Woodturners in the US often have to deal with Millimetres. Bowl gouges made in Europe are often 12mm
rather than 1/2″. Etc.
I often see Woodturners get all twisted up by 1″ = 25.4mm. My advice is to forget about the 0.4mm!
Continue reading Carl’s “MM to Inches” for Woodturners
Updated: 5/12/2022. I wrote this blog entry roughly 3 years ago. Google says it is poplar. Thus, I am updating it to say things have not really changed much in the last 3 years. Well, yea prices have gone up.
I updated some links. I don’t have time to update all the prices. They have gone up by roughly $5 to $10.
Turning Smocks & Low Cost Alternatives 
Over the years I have owned a number of different turning smocks.
Here are MY thoughts.
Sooner or latter every turner decides they need a turning smock.
Because, sooner or latter nature calls and you just don’t have time to shed
all the wood chips, etc. She who must be obeyed, has a no wood chips in the
house policy!
I like the AAW Turning Smock best. I absolutely HATE the blue color. The dark grey one is not a whole lot better. But, I have found the lightweight, short sleeve and roomy design works best. It is easy to get on and off. It easily sheds wood chips. Continue reading Turning Smocks & Low Cost Alternatives
A few years ago I realized I needed to improve my hand strength if I wanted to be a better turner. Thus, I purchased a set of “Zon Resistance Strength Hand Grips” from Amazon for $7. I use them in the morning while I am riding my exercise bike. They give my hands a good work out. I like em. They have improved my turning.
When I was a kid my uncle had a set of these that you needed to be Superman to use. They were made for weight lifting, etc. The Zon ones I have are good for mere mortals. The resistance is enough, but not to much.
Today 8/31/2016 was my last day at IBM. I started on 6/13/1983.
I voluntarily retired after 33 years, 2 months and 19 days. Approximately 8347 working days (no weekends or public holidays).
I am looking forward to my 2nd career as a full time Studio Woodturner.