Third, make life really simple and use a jig. There are lots of commercial sharpening jigs to be found and some to make. There are free plans for a shop make jig on my web site. I have used it for years. At the demonstration I set the jig, dropped a roughing gouge into place, sharpened it and returned to turning with a sharp tool and piling shavings. The whole process took about thirty seconds and left one turner with his jaw dropping. When I explained the plans were free and cost was under five dollars to make the jig he was amazed. It will all the difference in the world to his turning pleasure.

So make a jig, sharpen your tools, and turn something The pleasure is certainly in making something for yourself or a loved one, but it is also and especially in the joy of sweet smelling shavings flying off of a sharp tool.