Quote Originally Posted by wglaubscher@gmail.com View Post
Hi there from a sunny RSA.
I would like to build myself a lathe to turn wood on, eg table legs, plates and bowls. I want tobuild it from wood.
Please make plans available if you have any and what kind of wood do you suggest?
Is there a prevered kind of wood to be used for cabinet makers and carvers mallets? How important is weight and balance.
Regards.
Houtwerk Vreugde
2017/04 /21
I suggest you look up the American Association of Woodturners at American Association of Woodturners. The AAW has local chapters all over the world and you can attend a chapter meeting for free. If you join the AAW you gain access to all their libraries and videos. They are entirely digitized and searchable on line. You will find plans and articles for making lathes, tools, etc. Also how-to videos and articles on turning (beginner to expert) and turning safety (Very Important!).

Wood turning lathes made from wood are not as common as they use to be, but they work well. Look up 'Conover Lathe' on line to see an example of a motorized lathe made from wood. Also 'Spring Pole and Treddle Powered lathes' for human powered lathes made from wood.

Regarding mallets. Maple and oak are two good woods for mallets and making a mallet is a classic beginners project (you'll use it often). Tight grained and defect free timber is very important. You'll find articles on the AAW site explaining the design and making of a variety of mallet types.

If you are new to wood turning I highly recommend you find a class or experienced turner to help you get started. Wood turning is great fun and not difficult to learn but, like all shop activities, there are inherent dangers. So, it's very important to learn how to use lathes and lathe tools safely Before you start turning.

Good luck to you!