congrats on your first. mine went about the same,flew across the room, nerves shaken but i finished it ! for me, and this is my preference, i use mostly carbide turning tools. much less chance of a catch. and in very hard dry woods i think it's much easier to turn. just my preference though, and many will disagree !

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.