The Woodturning Resource Page

The craft of turning wood over a moving lathe to shape it into various designs has existed since at the least the time of the ancient Egyptians. In earlier centuries, woodturning was an essential craft, important for trade, and even dabbled in by European royalty. As woodturning evolved, more elaborate machines and tools have been invented. Associations have also sprung up all over the world to share the craft of woodworking with hobbyists, professionals, and the general public. Review woodturning history, get the right tools, improve woodworking techniques, and learn safety awareness to advance your woodturning knowledge.

General Woodturning Resources

• Association of Woodturners of Great Britain: This international non-profit woodturning organization created in 1987 represents both hobbyists and professionals.
• British Woodturners Association: Operating since 1946, this organization represents the interests of industrial wood turners.
• Glossary of Woodturning Jargon: A capable woodtuner has to understand the jargon.
• Irish Woodturners' Guild (IWG): Since 1983, the IWG has been in existence. The guild accepts international members and publishes its own woodturning journal.
• National Association of Woodworkers Inc.: Based in New Zealand, individuals and groups can join this association to share their love of wood turning.
• National Federation of Woodturning Groups: This UK based organization is actually a group of woodturning clubs that have joined together to increase awareness of the craft.
• Ornamental Turners International: This chapter of the AAW represents the craft of ornamental turning. A form of woodturning where the lathe and other cutting tools are utilized to create decorated surfaces.
• The French Association for Artistic Woodturning: Artistic woodturning is an art that requires innovation and talent. Exhibitions, demonstrations, training workshops, and other cultural and educational based programs are used to promote this small but noble art.

History of Woodturning

• A Course in Woodturning: Originally released in 1919, this eBook course provides a good overview of techniques used in face-plate and spindle turning in the early part of the 20^th century. 
• A Short History of Woodturning: Brief overview of woodturnings early development and important dates in history.
• History of The American Association of Woodturners (AAW): A look at the rise of woodturning as a popular hobby after World War II and the founding of the AAW.
• History of Woodturning with the Pole-lathe: A look at the evolution of woodturning from 1300 BC until the 20^th century.
• Medieval and Renaissance Lathes: The lathe is a fascinating ancient tool that has evolved much over the centuries. 
• Ornamental Turning Center: Important dates in the development of ornamental woodturning.
• Timeline of Woodturning: Before the invention of steam and water powered lathes, woodturners used foot treadles to propel their machines.
• Woodturning and the Vikings: Vikings did more than raid and pillage, turning and woodworking was a dominant trade among them. 

Woodturning Tools

• Hook Tool Usage: Hook tools are a specialized type of tool used to remove end-grain stock in projects requiring a hollow form.
• Sharpening Your Lathe Tools: Dull tools do not belong in woodturning and can be dangerous. Review these procedures for getting and keeping your tools sharpened.
• Small Tools for Tiny Turnings: When turning very small objects regular gouges and scrapers just won't do. To handle the smallest projects get the details of making thin, round-nosed hand tools.
• Tools Used in Woodturning: Chisels, scarpers, and gouges represent the main tools every woodturner needs.
• Using A Hook Tool: Depending on the type of wood being used, hook tools can be used with end grain turning to provide impressive results.
• Wood Lathes: Quick review of the parts of the lathe, types of wooden lathes, and basic safety info for use with lathes.
• Wood Turning Tools: After the lathe, chisels are the most important tool for woodturners and several different types are needed.

Woodturning Techniques

• Burning Wood Projects with Handheld Torches: An interesting technique to accent wood is that of wood burning. This quick tutorial explains the types of torches needed and how to get started.
• Carolina Mountain Woodturners: Create a birdhouse or teardrop ornament or access dozens of tips for woodworking.
• Color in Woodturning: A brief slide show explains the importance of coloring wood and tricks for bringing your own style to the dying process.
• East Texas Woodturners Association: Advice on finding the balance point, understanding geometric center, and using lasers will help woodturners improve their techniques.
• Inside-Out Christmas Ornament: Learn the cool technique needed for creating a stunning, open ornament featuring a Christmas tree.
• Laymar Crafts Woodturning Tips: Modifications, adaptations and attachments for the lathe and other machinery will help you organize your workshop.
• Peninsula Woodturners Guild Tools & Tips: Follow these tips for managing the depth of the gauge, sanding with a drill press, and working with magnetic blocks.
• Project Ideas from South Texas Woodturners: Create your own sanding pads, make a drum sander, or design a portable photo box with these project aids.
• San Diego Woodturners Corner: Experimenting is just part of the fun of woodturning, but without the right technique, your crafts will lack aesthetic value.
• Shaving Mug and Brush Set: Want to improve your woodturning skills? Try making this beautiful wooden shaving mug and matching brush set.
• Silicon Valley Woodturners: Handouts and technique tutorials teach woodturners how to make wooden hats, rolling pins, and bracelets.
• Tips from the Arizona Woodturners Association: A variety of techniques and tricks for sharpening, finishing, and basic pen turning.

Woodturning Safety

• 10 Safety Tips to Post in Your Shop: Woodturning can be a dangerous hobby. Use common sense, wear the right equipment, reduce clutter, and follow these additional tips for shop safety.
• General Safety Tips: Know what safety procedures to follow, what activities to avoid, and understand all equipment instructions before operating a lathe.
• Safety First: Guidance on toxic woods, central dust collection systems, and general safety guidelines.
• Safety Tips for Woodturners: Even woodturners with years of experience can make dangerous mistakes. By implementing basic safety tips accidents can be avoided.
• Turning Injuries: Learning the Hard Way: Some woodturners have learned the hard way that safety rules are meant to be followed. Read their stories and learn from their mistakes.