For those that are passionate about woodworking, woodturning is something that should be explored as it is a way to create some of the most detailed furniture. While most general forms of woodworking require that the wood remain stationary while working with it, woodturning is performed when the wood is in motion. This enables the craftsman to create intricate shapes and designs that he or she may not have been able to if using more traditional techniques.

Source: Isabelle Dupont via Pinterest

As a fine furniture maker in Boston with woodturning experience, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Keep your woodworking tools sharpened. For the best results with woodturning, it is absolutely critical that you keep your tools sharpened. A bench grinder or a slow speed wet sharpener are ideal for accomplishing this.
• Make sure that you turn the wood at proper speeds. Speeds can range from 500 RPM to 4000 RPM, and as a rule of thumb, the wider the stock is, the slower the speed should be. For example, a more narrow piece of stock (2 1/2 inches for instance) is best turned at 1500 to 2000 RPM, and thicker pieces should be turned at half of that speed.
• Protect your hands. While your hands will play a major role in the woodturning process, you want to be sure to keep your fingers out of the action. For example, if you are right-handed, you will use this hand to hold the handle of the tool while your left hand rests against the tool rest.

If you have additional questions about how woodturning works and techniques to embrace, please feel free to contact me, Richard Oedel.