08-16-2018, 05:30 AM
I recall one of the marketing terms used to promote life insurance is "instant estate". In fairness, this is not a bad idea. With using BESS with turning tools (and any other application), BESS interpretation gives me "instant experience". I make no claim that BESS reading for a beginning turner like me are the same as the expertise I would acquire after years at the lathe. However, using BESS is a "reasonable facsimile" and can give a beginner a good leg up.
My example of rounding a square billet can have many uses. After resharpening, if my initial BESS reading changes from 200, my technique is either improving or needs more work. Does using my leather honing wheel and/or the new 1200 grit diamond wheel improve the edge, or do I need more work?
Rounding a square billet is intermittent cutting, like chopping with an axe or a cleaver. BESS readings can tell me if it is more logical to do the rounding with the skew or the spindle roughing gouge (the tool designed specifically for this purpose
It seems to me that the primary constraint in using BESS as a learning aid is the limits of my imagination.
There is a fascinating interview online (you tube) with the late Allan Batty. He discusses his six year apprenticeship in England (ages 15 through 21) followed by four years journeying before he was considered a fully qualified turner. I don't have that kind of time. This is a hobby, and must be balanced with family and other responsibilities. I am also 68 and not 15.
I think BESS has great potential to advance sharpening in the work that Grepper and Knife Grinders are doing. This kind of research is truly commendable. On a much humbler, less scientific level, I also believe that BESS can be a useful coach in developing proficiency more quickly. I do not pretend that my numbers are as accurate as more scientific work, however, they are useful indicators, and I am grateful for the assistance.
Ken
My example of rounding a square billet can have many uses. After resharpening, if my initial BESS reading changes from 200, my technique is either improving or needs more work. Does using my leather honing wheel and/or the new 1200 grit diamond wheel improve the edge, or do I need more work?
Rounding a square billet is intermittent cutting, like chopping with an axe or a cleaver. BESS readings can tell me if it is more logical to do the rounding with the skew or the spindle roughing gouge (the tool designed specifically for this purpose
It seems to me that the primary constraint in using BESS as a learning aid is the limits of my imagination.There is a fascinating interview online (you tube) with the late Allan Batty. He discusses his six year apprenticeship in England (ages 15 through 21) followed by four years journeying before he was considered a fully qualified turner. I don't have that kind of time. This is a hobby, and must be balanced with family and other responsibilities. I am also 68 and not 15.
I think BESS has great potential to advance sharpening in the work that Grepper and Knife Grinders are doing. This kind of research is truly commendable. On a much humbler, less scientific level, I also believe that BESS can be a useful coach in developing proficiency more quickly. I do not pretend that my numbers are as accurate as more scientific work, however, they are useful indicators, and I am grateful for the assistance.
Ken