Simply put, it is using a wood turning lathe to spin a piece of wood to allow it to be cut to a circular shape.
The technique dates back many thousands of years and the wood turning lathe is thought to be one of the oldest machines
invented by man. Ancient wood turning lathes would have been powered by a bow and machines of this type are
still in use in some parts of the world. An alternative drive method was used with the pole lathe where a
flexible branch was used as a spring to store energy and a basic treadle attached by a piece of string to the branch and round the
piece of wood being turned. Again, wood turning lathes of this type are still in use.
However, the majority of woodturners these days use a lathe with an electric motor but which ever method is
used for wood turning, the basic principles remain the same.
The wood turning tools are hand held rather than rigidly mounted and a skilled woodturner can produce flowing curves
and intricate detail by eye and by feel, resulting in something that is pleasing to the eye and tactile.
Paul uses many different species of wood for wood turning and the main focus is on artistic or creative woodturning. Wood is the material of choice both for its unique characteristics and properties and because of its seemingly endless variations in appearance and character. Wood is not only the raw material but also the inspiration for many of the pieces produced.
The items shown on the pages here are a sample of the items Paul turns. There is a selection of individual turned wooden bowls, vases, etc. some of which are purely decorative and some which are functional. Each one is hand turned and great attention is paid to the form and finish with the aim that each piece is both pleasing to the eye and tactile. Some turned pieces are enhanced with texturing, carving or colour so the permutations open to the woodturner are almost endless.
Not all the turned wood you see here is always available but specific commissions can be produced if required. Contact Paul for more details and to discuss your requirements. The woodturning gallery page contains items currently available for sale from stock so if you're looking for something to purchase, that's a good place to start.
Some of the native timber used for wood turning include Apple, Ash,
Beech, Cherry, Elm, Holly, Laburnum, Mulberry, Oak, Pear, Sycamore, Yew, Willow, Walnut and
Wellingtonia. Perhaps not all of these can be classed as originally native to the UK but they were grown here!
Some imported timbers are also used for wood turning and these are obtained through reputable suppliers who use managed sources only.
Items displayed may be purchased using cheque, cash or Paypal. Shipping cost will depend on destination.
Paul is also available for wood turning demonstrations for other turners, talks and tuition.
Woodturning demonstrations can be tailored to suit different subjects and audiences.
Contact
me for further details and availability.
If you have any questions relating to the items shown, or wood turning in general, feel free to get in touch. It's always nice to hear from others interested in wood turning!
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