Knotty problems

[Davon]

Hi all , I've just started to learn the art of woodturning ( although I've had my lathe for a year ) I made the candlesticks as a first attempt and have learned quite a bit by making mistakes and watching youtube videos, and as Christmas decorations I'm quite happy with them, although they would not bear up to close scrutiny. They are made from a.w.o and a.b.w which didn't have any knots, however, now I am playing with a piece of softwood ( which does have knots ) I wondered if there were any tips you kind folks could give me as I am a bit concerned about blunting my tools and taking chunks out of the piece. Also in the pics you will see the roughing gouge I am using .

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks
Davon

 

[Jonzjob]

The first thing is that when you turn wood you will blunt your tools and they will need sharpening. The frequency will depend on the wood. To turn wood with knots in, especially pine, won't blunt them any quicker really from what I have seen. It is very important to keep your tools sharp and with knotty wood just take light cuts too and you shouldn't have too many problems :mrgreen:

 

[Melinda_dd]

soft wood i e pine is hard to get a decent finish on i find.

good for practising on though

 

[Jonzjob]

With care you can get a nice finish, but on a flat surface like this lazy susan it can be difficult. It's also a real sod to pyrograph too