The Craft of Woodturning

To watch the grain of wood come to life is one of the great joys of woodworking. Woodturning, the cutting or excavating of wood as it spins on a lathe, is one way to enjoy the look, feel and appeal of wood. It has become one of the most popular craft techniques, as artisans have expanded techniques to produce sophisticated pieces ranging from functional items such as salad bowls and vases to abstract sculptures. There are dozens of excellent books that can help you understand the principles and safety issues of woodturning and many sources for equipment and tools.

Two lessons seem worth learning early if you are interested in woodturning. First is to make an attempt to take instruction from a professional prior to diving into the task. There are many tips and suggestions that will help you from the very first efforts in turning and much knowledge to share. Second, is to read all you can find on the subject. Tips and ideas are shared in books and actual project guidelines that will assist you in materials selection and tool usage.

The basics of woodturning include a lathe, chisels and gouges, wood and a pattern or design. Lathes may be found at building supply centers and specialty woodworking shops and the tools are available at art supply retailers and woodworking supply centers. Some art supply centers offer a good selection of starter woods, but larger more exotic examples can be found at wood supply centers and specialty wood retailers.

Basic skills are often honed by creating smaller projects that are solid and have several surface cuts. Soft wood is a good choice for early projects because it offers less resistance and is easier to manipulate. Exotic woods are more costly and work well for projects that come after the initial learning curve.

The actual process starts with a flat-sided piece of wood. The first step is to remove the "squareness" of the shape and to form a cylinder. The cylinder is then ready to carve and excavate into a variety of depths to form a unique shape. Small holiday ornaments can be crafted in this manner. Gradual changes in the form of a cylinder, such as a stair spindle or chair rung, are more advanced, as they require a very controlled hand and steady pressure. But, even these items can be created with a minimum of practice and experimentation.

If there is a "golden rule" of turning, it might be to go slow and be cautious. You can always remove more wood, but you cannot put it back once it is shaved away. Have a plan in mind, perhaps even a template to guide your carving. Such templates are essential for the production of matching pieces.

Woodturning offers challenges and great rewards to anyone interested in its exploration. Remember general safety rules and use caution, but above all enjoy. (See "Exhibitions" below.)