It has been my experience with beginner turners that they are unsure if they are turning correctly. It has also been my experience they are better than they think they are.

I am of the belief that there is no one correct way to turn wood other than rubbing the bevel when using gouges and controlling all scrapers. All the books and videos that tell you that turning has to be done a certain way with a certain bevel is only stating how they have decided to do it and nothing more. If a beginner is happy with their result then they are doing it the right way, end of story.

I have been turning for twenty years and I do well. I have established a kinetic memory and have turned with my eyes closed, no big deal. What I'm trying to say is other than the aforementioned two techniques you can make your turning style unique to you and don't have to follow this way or that. Just try new things, perfect your own technique, and have fun while turning.

It works for me!

Phil can be reached directly via email at woodturnerphil@gmail.com