Let’s start with a metaphor. Woodworking is a tree. (Clever, right?) The craft focuses on the material, but quickly branches into different areas of concentration: furniture, carving, chairs, scroll sawing, etc. The closer you are to the trunk, the easier it is to see and be familiar with other styles. Farther along the branches you get experts and folk who really do some amazing work.
On this episode, we walk along the turning branch. Our guide is Jimmy Clewes. You’ll quickly see how he’s mastered skills to create amazing bowls and platters. He even has a well-honed process for finishing techniques to match the items he turns. Logan has taken a few of Jimmy’s classes and he arranged for our first-ever guest presenter.
You get a chance to see Jimmy show off what he does best. More importantly, he helps you get started in making your own platters and learning the skills and tools that are essential.
A big draw of turning is being able to see an item take shape in a short amount of time. It’s pretty amazing to see a blank of wood magically change into a platter.
Watch the Episode: If the Woodsmith Shop isn’t on in your area, contact your local public television station. Or stream it here.
Download the Plan for this episode.
BONUS PROJECT & TIPS:
Watch as Logan saves a piece of Apple wood from the burn pile and turns it into a beautiful, live edge bowl, and maybe you'll pick up a few tips and tricks along the way too!
Small lathes offer an ideal combination of capability in a compact package. Check out this compact lathe station, it lets you create a home for you small lathe and improve its performance.
Keeping your turning tools close at hand on the lathe is easier said than done. This handy lathe tool holder does that while making use of free space you might have in your workshop.
