ok...so I just took advice and started the lathe. still figuring it out, but it's really fun and cool. this probably needs to be in the classifieds, so I'll put it there also, but it is more of an update and a "thanks" to folks who said just do it!

anyone have hardwood chunks they want to get rid of? I have some hickory I'm learning with, and have made a few cool little beginner things, but it is clear I am gonna need a lot of hard wood. Maple, Hickory, oak, pecan, cherry?. I have some (a little) of each but need more. not your 20 inch stumps from Sally..but 4-6 inch limbs? dried as much as possible..will throw some $$ at aldeer for folks who toss up wood.

shanks a Yot

I’ve always wanted to give that a try. Maybe one say I’ll have time to do it.

Check out woodbarter you can gain a lot of knowledge. There are some really excellent turners that will gladly give you tips.

There is a store in Pelham called Woodcrafters that sells anything you can want , including all kinds of lumber but not in large chunks

Get some carbide tipped turning tools. they are a little expensive but worth it.
Something I got into was making ink pens on the lathe. I found it hard to sell them but they make great gifts.
If you use the 4 to 6 inch limbs you will find that they will probably split after you turn them.
I wanted to make some candle holders three inches in diameter so I glued 2 or 3 2x4's together then painted them. These will not split.
Look up Penn State Industries. They have anything you need for turning, especially pen kits.

You might want to look into stabilizing the wood with cactus juice or epoxy stabilizer.

that's the place my mom bought this lathe for my dad, about 12 years ago. when I get up that way I will definitely drop in there.

I have smaller piece you could turn pen size type pieces from...cherry, walnut, mahogany, purpleheart

Not sure what tools you have but you should get a joiner so you can glue the small pieces together and make a big one to turn. Also gives great character to them