Totally addicted

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I go to bed thinking about this craft, dream about it, and wake up thinking about as I get even more excited. I love seeing and reading about everything that you folks are doing and have learned so much that is is amazing. Can't wait to get my equipment and start turning on my own.

With that being said, I want to thank you all in advance for putting up with and tolerating my stupid, newbie questions. I am trying very hard to absorb all that I can and learn as much as possible every day. A new friend and very wise and experienced pen maker told me to concentrate on turning my first 100 wood pens and then expand after that.

I have found that I am super excited about just about every aspect of this craft. I want to turn pens, canes, bowls, stoppers, and anything else that comes down the pike. I want to learn all about casting and working with resins and blank making. I know that in time and with the proper equipment that I will get there.

Thank you all for making me feel welcome and expanding my horizons with your beautiful and amazing talents and skills. I look forward to getting to know you better and making new friends.
 
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Of course, one of my other habits is coffee. Freshly roasted from my friend at home, then finely ground and brewed with the best of filtered water. Love it.
 
At some point in time, we have all been where you are today. New horizons opening up before us, filled with excitement! I am glad you have joined us here! Your excitement is infectious!

The advice you got about turning your first hundred pens is very wise. I have read up on the topic of turning (and have done a bit of turning myself), and one of the best things you can do is to practice, practice, practice! Your technique, speed and accuracy will improve, but more importantly you will be developing muscle memory, which is what you are seeing when you watch a video and the person makes it all look so easy.

I think every possible topic has been discussed here multiple times. But feel free to ask your questions. There are so many really great people here on this site, and that will be a good way to get to know them. I haven't responded to questions forever, and now I've responded to you twice in a couple of days. Like I said, your excitement is infectious!

And by all means, tell us more about your coffee preferences. I love a good cup of coffee, and enjoy hearing about how others make theirs.

Have fun!

Scott.
 
Don't worry, it gets better. You will return to your normal state after about a year and then the Birthday Bash comes along and things get crazy for a month! I think I probably read 80% of the library the first 2-3 months (while drinking coffee). Watch for activities, like PITH, and get in even if you don't think you are up to it. You will have a lot more fun. BTW - we live off photos, and pens are a bit of a challenge to photograph well, so if your photo skills need expanding, use this time to work on that so you will be ready when you need it.
 
Thanks so much Scott. I truly love my coffee and can't stop reading and watching videos about turning and pens. And, I don't have a single piece of equipment yet but hey, I'll be ready when I get my lathe and the things that I need to start.

What you want to do if find a roaster close by. The fresher the beans, the better. You will find that you will have sample different roasts to find your preferences. There is a lot to be said about the bean origin too. I like Costa Rican and Tansanian from Africa. I typically go with about a medium grind which seems to really bring out the coffee. Having worked shift work in law enforcement most of my adult life I drank more garbage coffee than I care to remember. Now, my palette is spoiled to good coffee. Funny thing is, I ruined and spoiled my wife too.
 
I was in Harbor Freight last week, and they had a lAthe with a disc sander for $137.00. I had just picked up one off craigslist, or I would have jumped on it. If you are close to buying, this might be just in time.
 
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If you want great coffee try one of the Cold Brew systems like Toddy. I can tell you once you get the set up you will never hot brew your coffee again. Also makes an awesome Iced Coffee. Basically you take a pound of coffee and soak 7-9 cups of cold water for 12-24 hours. Strain to make a syrup. Use 1/3 of the syrup to hot or cold water for your brew. Give it a try.
 
All those dreams and all the excitement is about to get quite expensive! BUT, it's all worth it!
 
Mmmmmm! Where I used to work, there was a little coffee shop next door, that did their own small-batch roasting on site. Dang if that didn't make the whole neighborhood smell good! I convinced them to make a pot of their Tansanian every morning so I could stop by for a cup. It's the only thing I miss about that job!

Do you know what equipment you want yet? There's lots of help and advice here. I like hearing what other people are getting! Oh, and one more piece of advice, keep your very first pen, no matter what! You will be glad you did!

Scott.
 
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