| Embarking upon a woodturning career can be a | | | | The four jaw chucks are among the most |
| daunting prospect for beginners. This is because | | | | popular and come with a range of optional jaws |
| there is a massive range of specialist tools and | | | | for different sized projects. |
| equipment. Buying tools and equipment for your | | | | Next we come to the subject of woodturning |
| new venture can become extremely addictive. To | | | | tools and this is an area where you tend to get |
| keep the initial starting costs to a minimum, it is | | | | what you pay for. Be aware the market is |
| wise to identify which items are necessary and | | | | flooded with cheap and inferior tools which can be |
| which can be added at a later date. | | | | tempting to newcomers. Expect to pay around |
| Purchasing the essential woodturning tools and | | | | 120 notes for a quality set of 6 High Speed Steel |
| equipment for beginners will probably cost a four | | | | wood turning tools. This will be money well spent |
| figure amount. Of course, this is if you purchase | | | | and cheaper in the long run than replacing poor |
| everything new. There is always a huge number | | | | quality broken tools. |
| of items sold on eBay by experienced | | | | The last piece of equipment is a tool sharpening |
| woodworkers who are simply upgrading to an | | | | system. You must keep your tools sharp to |
| advanced lathe, tools or equipment. This can save | | | | ensure a clean cut. Many experienced turners |
| you hundreds on your initial outlay. | | | | swear by the good old fashioned bench grinder. |
| The first piece of equipment you will need is a | | | | These can be fitted with specialist blue or red |
| wood lathe. This in itself can be confusing as | | | | wheels for sharpening HSS tools. Alternatively, |
| people often struggle to choose between the | | | | there are numerous sharpening systems |
| floor standing lathe and the smaller mini lathes. | | | | specifically designed for the purpose of sharpening |
| The smaller lathes are fine if space is an | | | | High Speed Steel turning tools. |
| important issue and you are 100% sure that you | | | | These are the basic but essential woodturning |
| will never need the capacity to turn larger objects. | | | | tools and equipment for beginners. Stick to a small |
| If this is not the case you would be wise investing | | | | amount of kit and your budget will not spiral out |
| in a floor standing lathe. | | | | of control. The aforementioned items will enable |
| Your new lathe will probably come with basic | | | | you to learn the art of turning wood, develop |
| work holding equipment such as a faceplate and | | | | your skills and become a competent wood turner. |
| drive centres. You will need to compliment these | | | | As your skill levels improve, you will find the lure |
| items by investing in a suitable woodturning chuck. | | | | of adding additional tools and equipment irresistible. |