Turning Archives | WoodWorkers Guild of America

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… Read More

Ask WWGOA: Turning Tool Recommendations

September 10, 2013 By Paul Mayer & filed under Blog, Woodworking Q & A.

Question: I’m new to turning. I bought a Jet 12-20 lathe. I have one full length Easy Wood Rougher. I need to buy more turning tools. Since I’m new and want to learn to do “coves” and “beads” would you recommend continuing with the Easy Wood… Read More

Cut Leg Flutes Without a Chisel

March 23, 2010 By Paul Mayer & 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… Read More

Separating Bowl Turning Paper Joints

January 25, 2010 By Paul Mayer & filed under Blog, Wood Turning, Woodturning Techniques, Woodworking Q & A.

“How do you separate a bowl turning paper joint and which glue is best?” Submitted by: ebjuel WWGOA Editor Response: After the bowl has been sanded and finished, with the bowl still on the lathe, place the point of a wide bench chisel (1″ or more)… Read More

Turning Tapered Spindles

July 8, 2009 By Paul Mayer & filed under Blog, Wood Turning, Woodturning Techniques, Woodworking Q & A.

“I need to turn several tapered spindles to create karate staffs. They are 1/4″ wide at one end and 1″ at the other end. Each staff is 36″ long. I will connect them with pool cue connectors in the middle. They need to be consistent in… Read More

Ask WWGOA: How to Stop Green Wood from Cracking as it Dries

June 19, 2009 By Paul Mayer & filed under Blog, Woodworking Q & A.

Question: In prepping blanks for bowl turning, I cut them out of logs for face turning. I am using a freshly felled American Elm stump and a year old Walnut trunk for stock (felled a year ago). The blanks range in size from 6-8″ inches round… Read More

Spindle Turning Basics

June 15, 2009 By Paul Mayer & filed under Wood Turning, Woodturning Techniques.

Lathe turning can be lots of fun, but I know that some woodworkers are intimidated by the prospect of a piece of wood spinning against a tool at a high rpm. This article will help you overcome some of those concerns and, hopefully, help turn you on to turning. It’ll… Read More