ChanceyFleet
This spring, I spent three days learning to turn wood from Blind woodworking legend George Wurtzel. I kind of fell in love with the process (and based on my first attempts it loves me back). i'd like to find a friendly venue in NYC to learn more and access a lathe + tools, before going all in on my own setup. Does anyone have recommendations for a place that would be welcoming? (I'll bring the Blind-specific techniques: there's very little that needs modification).
Dec 3, 2022 at 11:40pmWeb
Show threadSaguaro LynxDec 4, 2022

@ChanceyFleet

WOW! As an amateur woodturner, those three pieces are Wonderful!

When I hand-turn wooden pens, one of my more favorite steps is using my fingers to *feel* the very fine match in diameters between the wood and the metal bushings we use to size the wood.

I often use abrasives, some reaching the equivalent of 4000 grit (U.S.). The super-smooth surface, which this process yields, is another favorite texture!

Congratulations on joining the turning side of woodworking!

Show threadSaguaro LynxDec 4, 2022

@ChanceyFleet

I sincerely hope that you can find a welcoming place to further try woodturning.

If you have not already done so, check out the web-site for the American Association of Woodturners. They should have a listing of a few local chapters in the greater NYC area.

Here is the URL for "Find a Chapter":

https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturner/AAWConnects/AAW-Connects.aspx

AAW Connects

Show thread@pineywoozle ‘s #3WordNoteDec 4, 2022
@ChanceyFleet I was a certified welder and I even though I can see, I could “hear” the metal as well. Even just walking past another welder I could hear if they were hitting good metal or slag. I know that there are blind welders who operate with a combination of careful fitting cutting & measuring as well as hearing their welds. Is that how you do this? Beautiful work btw. #Welding #WoodWorking
Show threadChanceyFleetDec 4, 2022
@Pineywoozle With wood turning it's all about feedback through the cutting tool — George taught me how to come in at an angle that makes contact without cutting, and then tilt to cut once i'm confident i'm in the right place. I also know my angle is right when wood chips start piling up on my hands
Show thread@pineywoozle ‘s #3WordNoteDec 4, 2022
@ChanceyFleet Oh that makes sense. Cool. I use a Dremel & I can totally imagine how being in tune with your chisels you might even be able to feel when it’s cutting at different angles. Pop had a giant industrial lathe but I only ever turned metal on it, & not much of that.