ARE YOU NEW TO WOODTURNING?

PERHAPS YOU'RE THINKING OF GETTING STARTED?

HAVE YOU MADE A START AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT?

WOULD YOU LIKE SOMEONE TO HELP POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?

Woodturning is more than just a hobby, it is a craft. Even those who have been turning for forty years will tell you that they are still learning! It is a fascinating hobby to get involved in and there are many Clubs all over the UK who will always welcome new members. Like many Clubs, until the Covid epidemic hit us, NLWA would always offer new members one to one help to get going with the right advice. Unfortunately, with the current lockdown rules, Clubs cannot meet and this makes it difficult to get guidance and advice about any and all aspects of woodturning.

There are so many questions when you get into woodturning. What lathe to use? What tools do I need? How do I use them? Where can I get wood from? How do I get started? It can seem like an uphill struggle in these difficult times, so a bit of help will save you getting downhearted and giving up.

With people being laid off, retiring earlier or being on furlough, many now have more time on their hands than ever. There has never been a better time to start a woodturning journey and, if our enquiries are anything to go by, more are taking their first steps. Without help it can be daunting. Fortunately, there is a way of getting one to one help without leaving your workshop and you won't break any regulations. If you are interested then please read on.

If you've browsed other pages on our website, then you'll have come across Mike Waldt. You may have logged into some of his entertaining YouTube videos. Mike is an experienced amateur turner and started his turning journey nine years ago.

Mike will always answer queries and questions to help fellow turners improve their skills and techniques. He has also produce a Beginners Series of videos. Recently, Mike has started providing one to one Zoom sessions from his workshop for novices and brand new beginners. This provides two way visual communication so that Mike can see what is going on in the viewers workshop and the viewer can see what is happening in Mike's workshop. It's as close to personal coaching as the current lockdown rules allow. The great thing is that it really works and will help you.

Mike can provide help and advice in all aspects of woodturning:

• He can advise you on the type of lathe to use that will fit into a budget.
• There's a huge variety of different types and style of lathe tools available that can empty your wallet quicker than moths! Mike can go through the basic set of tools needed that will fit your needs and wallet.
• Having got a lathe and a set of suitable tools, Mike can talk you through all the other items you'll need like, abrasives, sealers, waxes and finishes, chucks and other means of fixing wood in the lathe. Also of great importance are methods of keeping your tools razor sharp and Mike can explain the various alternative methods of sharpening available.
• Mike can talk you through the basic personal safety equipment you'll need such as face masks and shields. Safety is of paramount importance as you will have plenty of wood chips and sawdust flying around.
• At this stage, it's a good idea to talk to Mike about dust extraction as it's not a great idea to breathe in wood dust.
• If you already have equipped your workshop and are finding the next stages daunting, then Mike can point you in the right direction. You'll need to know the purpose of each lathe tool, how it should be presented to cut the wood and how to avoid the annoying snags, judders and catches that can vex us all.
• You'll be able to see Mike demonstrate techniques and he will be able to advise on how you are presenting the tool to the work and controlling the cuts.

There's a lot more to woodturning than meets the eye, but don't get the idea that it's all too complicated. Mike can provide the information you need, arm you with the basic skills and techniques and knowledge you need to start your woodturning journey on the right foot. You will soon find yourself part of the huge woodturning family

Mike has invested a lot of time and money in setting up his computer and cameras so he does charge an hourly rate for this type of tuition. He'll be able to provide you with a quote on these costs when he contacts you. If you are reading this article on a laptop or tablet with cameras then you will probably have all the equipment you'll need for the sessions. Mike will provide you with the necessary ZOOM application and guidance to install it. Then you are all set to go!

If you're interested in finding out how Mike can help you then it will be easiest in he can contact you directly to chat through your needs and requirements. Complete the form below, click on the box to send us the details and we'll get Mike to contact you directly for a chat. There's no obligation and no pressure. It's all up to you.