Wednesday's Wisdom For Woodturners September 17, 2025

[lew]

 

Our Patriot Turners-

Last week, @Gordon asked us our opinions on the Longworth chuck vs. a vacuum chuck. Gordon posted his decision along with information on what he bought. Check it out!!

 

Although his project was posted in the Patriot Woodcarving Forum, I wanted to share @FrederickH's latest work- it does have some turning involved. Ricks use of leafing is amazing!

 

Check this link for more images and while you are there, go back and read about the entire project. Leafing is an awesome way to embellish turnings!

 

What's Coming Up-

Click on the image for the link to registration and more information

 

 

For The Newbies-

A sharpening tip from Tim Yoder

 

One of the best species of wood to turn is FREE WOOD! Unfortunately, the opportunity to obtain this species doesn't always coordinate with your turning schedule. Being able to keep the wood from cracking/splitting until you are ready to use it is important. This video, posted by Popular Woodworking, demonstrates how to seal the ends of the pieces.-

 

Looking for a project to boost your spindle and hollowing skills? Richard Raffan's scoops might be something that will help. They also make great presents!

 

Expand Your Horizons-

I thought about @Steve Krumanaker when I saw this video from Mike Peace. Steve turns miniature birdhouses as Christmas ornaments for presents. Mike turns a way to feed all those miniature birdies!

 

How about combining some woodworking and woodturning in the same project? This tutorial is from Popular Woodworking

 

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/shaker-side-table/

 

The table is similar to one "Norm" made on the New Yankee Workshop. He called it a Martha Washington Candle Table. His had a tilt top. I made one for my "Mrs. Washington" but she hated it- gave it to friends.

 

Turning Time With Easy Wood Tools-

Tim Yoder uses the Easy Wood Tools Yorkshire Grit products to finish a bowl.

 

One of the features, about Easy Wood Tools, I am often asked about is- "where are they made?"  This short video is enlightening about the manufacturing-

 

Next week's Easy Wood Tools Demonstration schedule

https://valleywoodworkers.org/

 

https://www.rockler.com/retail/stores/nc-cary-store?utm_source=local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=cary

 

https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/cleveland-east

 

https://www.rockler.com/retail/stores/ca-rocklin-store?utm_source=local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=rocklin

 

https://www.woodcraft.com/pages/store/parkersburg

 

https://www.rockler.com/retail/stores/fl-brandon-store?utm_source=local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=brandon

@Jordan Martindale

 

New Turning Items-

Everything Else-

Had company for supper, just finished up with the dishes-

 

 

Safe turning

 

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

Good one, Lew...the dishes thing. The other stuff was good as well....I'm going to try one of the Mike Peace bird feeders.

[Grandpadave52]

15 hours ago, lew said:

Had company for supper, just finished up with the dishes

That looks like it was a royal pain

Thanks for your weekly posts.

[Gerald]

Thanks for the post Lew. Raffan amazes.