Woodturning

In the early Sixties for those people attending a grammar school there wasn't the choice available that there is now. I always wanted to do woodwork but that was reserved for those who weren't so academically gifted so while my friends were producing table lamps, foot stools etc. I was investigating the delights of Latin prose or the Napoleonic wars!!

Some years ago in preparation for a royal visit to the town a group of us erected a number of union flags and I decided to embellish some of the staffs with a decorative cap. I produced these from a lump of wood attached to an electric drill via a very large screw (please sir, what's health and safety?!). I enjoyed producing these caps and realised this was the basis of a lathe. Soon after I enlisted on a course with Reg Slack, a local professional wood turner and shortly after purchased my first lathe which got me hooked on the hobby. I now have a Record CL3-36 which is more than adequate for my requirements.

Workshop looking amazingly clean and tidy - must have been expecting visitors! (it is said that an untidy shed is a sign of genius!)

Woodturning Gallery

These are a selection of items I have made in the past three years. 

Bowl in Ash with Walnut Inserts.	Candle Holder in Oak. The handle was cut out roughly then shaped with a lot of filing and sanding.	Child's Cup & Ball Game in Cherry.	Ash Goblet produced for a competition.	Earring Stand in Rosewood.	Goblet in Ash. My first attempt at spiral work.	Goblet in Walnut. Not a trick ring, its formed during the turning process.
Kitchen Scoop in Ash.	Lidded Box in Ash with Ash/Walnut inlay top.	Collection of Pens and Pencils	Platter in Beech with Walnut Inserts.	Pot Pourri Bowl in African Walnut.	Square Edge Bowl in Brazilian Purpleheart. This picture always makes me wince as I almost lost a finger end in its production.	Xmas Decoration in Ash and Rosewood containing battery operated tea-light.
Yew Bowl - won me 3rd. place in a local "agricultural" show.	Goblet in Yew with twist in stem.	At last a "First"! - in the Brailsford and District Hedgecutting and Ploughing Society annual show.	Spinning top - first attempt at colouring wood. Took second place in our Club competition.

Page updated: 09 September 2008

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