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Post by James S on Jul 5, 2020 21:47:06 GMT
Hello, I am a beginner and just bought the Robert Sorby 6 Piece Deluxe set. I am making Christmas tree ornaments and decorations. I am starting a project to make a Christmas light for every person who has died in Arizona from Covid-19. I had a cheap set of tools that I thought were good until I used these! This is going to make my job so much easier. Any tips you can offer would be greatly appreciated as I am doing this from YouTube videos. I will send pics when I get more finished.
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Post by Pete on Jul 7, 2020 13:57:07 GMT
Hi James,
You have chosen a good set of tools with the Sorby starter set, in face I am still using a couple of the originals now 10 years in. It is hard to give tips on an open ended subject. But I am sure that I or someone on here can answer any direct questions.
Thinking about it there is one tip which relates to a limitation on the starter set... The bowl gouge handle could be longer, the shape is about perfect, though as I have large hands I tend to make mine a few mm larger in diameter only by about 5mm, ΒΌ" in old money. but 150mm, 6" longer, bit of copper water pipe as the ferrule and you can make your own handle Ash Beech or any wood that has comfortable weight and good feel factor.
It handles are one of the most pleasing things to make, as you are always using it and always looking at it.
Truly hope you don't have to make too many Christmas lights, stay safe, come back with pictures and questions.
Pete
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Post by James S on Jul 9, 2020 17:06:00 GMT
Thanks Pete, I do have a specific question...what is the optimal height to have the lathe set for the best results. Right now I feel it is way to high and I do not have good control over the tools. I am 5'10" (178 cm?) and am trying to set up a comfortable work space. I am also just getting over Covid myself so things are moving slow right now. We are the world's hot spot at the moment, so we are settling in for awhile. You take care. Thanks for responding. James
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Post by Pete on Jul 9, 2020 19:02:08 GMT
Hi James, stated optimal height is with the centre of the drive shaft level with your elbow. Most books and references you read will be based on this measurement.
The angle you present the tool to the wood will vary based on your height and the height of the toolrest and lathe height. so if one of those is wrong you can compensate with the others. I personally would like my lathe a little higher for hollowing / spindle work and about right for bowl work but is it only a tweak different to the stated optimal.
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yulan
New Member
Hi thanks for looking hope I can help
Posts: 11
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Post by yulan on Mar 21, 2024 13:31:31 GMT
Thanks Pete, I do have a specific question...what is the optimal height to have the lathe set for the best results. Right now I feel it is way to high and I do not have good control over the tools. I am 5'10" (178 cm?) and am trying to set up a comfortable work space. I am also just getting over Covid myself so things are moving slow right now. We are the world's hot spot at the moment, so we are settling in for awhile. You take care. Thanks for responding. James "optimal height" I started with the centre spindle my elbow. But thought I was bending a little to far giving me back ake. So not spindle centre is about 1.1/4" higher than my elbow when arm is bent. For now I'm happy with this.
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yulan
New Member
Hi thanks for looking hope I can help
Posts: 11
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Post by yulan on Mar 21, 2024 14:00:31 GMT
Hello, I am a beginner and just bought the Robert Sorby 6 Piece Deluxe set. I am making Christmas tree ornaments and decorations. I am starting a project to make a Christmas light for every person who has died in Arizona from Covid-19. I had a cheap set of tools that I thought were good until I used these! This is going to make my job so much easier. Any tips you can offer would be greatly appreciated as I am doing this from YouTube videos. I will send pics when I get more finished. Robert Sorby gear nice good. My tip as beginner is safety. Think this machine is spinning at speed, it has the capability of doing things you don't want it to do when it goes wrong so be prepared. ie "Forethought, Face shield, Face mask mostly when sanding, short or no sleeve, loose clothing, loose objects around working area. A well lit are". When moving away from lathe "Switch off Always" For best performance out of your tools, learn how to sharpen & horn your tools. I've used a wet & dry set up for many years now & find it 2nd to now. "keep them Sharp". Keep your tools in a proper tool rack chisel points out of reach. I've just made a moving work table all chisels pointing down out of sight & arms reach. Safe. This work table is about 600x600x1.200 on casters so can be moved from work area to out of the way easily. Just would like to say, just started using the Robert Sorby pro edge sharpening system, Mmmm at the mo 5 out of 10 this helps. do let me know if anything has altered your way of working. ..
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