculpted for 'comfort'. I find that when turning, I use my hands either way, and swap without thought...