First turning project

[LazarusDB]

I've thought about getting a lathe for years but always put it off knowing I had so much still to learn about woodworking without getting into the world of woodturning. Last month, I got a nice five year anniversary gift from work and I finally decided to get the Nova Comet II lathe so I ordered it off Amazon...$75 savings compared to my local Rockler. I also had my VIP coupons from Rockler so I went and picked up the Easy Wood Tools mid-size rougher, finisher and detailer. The lathe arrived yesterday and since I'm on vacation this week it was perfect timing. I set up the lathe, let the motor break in and went searching for a chunk of wood. I found a nice piece of walnut and just started getting used to the lathe and tools. I didn't plan on making anything, just wanted to get comfortable with everything. Well, a short time later I found this inside the the piece of walnut...

Fits my hand perfectly. Haven't decided if it will be a file handle or a bottle opener yet or I may just admire it for a while. Honestly, I'm quite shocked (and so is my wife) at how my first turning project came out. I'M HOOKED! I already order a Nova chuck and jaws...down the rabbit hole I go.

Thanks for looking.

[pkinneb]

Very nice!! Someday I hope to have more time to explore turning in the mean time I have made new handles for most of my hand tools not only do they look good but like you say you can custom fit them to your hand. I want to do some segmented turning but just too many other projects on the list right now.

[Coop]

Looks like you’ve-already got a handle on it. Smooth move! 

[Mark J]

Nice piece!  Welcome to the addiction!