There are some goods sources of information for beginners on the Internet. Amongst the best of these are from Peter Hemsley (www.woodworking.co.uk/Technical/technical) and Fred Holder of More Woodturning (www.fholder.com/Woodturning/woodturn) We would add some very general tips:

• Woodturning is not a cheap hobby and can become addictive. Our advice to any beginner is that before they commit to the greatest expense of a lathe, they buy a less expensive or second-hand model to ensure it is a hobby they wish to pursue. However, we are aware of a number of would-be turners who have become frustrated in the early days and given up. Very often the cause is a poor quality collection of tools, rather than the turner's inability. We would therefore recommend buying the best tools you can afford at the outset. You may wish to buy some cheaper ones to practice sharpening.
• The initial equipment you will require to set up a turner's workshop is: a lathe, a lathe chuck, face plate or spur centre, a collection of up to six tools, and a tool sharpening system. As you progress you will pretty quickly need to add a dust extractor and a bandsaw.
• If possible seek out your local turners group. They are normally a friendly bunch only to willing to pass on their experiences. On the Links page of this site you will find details of national associations. From there you will be able to find details of your local club.
• It is always advisable to take a beginners course. It can save many hours of frustration. Moreover, it will build your confidence, start you off with sound techniques and instil safe working practices. Do remember that tool sharpening can be as important a skill as turning.
• Seek out and get to know your woodworking supplies store. They normally carry a range of the equipment and accessories you will need.
• Do not stick rigidly to what you read in the turning books. Rather, do what you feel most at ease with - as long as it is safe. Many turners suffer overload from reading too many books on the subject. If one book was to be recommended for the beginner it wood be "Woodturning - A Foundation Course" by Keith Rowley.
• It is not advisable to cut corners - like making your own tools out of old files - as this can be highly dangerous. You only have one pair of eyes!!
• Spend time learning which finishes to apply and how best to apply them. This is an important skill as poor finishing can detract from a well turned piece. Many professional turners spend more time applying finishes than actually turning.
• Your woodturning should give you pleasure and a sense of achievement. Do not try to rush, but learn as you make progress.
• Always protect your lungs and eyes. Not all woods are the same. Some can cause skin irritations, others can be extremely dusty.