One of the best parts of woodworking is picking the wood itself. Different species bring their own personality—color, grain, strength, even scent—and knowing the basics can help you match the right wood to the right project. Here’s a high-level look at the main categories and some of the most common choices. Hardwoods Hardwoods come from […]
Oils, Varnishes, Shellacs, and Lacquers for Woodworking
A good finish can turn a nice project into something truly special. Whether you’re after a warm, natural look or a high-gloss, museum-ready surface, the right finishing material protects your work and brings out the best in the wood. Here’s a breakdown of four common categories—oils, varnishes, shellacs, and lacquers—and how each can shine in […]
Turning a Natural Edge Bowl
A natural or live edge bowl is a type of wooden bowl that retains part of the natural edge of the wood slab and showcases the raw, organic contours of the original tree. These pieces are truly unique and celebrate the character of the wood by emphasizing the beauty of the grain, knots, and bark […]
Glues and Resins for Woodturning
Glues and resins play a significant role in woodturning, whether you’re joining pieces together, filling cracks, or adding a decorative touch. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used adhesives and resins, and how they can enhance woodturning projects. 1. CA Glue (Cyanoacrylate Glue) Also known as super glue, CA glue is a go-to for […]
Advanced Woodturning Tools
These tools allow the craftsman to create more intricate designs, improve efficiency, and explore new possibilities. 1. Hollowing Tools Used to create deep vessels or hollow forms, when standard gouges may not cut it—literally! Hollowing tools are designed with extended reach and specialized tips to work inside narrow openings. Hook tools: Excellent for hollowing bowls […]
Basic Tools for Woodturning
Woodturning is a blend of the craftsmanship and artistry of the carpenter with the beauty and interest of the wood being used. Like any craft, the craftsman needs the right tools to achieve the finished products. Here’s a quick rundown of the basic types of tools we use in the workshop. 1. Lathe The lathe […]