Welcome Jerry, from Sydney Australia.
Try not to White Knuckle, while holding onto your Chisels.
With your Lathe switched OFF.
Approach the Lathe holding the Chisel, in your Right Hand, at the end of the handle, and alongside your Hip.
With your feet comfortably apart, and parallel to the Lathe Bed.
With the Shaft of the handle resting on the Tool Rest, so that only the Bevel of your Tool is making contact with the Timber.
Rest your Left Hand on the Tool Shaft, and the Tool Rest.
Then Slowly raise the End of the Handle slightly up your Hip, until the cutting edge of you Chisel is in contact with the Timber..
Then Traverse the Timber, by moving your weight in a swaying motion over your left leg, Then back, toward the Tail stock with your weight over your right leg.
It is good to practice these movements, until you feel that it is comfortable, and you do not have to think about the position and movement, so that it becomes natural. and Comfortable.
Then, Turn on the Lathe, and start turning, in that relaxed position.
Sorry if you feel that this is Too Fundamental, but having instructed numerous new turners, I have found that these basics are most important, in getting them to Relax and be Comfortable, and to Eliminate the Stress and White Knuckles.
Brian.
