As an industrial arts student at the University of Missouri 10 years ago, I first used the lathe to spindle turn the pedestal for a table. Since then, my techniques and knowledge have grown and matured-as has the field of wood turning itself. While I still enjoy making traditional spindle-turned furniture and objects, I also like what I see others accomplishing. Multi-centered and sculptural turnings have pushed back the frontiers of what can be created on the lathe.
As with any craft, wood turning demands a strong foundation in the basics: the properties of wood, tools and techniques, and design considerations. Building on this knowledge gives you the ability to express your creativity in a host of challenging ways, from the traditional to the avantgarde.
Spindle turning represents one of the basics that a wood turner should master. Among other things, it improves tool control, which helps with faceplate turning as well. As a professional, full-time wood turner, I structure my teaching around the basics; it gives people a place to start, and it helps me to continue learning in the process. From the Indianapolis Children's Museum to WoodenBoat School in Maine to the Ontario Wood Show in Canada, I have derived tremendous satisfaction from watching young and old getting hooked on turning.
The growing interest in turning is focused primarily on making bowls; new ideas of what bowls and vessels should look like abound. I, too, am fascinated with faceplate turning, as it holds potential for development in years to come. Much of my faceplate work is not functional; the pieces are simply lovely to behold.
As I continue to explore the vast arena of wood turning, I have become more and more aware of the complexity and diversity of the craft. The field is wide open, ready to be explored, and I am happy to be immersed in what promises to be an exciting and rewarding career.
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 6:39 am and is filed under Woodworking.
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