Having collected wooden bowls and forms for four decades, the creative process always intrigued and mystified me. How is this done? As a surgeon, working with my hands is something I love and I could appreciate the artistry and craft involved in turning. A year ago, I had never seen a lathe, did not know what a chuck looked like or was used for, and was mystified about what a gouge did—the latter sounded like something used by medieval torturers. I joined the Orange County Woodturners before I had even started turning, started Google searching and watching YouTubes about woodturning.
My timing was fortuitous, as Dick Foreman, an elderly and well-respected woodturner, was turning in, so to speak. I bought his Powermatic 3520A, some gouges and chucks, and he threw in wood blanks and 30 years of woodturning magazines. An elderly patient sold me more tools and gave me more wood blanks. I took a course at Rockler, turning my first bowl with a carbide scraper. I took another class there. I took a couple more classes at Woodcraft. Needless to say, I was hooked. My wife had a wary look every time she opened the front door, as the newly purchased tools, stains, oils, and equipment started showing up sometimes several times a day.
I started attending the monthly Orange County Woodturners meetings, watching the demonstrations and listening, being motivated by the skills of so many. I learned about the club mentor program and was lucky enough to have Bill Haskell willing to assist me—I’ve been often to his home shop to learn many aspects of turning. He has patiently tolerated my endless questions and frequent visits, advancing my learning. Fred Wilmott, another mentor, has shown me bandsaw technique and setup. I took two classes in Las Vegas with Jimmy Clewes, the second a two day one-on-one that significantly advanced my primitive skills. I watch YouTube videos, dozens of them, recognizing that there are many ways to turn a bowl—and not all of them on that site work for me. Leland Wong, a woodturner with a machine shop, upgraded and modified my Powermatic, greatly improving its capabilities.
I joined AAW (American Association of Woodturners) and started participating with trepidation on their internet forum—my caveman turnings were well received with friendly advice like, “learn to sand.” But I’ve persisted, met many people who offer kind and helpful advice, leading to the amazing World of Woodturners internet site where incredible craftsmen (and women) daily post their amazing work, something to which to aspire, but so enjoyable to view. And there are several other very worthwhile internet woodturning sites. And I think I’m slowly improving at turning.
It’s been a year since I started this hobby; I’ve now turned about 90 bowls and a couple platters, giving away (and throwing away) all but a couple—the wife says we have enough bowls. I’m passionate about it now. I’m still a beginner, but at least the bowls no longer take flight from the lathe, fewer funnels are being made, and I’m usually keeping the inside smaller than the outside. It’s a wonderful hobby and pastime that has endless creative avenues. I expected the process to be interesting and fun. My expectations have been wildly exceeded. Sawdust and wood shavings are in my soul now, unfortunately in many other places as well.
I write this mostly for other beginners or those who just contemplate beginning to turn—and wondering where to turn. It does not need to be a lonely process as there are many sources for assistance in shortening the learning curve and maximizing the enjoyment—join the AAW, join your local turning club, watch videos, participate on the woodturning forums, and find a mentor. Most of all, turn.
My timing was fortuitous, as Dick Foreman, an elderly and well-respected woodturner, was turning in, so to speak. I bought his Powermatic 3520A, some gouges and chucks, and he threw in wood blanks and 30 years of woodturning magazines. An elderly patient sold me more tools and gave me more wood blanks. I took a course at Rockler, turning my first bowl with a carbide scraper. I took another class there. I took a couple more classes at Woodcraft. Needless to say, I was hooked. My wife had a wary look every time she opened the front door, as the newly purchased tools, stains, oils, and equipment started showing up sometimes several times a day.
I started attending the monthly Orange County Woodturners meetings, watching the demonstrations and listening, being motivated by the skills of so many. I learned about the club mentor program and was lucky enough to have Bill Haskell willing to assist me—I’ve been often to his home shop to learn many aspects of turning. He has patiently tolerated my endless questions and frequent visits, advancing my learning. Fred Wilmott, another mentor, has shown me bandsaw technique and setup. I took two classes in Las Vegas with Jimmy Clewes, the second a two day one-on-one that significantly advanced my primitive skills. I watch YouTube videos, dozens of them, recognizing that there are many ways to turn a bowl—and not all of them on that site work for me. Leland Wong, a woodturner with a machine shop, upgraded and modified my Powermatic, greatly improving its capabilities.
I joined AAW (American Association of Woodturners) and started participating with trepidation on their internet forum—my caveman turnings were well received with friendly advice like, “learn to sand.” But I’ve persisted, met many people who offer kind and helpful advice, leading to the amazing World of Woodturners internet site where incredible craftsmen (and women) daily post their amazing work, something to which to aspire, but so enjoyable to view. And there are several other very worthwhile internet woodturning sites. And I think I’m slowly improving at turning.
It’s been a year since I started this hobby; I’ve now turned about 90 bowls and a couple platters, giving away (and throwing away) all but a couple—the wife says we have enough bowls. I’m passionate about it now. I’m still a beginner, but at least the bowls no longer take flight from the lathe, fewer funnels are being made, and I’m usually keeping the inside smaller than the outside. It’s a wonderful hobby and pastime that has endless creative avenues. I expected the process to be interesting and fun. My expectations have been wildly exceeded. Sawdust and wood shavings are in my soul now, unfortunately in many other places as well.
I write this mostly for other beginners or those who just contemplate beginning to turn—and wondering where to turn. It does not need to be a lonely process as there are many sources for assistance in shortening the learning curve and maximizing the enjoyment—join the AAW, join your local turning club, watch videos, participate on the woodturning forums, and find a mentor. Most of all, turn.
