Of all of the, shall we call them, sub-cultures of woodworking, perhaps the hottest and one of the most enduring is woodturning. The reason for woodturning's popularity is unclear - perhaps it is because it is one of the safest activities in woodworking, and a task that nearly anyone, of any age can enjoy.
Maybe it's because of the variety of popular projects that can be turned. There's an entire section of the woodworking market devoted to woodturners who only turn out pens, made out of rare wood species, colorful acrylics or even exotic materials (I saw an entry in a woodturning catalog recently where one could fashion a pen by turning snakeskin).
Other popular items include bottle stoppers, bowls of various sizes and shapes, and of course, spindle items such as bed posts, table legs or balusters and finials.
No matter what type of woodturning project one should endeavor to accomplish, the basic techniques employed by the woodturners are the same. If you're interested in learning how to begin with this extremely satisfying aspect of woodworking, learn the basics in Woodturning 101. Once you know the basics (and have had a good bit of practice), you'll be ready to venture off into all kinds of interesting woodturning projects.
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
Follow About Woodworking on Twitter.
Comments
After working as a carpenter for 25years, I learnt basic woodturning & have enjoyed every moment of it. From the friends one make along the way to the woodturning itself. I think it is a must for all who are searching for something to do in retirment or as a therapy. Just one word of advice to begginers Always work with your safety glasses on & just enjoy the feeling. Happy turning