Wednesday's Wisdom For Woodturners January 13 2015

I had this all typed and it disappeared, typical for the way the day has been going.

Finished up a bunch of rolling pins. They probably won't sell until next Christmas, but I'm ready!

This week's "Wisdom" has a theme. Yeah, I know, I'm usually not that organized. Not to worry, it happened by accident. I was watching the latest video, by Tim Yoder, on the Popular Woodworking YouTube channel. Tim used a sandblasting machine to create an unusual effect on a turned bowl. 

I got me to thinking about what other ways we can embellish our turnings to add interesting details to them.

Of course, there's the addition of different species to a turning blank, thus creating more interest by adding color.

The second and third pictures are from a Facebook link- https://www.facebook.com/vicmarcmachinery/?fref=photo . I'm not sure if you need a Facebook account to view them. These pieces were posted by a company that makes lathes and other equipment-

http://www.vicmarc.com/default.asp. 

The addition of other species does not have to be parallel or perpendicular to the turning axis. Oblique faces can create some really interesting effects.

Another method of adding interest to a turning is with a chatter tool.

These tools can be purchased of shop made. Chatter tools are typically used on specific areas of the turning. The tool works best when presented to end grain. Items such as turned lids or the tops that Charles turns are perfect for this detail. Here is a video that demonstrates the chatter tool and how to make one-

One other method, for adding interest, is to create a segmented turning. Blanks are made from hundreds to several thousands of small pieces. The pieces are arranged to create pleasing patterns. Here's a video that takes this idea to the limit by varying the types of joints used to connect the segments. It's a little long but worth the time. Especially noteworthy is that woodturning is not just about the lathe. I wish I had Frank's shop!!!

Finally, an interesting concept, an on-line turning class. You can check the details here- The class starts on January 16, 2016, and is being taught by Carl Jacobson. I've posted links to several of his videos in the "Wednesday's Wisdom".

Safe Turning!