Lathe

David Sterling Becomes World’s First One-Armed Professional Bowl Turner

May 31, 2022 By George Vondriska & filed under Blog.

Veteran David Sterling has overcome incredible challenges like losing a portion of his right arm. These days, he uses woodturning as a form of physical and emotional therapy, even launching his own woodturning business as the world’s first one-armed professional bowl turner.

9 Last-Minute Woodworking Gift Ideas

December 2, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog.

If you’re in need of a last minute gift idea, then put your woodworking talents to use and handcraft something valuable. For inspiration, we have compiled a collection of nine woodworking projects perfect for gifting when you don’t have a lot of time. These step-by-step demonstrations provide all the information you need to whip up…

In the Shop: Turned Walnut Plates

June 17, 2016 By David Munkittrick & filed under Blog, In the Shop.

Every once in a while we like to check in on the WWGOA editors to see what they’re up to in the shop. Here’s your chance to get to know the faces and personalities behind WWGOA and take a peek into their own worlds. I just finished a nice turning commission. It’s a set of…

Laguna Revo 18|36 Lathe: Product Review

December 10, 2015 By Paul Mayer & filed under Buying Advice, Product Review, Skill Building.

Laguna recently introduced a new lathe to its product line: the Revo 18|36. This tool features a 2HP motor, variable speed control, and lots of neat features for both bowl and spindle work. Paul Mayer has put this lathe through its paces with many hours spent on a variety of turning projects, and shares his…

Ask WWGOA: Lathe Sharpening

August 28, 2013 By Editor & filed under Blog, Woodworking Q & A.

Question: I have loved your lathe videos so much that I have just bought my first lathe. I am getting it set up and know that I need a sharpening system. I am trying to decide between a 8″ grinder, Tormek system (expensive!) or the Work Sharp 3000 you demoed in the video I just…

Turn an Oil Wand Kaleidoscope

January 31, 2013 By AJ Moses & filed under Plans and Projects, Woodturning Projects, Woodworking Projects.

As I’ve stated in earlier articles, my shop (like many others) generates a lot of small pieces of wood, each one precious. My wife just shakes her head and often accuses me of buying scraps! I’ve turned those piles of scrap into lots of fun projects like cribbage boards, serving trays and napkin holders. This…

Travel Wooden Mug Project For The Lathe

November 29, 2010 By AJ Moses & filed under Wood Turning, Woodturning Projects.

In the US alone we consume over 400 million cups of coffee every day. Over half of the US population drinks coffee regularly. So, chances are you know someone that drinks coffee; it might even be you. A re-usable travel wooden mug makes a nice personal gift for the coffee drinkers in your life. The…

Cut Leg Flutes Without a Chisel

March 23, 2010 By David Munkittrick & filed under Hand Tools, Skill Building.

A well turned leg can make an ordinary leg extraordinary. To put the icing on the cake, just add flutes. Flutes are a decorative element that’s been around for thousands of years. Think of all those fluted columns scattered about ancient Greek and Roman ruins. The fact that fluting is still used today is a…

No-Sharpen Carbide Lathe Chisels

February 17, 2010 By George Vondriska & filed under Buying Advice, Product Review.

When I’m teaching students to use a lathe, sharpening is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. Like any woodworking tool, a sharp chisel is much easier and safer to use than a dull one. You just can’t expect good cut quality, or an enjoyable turning experience, from a dull chisel. Unfortunately, lots of turners…

Determining Lathe Height Placement

January 19, 2010 By Reader Submitted & filed under Blog, Buying Advice, Woodworking Q & A.

“I am new to woodturning. I have purchased a used Woodfast, 20 x 16 lathe. It needs a base or stand. My question is, how do I determine the correct spindle height as it relates to me?” Submitted by: tb4x4 WWGOA Editor Response: As a general rule you’ll have the spindle at a comfortable height…