Sounds good. We just can't get that guy that uses the "straightener outer" or his other tools.

Bre,
Good cause he was going to get someone hurt the way he was turning if they copied him.

Robert,
any of the videos from here or suggested by a member from here would give you safe practices to use. Mostly if it don't feel right for any reason STOP then try to figure out why it don't feel right. Common sense goes a long way.

I don't think using a cloth to put a finish on is all that bad as long as you don't wrap it around a finger.  Some of the heavier paper towels used by some won't tear fast enough if it gets caught either.  I use gloves to turn sometimes but for some that is a big no no.  They are tight to my hands and have a velcro strap at the wrist.  I consider this safe but to others maybe totally unsafe.  My turning jacket has vecro strap at the wrist as well.  What are some of the things you guys do that you find safe but others may not.

BTW Chuck, sometimes I use the staightener outer but I usually use the rounder when I turn bowls.  Then I use the rotory smoothing tool thing but I turn on my duster taker outer first.   

Dale

Hi:
Personally, I think that there is perhaps as much to be learned from the "unsafe" videos as the "safe" ones.  They are certainly likely to spark a much longer and more informative thread, although there is always the danger of the thread devolving into a flame war between those who think the particular technique is highly dangerous and those who don't.  At the very least the ensuing discussion will give new turners added insight into why some practices are considered dangerous and alternative methods that can be used.

Then there is the problem of "who decides?"  I saw a posting  titled "Scary" in one non-woodturning forum I frequent that referenced my video on turning a ball & cup toy.  The poster was outraged that I used my thumb in a trailing position on top of the turning cylinder to check to see if it was completely down to round as well as a couple of other points that I still don't see any problem with.  If he were in charge of deciding then there wouldn't be any woodturning videos because he could always find something he considered dangerous.  By the same token there are quite likely things I do that I am comfortable with that many would consider at least risky if not outright dangerous.

I am just not sure if "deleting" the videos is the best course.  Flagging controversial videos in some fashion and encouraging discussion of the offending points might be more educational.  If you see me or anyone else in a video doing something that gives you concern please post a question in the thread to get a discussion started.

Take care
Bob

A well thought out response Bob.

I am looking forward to many a months worth out of this thread, also a great deal of learning, no doubt. I still cut corners and no doubt do plenty of risky things, so I for one need to be reminded/told/taught the dangers.

In my life's experience, I've found it just as valuable to know what not to do as it is to know what to do, if not more so. I don't think we do anyone any favors by isolating them from someone else's mistakes or unsafe behavior. We should, I feel, point out what is not safe and why. Some think that if we don't show certain things, then people won't know they exist or try them out. I've never found this to be the case. Somehow someone either learns something wrong or stumbles into it.

I'd be OK with marking topic or videos as being unsafe with a full disclaimer why.

Actually, I don't think we should mark videos as unsafe or safe. It would seem that by doing so, it adds a liablity to the forum.
" But, Judge... I watched a video and the WR said it was a safe way to do it. Next thing you know I have a chisel sticking out of my cheek and a hunk of wood sticking out of my chest. I really wouldn't have done it if those guy who I consider pros hadn't told me it was safe to do that way"

On top of that as Bob stated you are going to have people of different comfort levels who will consider it dangerous to even own a lathe and others who will think it is artist expression to throw lawn darts at a spinning bowl to see what happens.

My opinion is that each video be taken on a stand alone basis and comments be made as to what members consider safe and or unsafe about each. It will help highlight both safe and unsafe practices that all can learn from.

Brad

Unfortunately, some of the best videos offered by some of the finest turners have a good many "do as I say, not as I do" elements. One of the world's most renowned turners is especially guilty of this.  Something that I see a lot of , is moving the tool rest while the lathe is still turning at high speed. Also, putting your hands on an object while it is still spinning is a precarious practice at best. I guess that my all time favorite was the turner who would remove the cap from his CA bottle with his mouth. Not only are the fumes dangerous, but sooner or later, I figure, the bottle or cap will be stuck to his lips.
Hilel

Off-Topic replies have been moved to Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or .

There is also those videos that I believe are safe but they demonstrate improper  tool techniques

I think the idea is a little pompous. What is safe for an experienced turner could easily be considered unsafe for a newbie. Jimmy Clewes is a good example. Everyone knows he spins his pieces faster than many experienced turners. His techniques could easily be considered unsafe. How many experienced turners do so without respiratory protection? How many use power sanders without ear protection? Both of those practices will bodily harm, period.  If you're going to eliminate every video that a person could find an unsafe practice in you may as well delete the videos forum. At the very least it's a slippery slope.

Steve Krumanaker

Safety First, everything else second !