Turning For Work

Now that I have the lathe, I decided I should get out and turn every day after work. Hone my skills. Create things.

Day one, lathe setup day, I did turn something. Day two, I failed. Yesterday was one of the worst pollen/allergy days I've had. I couldn't venture out to the store without having a sneezing fit. And while I wanted to turn, and even made a couple of improvements to the bench, I couldn't stand being outside for any length of time.

Today was shaping up to be close to yesterday. Not as bad, but if I stay outside too long I'm bound to be miserable for the rest of the evening.

But I did get my turning in for the day, at work and for work. We have this interesting and ornate panel bed/wall unit type thing. And on the drawing it calls for these decorative pieces mounted on the left and right. They are rolling pin looking things. A 3" round barrel 5" long, with 2" round ends 1 1/2" long. They will be cut in half lengthwise when finished, and be mounted flush to the upper and lower sides of the wall units.

Not terribly difficult, but this will be my second turning for work. The first were little feet for some cabinet. They came out fairly consistent with each other, but not perfectly matched. I'm not great with duplication, or really measuring when it comes to the lathe, as I have more of a turn by sight and feel type of method.

I got one completely finished, and the second one ready to sand and part off, before the shop closed for the day. I'll make a third one in the morning, so they can do with them what they will.

Maybe I'll have a photo for the visually inclined tomorrow.