Don't Skimp On Lathe Woodworking Instruction
Although woodworking lathes have been around for centuries, it only takes a nanosecond to get seriously injured by modern lathes. If you are serious about woodworking, then you can't avoid using a powerful, screeching lathe. Although it seems simple (especially when people on TV use it), you need to take your time learning lathe woodwork instruction.
Best Way - In Person
The best way to learn lathe woodworking instruction is to go to a trusted friend or family member or even a craft club that may have a woodworking lathe. Some community colleges offer woodworking classes that you should look into. You need to have someone with you, in case you need someone to call an ambulance. That might sound funny, but it is true.
Don't ever nag a local woodworker (even one you have hired) to give you lathe woodworking instruction. They have enough to do, and may not have insurance to cover any possible injuries you may get on their property.
Instructional DVDs
You can get how-to DVDs for just about anything these days, including lathe woodworking instruction. Really expensive professional-grade lathes will come with their own DVDs. This will give you a general idea of what to expect and how to safely operate the lathe. It's not as good as hands-on instruction, but at least it's better than nothing.
If you have a VCR, you might be able to find woodworking videos as well as those that may center on woodworking lathes. Although videos are not really being made anymore, you may be able to come across them in your library, hardware store or a woodworking supply internet site.
The Instructions That Come With The Tool
These actually can be quite helpful in lathe woodworking instruction. You might want to keep the lathe turned off and unplugged for a dry run to familiarize yourself with the machine and where all the buttons are. You do have homeowner's insurance, right?
If you got your lathe used and there are no instructions with it, you can always check the Internet to see if there is a copy anywhere. Check with the manufacturer's website. They sometimes keep archives of the instruction manuals for their equipment. If you get your lathe used from a garage sale or flea market, see if you can have the previous owner show you how to work it. If they don't know how, it's not a knock against the seller. They could be selling it because they never bothered to learn any lathe woodworking instruction.
