More tools to help with art and recovery

In 2005 and 2006 I had a couple work accidents that caused me to go on disability. It was a herniated disc at C6-C7 which left me with chronic pain in my neck, arms and hands. My doctors, both Workers' Comp and primary GP along with trainers and other professionals have advised me to keep active or I will lose strength and range of motion in my hands and arms.

Last year for my birthday my wife got me a small lathe that I have been using 3-5 times a week to turn calligraphy pens and some other items for sewing, knitting and spinning. I want to continue to turn things and start to sell them. According to the rules I can make some money while on disability and that would help with the bills and such.

Here is what I would use the money for: a band saw, a miter saw, lathe chisels and some turning stock. The saws would be used to get larger pieces of wood and cut them down to the size I need. This does two things. First, it lowers the cost per piece, in some cases by almost 50%. Second, it reduces waste. Some of the pieces I need are 5/8"x5/8"x8", I can cut 18 of those from a 2"x2"16" for the cost of about 10 pre cut pieces. Also many of the stock pieces in lengths that I use are either too small since they are designed for generic modern pen kits, or too big at 1"x1"x12". Anything that is too big just gets cut away and turned to sawdust. Even though I try to get wood from reputable managed sources waste is still waste.

The lathe chisels would allow me to turn different shapes and increase the range of things I can make.

Update on March 10. Got my first donation. The further plan is to start merchanting at medieval and renaissance group events and possibly other craft shows. So the donations will help fund me getting the business started.

Update on March 19. Second donation today. Have plans to do light selling this weekend. One step forward one step back, the tool rest for the lathe broke today. One week out of the store's warranty. Hopefully the manufacturer can help.