my lathe if you are familiar with pole lathes you will have noticed that mine doesn't look like any you have seen before. When you are turning large lumps of wood using agressive tools then you need a machine that is going to take the strain.
This doesn't mean you can't use a "regular" pole-lathe to turn bowls, that is after all where I started 10 years ago, but it at least needs a longer tool rest to go around a larger lump of wood!
my tools are also not like the average pole-lathe turner's and there are rather a lot of them! I make these "hook tools" myself from tool steel and each one does a slightly different job.
Please note, I don't sell them and haven't yet found anybody who makes reliable tools for a beginner. If you want to try some I recommend you find somebody locally who does blacksmithing or learn it yourself.
for further information on pole lathes ...
"Green Woodwork" by Mike Abbott gives all the details needed to get started: building a simple pole-lathe, choosing tools, selecting timber, and how to make various things. Available direct from Mike at www.livingwood.co.uk
APT (Association of Pole-Lathe Turners) publish a newsletter in which members can exchange information about techniques, tools, literature, events and courses. They also hold workshops, demonstrations and have local groups: www.bodgers.org.uk
