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    The wood turning process can vary greatly depending on the type of turning you are doing. I now enjoy all types of wood turning and have quite the assortment of tools for each particular job. Learning what tool is best for what application comes with practice and asking questions at your turning meetings and workshops. I do not believe there is any such thing as asking too many questions. When we stop learning, we stop growing.

The choice for Lathes is also a very open and subjective area of concern. I use two different lathes that are at the opposite ends of the spectrum in size. Each lathe is used for different applications. My main lathe is a Powermatic 4224 and my secondary lathe is a Jet Mini. With these two lathes, I can turn an object from 1" or less up to 24" in diameter. On my larger lathe, I have had pieces weighing over 200 pounds when I started turning them. Turning tools can be purchased or made in your shop. In the last few years, turning tool manufacturers have made enormous steps forward in the evolution of tools. There are tools for almost every application in wood turning. If your project requires a special size or shape tool, you can make one for that particular job. Another good reason to join your local wood turning association chapter is networking with other turners that can teach you how to make your turning tools. It really is not that difficult and can be fun  to do in it self.

A nearby hiking trail at John James Audubon Park I like to travel to learn about the native Kentucky trees. Living in an area where the native trees are just perfect for use in woodturning makes strolls through the forest a wonderful time to plan and design projects in my head or sketch pad. The area is very tranquil and conducive to figuring out design of my next project. I think it is important to note that I only use wood from trees that would otherwise be used for the fireplace or destined for the land fill. I do purchase on occasion some exotic species of wood for turning after investigating the harvest practice of the seller. I'm very much against clear cutting tropical forests for monetary gain. There are better ways.

Woodturning is a form of woodworking that is used to create wooden objects on a lathe. Woodturning differs from most other forms of woodworking in that the wood is moving while a (relatively) stationary tool is used to cut and shape it. Many intricate shapes and designs can be made by turning wood.

There are two distinct methods of turning wood: spindle turning and faceplate turning. In spindle turning, the grain of the wood runs lengthwise, parallel to the bed of the lathe. In face plate turning, the grain of the wood runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Most bowls, platters and many vessels are face plate turned. Pens, furniture legs, spindles, and some vessels are spindle turned. It is the orientation of the grain that determines the method in use. Spindle turning is named for the type of product originally produced, while faceplate turning is named for an early method of attaching the material to the lathe.

The distinction between spindle turning and faceplate turning is due to the fibrous nature of the material. When wood is cut in such a way that the fiber being cut is not supported by the fiber below it, it tends to separate and tear. This "tearout" exhibits a rough, highly undesirable surface texture and greatly reduces the value of any product exhibiting it. The direction of cut is different in spindle turning and faceplate turning because cutting in the wrong direction causes tearout. Spindle turning cuts are made from high points toward the axis on the outside of the piece, and from the axis toward the outside when hollowing. When faceplate turning, the opposite applies. Faceplate turning is also used for high stress projects where the wood is very heavy.

I could go and on about all the different ways to turn, what tools work best and why you might really enjoy woodturning but the best advise I or anyone could give you is, get some hands on time with a skilled turner. Doing this keeps you from developing bad habits that need to be broke. It's easier to learn the good habits than break the bad. Join your local AAW Woodturning Club and you will learn quicker and end up with much less frustration. You most likely will save your self some money by networking with other members that know where to get tools and wood at greatly discounted prices.