Author Topic: New Toy! (Read 3568 times)

Patty · « **on:** December 22, 2006, 07:01:22 am »

Yesterday they delivered my new lathe. Man she is a monster.

I ended up with the Powermatic Model 4224 24-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 3 Horsepower with Digital Spindle RPM Readout.

Whoo Hoo!

We be spinning now

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #1 on:** December 22, 2006, 07:07:35 am »

Don't getcher Duds tangled up in that sucker, Patty

You be STREAKIN.

Patty · « **Reply #2 on:** December 22, 2006, 07:17:12 am »

Now there is a mental picture. Yikes!

TexasTimbers · « **Reply #3 on:** December 22, 2006, 07:38:42 am »

Wowza! Good on ya Patty as asy might say. That's a serious sister . . . . is this your first lathe?

sprucebunny · « **Reply #4 on:** December 22, 2006, 08:00:24 am »

Congratulations, Patty

I can't wait to see what you're going to make

sawguy21 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 22, 2006, 10:01:02 am »

WOW, that is a serious lathe. Congratulations.

scsmith42 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 22, 2006, 10:10:33 am »

Hot DanG!

Nothing like a new toy!!! Congrats. When can we expect pix?

Patty · « **Reply #7 on:** December 22, 2006, 11:25:11 am »

Here it is...ain't she a beauty!

Norm · « **Reply #8 on:** December 22, 2006, 11:33:52 am »

Nothing to do with Patty's new lathe but I glanced over to see her and Lucy doing some typing. Lucy is our office kitty that we adopted a few months ago. Can you tell she's a bit spoiled.

Left Coast Chris · « **Reply #9 on:** December 22, 2006, 11:48:08 am »

Very beautiful piece of machinry. At least there will be no thoughts of up grading in the future. That is pretty much the best money can buy. With the 24 inch swing no need to swivel the head to the side to take on the larger projects. I also found after getting my 16" Jet that the next big necessary purchase is a good set of tools. Don't want to scrimp there. And it looks like one more necessary purchase may be a step stool or platform

Congrats!!

beenthere · « **Reply #10 on:** December 22, 2006, 11:56:32 am »

Norm
Looks like the cat might be spoiled a bit too.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #11 on:** December 22, 2006, 12:24:12 pm »

I see your going to be doing some serious turning now. As farmer77 said, ya need some good tools for turning that art with. I went we Lee Valley's tools. I even bought their tools for going inside a vase. Looks like a big ring on the end, got two sizes and a sharpening stone with them. I had tried the local hardware and their cheapo turning gouges and I broke the handle off a couple of them. The steel was toooo soft for hardwood. You can even make a flat edge gouge from an old file, just take the end to a grinding stone and put a 10 deg angle (up and down) on the end of it.

Today I was cutting dowels to mount the table top on my night stand. Boy was that dull. Took it to my grinding wheel and put a nice shiny edge on the dowel cutter and the matching hole cutter. Before I did that the smoke was rolling off that ash, trying to cut it. Must have almost set on fire, I could barely breath.

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #12 on:** December 22, 2006, 01:00:09 pm »

Now, that's a Lathe.

Congrats Patty.

Larry · « **Reply #13 on:** December 22, 2006, 01:26:33 pm »

I didn’t know they made em that big.

I could spin balance my truck tires on that thing.

scsmith42 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 22, 2006, 01:32:10 pm »

Whoa - that's a bigun! Enjoy!

Scott

thurlow · « **Reply #15 on:** December 22, 2006, 02:05:16 pm »

Quote from: Patty on December 22, 2006, 11:25:11 am

Here it is...ain't she a beauty!

Lathe doesn't look bad, either!

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #16 on:** December 22, 2006, 03:35:58 pm »

They come even bigger. One fellow I know turns big spalted burls almost 3 feet wide for coffee tables. He hollows them out to. Now there is some serious wood shavings being produced on one of them monsters.

metalspinner · « **Reply #17 on:** December 22, 2006, 09:28:46 pm »

Now you see, Patty... you went out and bought the wrong machine. Let me come on up there and trade you out with mine. It will treat you right. What do you say... sometime between Christmas and New Year?

pigman · « **Reply #18 on:** December 22, 2006, 10:07:53 pm »

That sure is a nice big lathe.

I have been thinking about a larger lathe, but until I get some more room and some more money, I will just have to make do with my little lathe.

I will be waiting to see the big bowl you will turn on that new ~~toy~~ tool.

Bob

Paschale · « **Reply #19 on:** December 23, 2006, 01:45:37 am »

That's a nice addition to the shop, Patty!

Roxie · « **Reply #20 on:** December 23, 2006, 06:20:20 am »

I can't wait to see what you make with that!!

You are lookin good behind that lathe!!

Burlkraft · « **Reply #21 on:** December 24, 2006, 01:49:06 pm »

Hey..Congratulations Patty......That sure is a purdy machine....

I see ya must have a new turning room too. Is that fresh drywall in the background

Let the chips fly.........

dail_h · « **Reply #22 on:** December 25, 2006, 10:20:07 pm »

Looks like somebody needs some bigger wood.

Patty · « **Reply #23 on:** December 26, 2006, 05:54:18 pm »

Oh yea....let the fun begin!

It took four big guys to get her off the pallet yesterday.

Norm, my brother and both sons were just DanG happy to lift her off.

I must admit I am just a tiny bit intimidated by the size of her. I was reading up on the instruction manual today between orders. I think my first job is to sharpen up the tools. I figure if I am going to hurt myself, it may as well be while holding a sharp knife.

I wish one of you lived closer so you could demo this thing to me.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #24 on:** December 26, 2006, 06:20:04 pm »

One thing to keep in mind Patty is to keep your tool rest as close to your work piece as possible. And..secondly..ermmm watch your chin ...or other parts.. near them really long handled tools. When tip number two fails to sink in, refer back to tip number one.

TexasTimbers · « **Reply #25 on:** December 26, 2006, 06:30:11 pm »

I guess we are a bunch of worry warts. We just don't want that big monster to eat ya. SD is right. So is FDH. See my "Loose clothing . . . . . " post in the Health and Safety Section.

That's a big machine and it won't slow down if you get caught in it. Turning redwood, or even red wood is one thing, but having red leaking out of the turner ain't sumptin anyone here wants to hear about.

Now, that said - have a blast!!! (and don't have any loose clothing on)

ElectricAl · « **Reply #26 on:** December 26, 2006, 07:01:19 pm »

Very nice

We have found that green Soft Maple is about the most forgiving wood around here.
Steer clear of Basswood, Cottonwood, and the Elms for now

Green is a lot easier to work, but it will rust your lathe

Dry will heat and dull the tools faster $:-\$

pigman · « **Reply #27 on:** December 26, 2006, 07:57:06 pm »

Sounds like ElectricAl, like me, has some experience with turning elm. I turned a small bowl out of some dry elm. That stuff was as hard as nails. I about wore out my cheap bowl gauge sharpening it so often. I burned the rest of the dry elm bowl blanks. They burned real hot.

I like to turn cherry and walnut the best.

Bob

Engineer · « **Reply #28 on:** December 26, 2006, 08:07:37 pm »

That's a nice machine. I didn't even realize Powermatic made one that big, I'd been eyeballing a new Oneway 2436 for just that reason - large capacity.

Most important thing to learn is how to properly sharpen your tools. Even cheap Harbor Freight carbon steel tools will cut like a dream if they are sharpened correctly. I took a couple classes in Boston, and also discussed this with Ernie Conover at his shop in Ohio. The impression I got was that lathe tools (like plane irons, chainsaw chains and chisels) should really be considered consumables due to the sharpening required. Half of one, one-day class was devoted strictly to sharpening. I have a really nice set of Crown Pro-PM lathe chisels that I had been afraid to use because I didn't know how to keep 'em cutting cleanly; now I know. Invest in a slow-speed grinder if you don't have one, and maybe a buffing wheel too.

Enjoy that monster, hope you can show us some photos of what you turn.

Furby · « **Reply #29 on:** December 26, 2006, 08:12:22 pm »

If I remember right, Norm is a pro at working with out ~~clothing~~ loose clothing so she should have a good trainer there.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #30 on:** December 27, 2006, 08:35:40 am »

Also, those Aluminum Oxide (white) grinding wheels are nice. They don't burn like the cheapo (grey) wheels. They will burn if you hold in one place and bear pressure, you don't put hardly any pressure on your tool when sharpening, just enough to hold it there. Be delicate. A nice bar of honing compound for the buffing wheel is nice to have on hand to take the burs and roughness off. I get mine from Lee Valley.

I've turned elm also, it does get 'warm', but good sharp tools will eat into it real nice. I love the grain in elm to.

Hard to come by now, the big ones are most all dead or have been cut down.

shopteacher · « **Reply #31 on:** December 27, 2006, 10:56:43 am »

Wow, that thing needs a pulpit to sit in while you operate it. Have fun and play safe.

low_48 · « **Reply #32 on:** December 29, 2006, 11:55:16 pm »

I would be glad to help you with the new lathe Patty, it looks like a beaut

. We live about 250 miles from each other though, you can probably find someone closer. If you can't find someone closer, would you be interested in coming to Peoria, IL? I've been turning for 21 years, and have a Oneway 2436, two Jet minis, a metal turret lathe, 9x20 Jet metal lathe, CNC Emco metal lathe. I teach woodturning at our local Woodcraft Store, and am a founding member of our AAW woodturning club chapter, president for 5 years. I use a Woodcraft 1725 rpm grinder and the Oneway Wolverine system for sharpening, with the vari-grind attachment for my gouges. I use the 60 grit aluminum oxide wheel the most, the 120 grit for scrapers. I have turned bowls up to 20" diameter, and turn alot of natural edge work as well. I turn pens and Christmas ornaments for a little income, Peoria is not a mecca of woodturning collectors. I have sold some bowls, but sell alot more of the little stuff. I've got tons of material squirreled away, let me know if you want to come over for a weekend of turning, or just have any questions.

Patty · « **Reply #33 on:** December 31, 2006, 09:02:05 am »

You are very generous low-48. Been turning for 21 years, hmmmm. Have a Oneway 2436, hmmm

, man you even teach woodworking. I could use a neighbor like you! I am thinking you and Scott could share the neighbor's place after we kick him out.

Me and Norm would most certainly enjoy a visit to your place. Someday when we get a whole day off from the day job we just might suprise you.

Until that day, I will most certainly be picking your brain with questions......maybe this will give Charlie a break for awhile.

katie-did · « **Reply #34 on:** January 02, 2007, 08:53:53 pm »

Now Patty isn’t that al little over kill for turning pens?

OH you got the bug did you?

I can wait to see some pictures so maybe I could get the bug back. I just have not been in the mood here of late but I am going to get the sewing machine back out this week and finish some Ann and Andy dolls for the niece and then maybe the creative juices will be a flowing and I will get back out in the shop.

That is a nice one thought

just wish that we had a shop big enough to put one in don’t know that I would get up the courage to run it but it would be nice to have one setting here.

Patty · « **Reply #35 on:** January 04, 2007, 09:55:22 am »

Katie, do you have your dolls finished yet?

Sewing always puts me in a good mood. I made several dolls this fall for a friend, and it was great fun. Then I sewed up couple little baby quilts for Christmas gifts that were a joy to make. Norm is building a new sewing table for me this month with a glass top for ease in cutting fabric and pinning up patterns. With a glass top the pins and needles can't mar the finish.

Anyway, I hope you get back into the swing of things and the creative juices start to flow again. Yesterday I started a cigar pen that I hope to dye the wood on. I haven't given up on the dye yet, even though the black dye on the bookcase was a disaster.

Patty · « **Reply #36 on:** January 06, 2007, 01:20:45 pm »

Lightweight battery-powered face shield circulates air while protecting your eyes and face from small debris such as wood particles and wood shavings — ideal for routing and woodturning.

Any of you folks ever used one of these? Are they worth the $279 it takes to buy one?

Tom · « **Reply #37 on:** January 06, 2007, 01:30:33 pm »

We looked into those a few years ago and my old-timer turner friend actually bought one. He sent it back.

We decided that it was one of those "When I hit the lotto" types of tools.

A paint or dust mast under your face shield does as good or better, is much cheaper and lighter, and doesn't break.

Stopping the dust from getting into your lungs is paramount (there is little to none unless sanding). The reason for the face shield is to help protect from an exploded bowl or loose knots. It's important to have one.

We figured that a fairly strong fan behind you when you turn does as good as one of those helmets.

treenail · « **Reply #38 on:** January 06, 2007, 07:22:18 pm »

That is one great looking lathe you have there. Ought to handle just about anthing you can mount a faceplate to. Have been using a 2horse dust collection system for dust control on my sixteen inch lathe , plus a dust mast. Works pretty well, but am interested in whether the ventilator helmets work well or not.

Burlkraft · « **Reply #39 on:** January 07, 2007, 07:26:00 am »

I tried one once....I didn't buy one cuz it was like turnin' in a fishbowl...

Norm · « **Reply #40 on:** January 07, 2007, 07:50:23 am »

Well we tried out Patty's new lathe yesterday. Had a heck of a time finding anything of size to fit on it so we ended up using some dry spalted hard maple. Boy they don't call it hard maple for nothing. On the plus side we'd just sharpened all the tools on the tormak so they were razor sharp. I'm making a bud vase for the dining room table out of the chunk I found but ran into a knot that needed some thick CA applied so didn't get finished yet. The lathe is a beast and it's neat to be able to adjust the speed so easily. It's very smooth running and doesn't hesitate one bit but it also let me know who was boss.

Patty · « **Reply #41 on:** January 07, 2007, 08:18:15 am »

Yea, the old head in the fish bowl syndrome! I hate that.

I spent all night hacking and coughing and trying to blow out all the dust I inhaled yesterday. There just has to be a better way. I was wearing a regular dust mask while sanding, but Norm said everytime he looked over there was just a cloud of sawdust all around my head. Finally we just opened up the door and let the outdoor air come in, but that gets a bit chilly in January.

I was hoping one of those ventilated masks would do the trick. $:-\$

I ordered face shields from Rockler yesterday, only to see them on Amazon at half the cost this morning. Geeesh.

Sometimes you just need to go back to bed. $:-\$

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #42 on:** January 07, 2007, 08:34:28 am »

Patty, do NOT breathe that Spalted dust. It is BAAAD. Fix a fan to the side of you. From the back, it will "Swirl" the dust around you.

Don't remember the technical stuff, BUT, that spalt is REALLY BAAAD.

Patty · « **Reply #43 on:** January 07, 2007, 08:40:35 am »

No kidding Harold.

I am still miserable this morning. Sawdust really irritates the sinus and the lungs. Maybe a respirator would help. Can't be any worse than the stupid dust mask.

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #44 on:** January 07, 2007, 08:45:34 am »

It's not the sawdust, Patty. It's the moldy stuff from the Spalt.

Being associated with Medical stuff, do you know any place with one of them machines that help clear stuff from lungs

That may be a good way to get it out of your system ?? it's REALLY BAAAD stuff.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #45 on:** January 07, 2007, 11:21:12 am »

I've been breathing a few hours of butternut dust, sanding this desk. I only have a dust mask and it ain't much good in fine dust. I have to keep the door of the shop open, as I'm afraid of that super fine dust consuming the place and igniting like a bomb from the wood stove.

I keep a slow fire in it with this out of the world mild weather we have. Temp this morning went down to 34 F and now back up to 40 with a NW wind. I'de like to know when NW winds starting getting warmer, they's used to be $%#$%#$%#

cold.

sawguy21 · « **Reply #46 on:** January 07, 2007, 11:26:16 am »

SD be real careful with that dust around an open flame or you will get picked up for speeding over Nova Scotia.

metalspinner · « **Reply #47 on:** January 07, 2007, 09:05:48 pm »

Patty,
You need to get a dust collecter set up run to the lathe. Even a small one will do the job. Wood dust is a know carcinogen. Add spalted wood to that and you better watch out. Not to mention all that dust is distracting to the work at hand which could lead to an injury.
Please take care...

Norm · « **Reply #48 on:** January 08, 2007, 10:45:58 am »

Metalspinner could you give me an idea of how you do a dust collection for your lathe?

TexasTimbers · « **Reply #49 on:** January 08, 2007, 10:54:44 am »

Chris I have a similiar question as Norm . . . .

Quote from: Norm on January 08, 2007, 10:45:58 am

Metalspinner could you give me ~~an idea of how you do a dust collection for~~ your lathe?

OneWithWood · « **Reply #50 on:** January 08, 2007, 11:13:18 am »

In addition to the dust collection set up get a good mask. Not a dust mask but a real respirator such as the 3M 6100 series. I have two of them and wear one whenever I am creating saw dust. They are much more comfortable than a dust mask and capture the fine particles that the dust collector does not get. Your lungs will thank you.

Patty · « **Reply #51 on:** January 08, 2007, 11:36:43 am »

Thanks guys, my lungs need all the help they can get. Since Saturday, they feel so heavy, like I am coming down with a bad cold or something. It has been so long since I've had a cold that I forgot how miserable the feeling is. I will certainly be using a respirator next time. Not to mention a dust collector on the lathe. I am very interested to see how others have theirs set up.

Paschale · « **Reply #52 on:** January 08, 2007, 01:56:28 pm »

Quote from: OneWithWood on January 08, 2007, 11:13:18 am

In addition to the dust collection set up get a good mask. Not a dust mask but a real respirator such as the 3M 6100 series. I have two of them and wear one whenever I am creating saw dust. They are much more comfortable than a dust mask and capture the fine particles that the dust collector does not get. Your lungs will thank you.

Ditto that, OWW. I have a really good respirator, one where you can change out the filters. They're organic, somehow, and they do a really good job of keeping the nasty stuff out. The last time I used it, I was ripping an old ceiling out of my bathroom, lath and plaster, and it sure did rain down the dust. It was awful, but I was breathing fine with the respirator. For less than $50 of outlay, your lungs will thank you. In my line of work, I can't afford to do anything that would effect my lungs, so I take good care of them. And I always hate hearing those stories about guys who wake up one day and have suddenly developed an allergic reaction, doing the one thing that gives them the most fun in life. $:-\$ It's worth the nuisance of a mask like that.

Burlkraft · « **Reply #53 on:** January 08, 2007, 02:37:07 pm »

Here's the one that OneWay makes, but with a little sheet metal you can make yer own. I have a friend who has this one. He has a shop in his basement and he said it works great...no more sanding dust upstairs...... www.oneway.on.ca

Dust Hood

Designed specifically for the 2436, this dust hood will quickly and efficiently suck away any small dust particles generated while sanding. Simply hook it up to a dust extractor, vacuum, or central-vac system by attaching the vacuum hose to the 5” gate, and start sanding. It can also be moved to the outboard side (if you find it’s in the way) by folding the side flaps back and sliding it away.

There is a window which serves two purposes - for those interested onlookers, or to allow more light through to the work area.

It’s powder painted for a resilient finish.

Part No. 3550
$449.95 USD

PRODUCT

metalspinner · « **Reply #54 on:** January 08, 2007, 05:23:12 pm »

I just have a 4" pvc hose on the back side of the lathe. Most of what I turn is short, so this works fine. For longer things, a stand could be made to move the end of the hose nearer to where you are sanding. An old light fixture with the long arms and pivoting hinges would work for the end of the hose as well. This will not catch any chips, but the fine dust gets sucked right up. I've concidered mounting a collection tube under the lathe bed theat would funnel down to the suction pipe, but I haven't mapped that out yet.

I have a new lathe on order, so that could be my first project for it.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #55 on:** January 08, 2007, 05:35:24 pm »

How many lathes do you guys need?

I've had this good old Delta for 14 years and ain't looking for a new one yet.

Burlkraft · « **Reply #56 on:** January 08, 2007, 05:52:09 pm »

It's kind of like trucks for me...I've had a bunch, but the one I have now I'm gonna drive till it drops cuz I really like it. It took a few lathes the get one exactly how ya want it.....

Of course it's only benificial if that matters to ya.....

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #57 on:** January 08, 2007, 05:56:40 pm »

Don't matter as long as she spins shavings.

CHARLIE · « **Reply #58 on:** January 09, 2007, 01:23:27 am »

Patty first things first. What a fine lathe you have! I'm envious!!! That lathe is top of the line in my opinion and will last you a lifetime. The electronic speed control is going to be sweet. Also, you can put a big unbalanced chunk of wood on there and that lathe won't vibrate a bit. You made a fine choice.

My opinion about turning tools. Use the ones you already have. I'm pretty sure you bought some High Speed Steel tools. It's not the tool exactly but the angle you sharpen them and that you turn with them sharp. Here is a link to Alan Lacer's website and some of his articles. Read them. Especially the ones about sharpening and honing. http://www.alanlacer.com/Articles.html
If you decide to buy more tools, I don't recommend buying a set. Determine the tool you need and get it and keep it sharp. I have several tools that I never pick up.

Woodcraft sells turning tools but here is a link to Packard. They also sell woodturning tools and other stuff. I bought a Packard 1/2 inch spindle gouge that I like a lot.

http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=tools-pkrd

About dust. DON'T breathe it! You don't need it in your lungs and you don't want to become allergic to wood or your woodworking days will be over. I don't wear a mask when I'm turning, just a face shield.....unless I'm turning cedar or an exotic wood. Then I wear a dust mask when turning. When sanding wear a good dust mask. Several people in my woodturning club have those battery operated faceshield/respirators but they are pretty pricey. I think if you wore a good dust mask and extracted the dust right off the lathe you'd be OK. If you don't have a dust collector, it should be on your list of things to get. Even setting the 4 inch hose next to your turnings would help. Fastening the 4 inch house to the bottom of a plastic bucket with PVC fittings and putting the bucket next to your turning is even better as it covers a larger area. Get the vacuum as close to the backside of your work as possible without it interfering. I've listed some lathe dust collectors from Woodcraft for you. They are not all that expensive.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=2086
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=3626
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=5854

I've always recommended joining a woodturning club but I know you and Norm are not close to any. If I were you, I'd surely make that trip to Peoria. That is a goldmine offer and you'll learn a lot.

I know y'all are going to enjoy your lathe for many years to come. Keep your Jet mini lathe and take it with you when you travel. You can turn anywhere then.

News:

Author Topic: New Toy! (Read 3568 times)