Twisting

[Dan Stromberg]

Does anyone on this side of the pond teach twisting/spiraling? I've been reading Stuart Mortimer's book (and watching his videos on YouTube), and my twists are getting better, but like so many things I feel like a couple of days with an expert would make a world of difference. It just doesn't seem like many people do them these days, especially by hand.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[john lucas]

I do them every once in a while but still consider myself a beginner when it comes to spirals.

 

[hockenbery]

Avalino Samuel is teaching at arrowmont. He is well known for his spiral hollowforms
also a great guy ….

Arrowmont has Great program. You get exposure to the other arts and often the interaction with other students will be bonus instruction.

Avelino Samuel - Master Woodturning Workshop Week 1 - Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

Avelino Samuel · Master Woodturning Workshop, appropriate for intermediate to advanced turners. Full Workshop Description to be announced. Workshop at a glance ¶ Workshop Description ¶ COURSE FEE: $950

www.arrowmont.org

 

[Dan Stromberg]

Avalino Samuel is teaching at arrowmont. He is well known for his spiral hollowforms
also a great guy ….

Arrowmont has Great program. You get exposure to the other arts and often the interaction with other students will be bonus instruction.

Avelino Samuel - Master Woodturning Workshop Week 1 - Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

Avelino Samuel · Master Woodturning Workshop, appropriate for intermediate to advanced turners. Full Workshop Description to be announced. Workshop at a glance ¶ Workshop Description ¶ COURSE FEE: $950

www.arrowmont.org

Al,

Thanks. That looks like a great class, and I'm definitely tempted. The part that scares me a bit is the "appropriate for intermediate to advanced turners" part. Intermediate, maybe (if we're being generous). Advanced, not even close...

 

[hockenbery]

Al,

Thanks. That looks like a great class, and I'm definitely tempted. The part that scares me a bit is the "appropriate for intermediate to advanced turners" part. Intermediate, maybe (if we're being generous). Advanced, not even close...

You could always email Avelino. I’m sure he would be able to advise you.
search on virgin island In the AAW members search there are just a page full.
avalino lives on st John.

As you know subjects like Spiraling and carving are advanced skills. these classes want to focus on those skills and not spend time teaching basic skills or sharpening students tools. Also students That need a day and a half to turn a hollow form won’t have time to
embellish it.

 

[Barry Rooker]

Nothing like instructional classes, but another good reference book is "The Basics of Turning Spirals" by Bill Bowers, Schiffer Publishing. I still see it on Amazon but you can also find it on used bookstore sites.

​

 

[Dan Stromberg]

Nothing like instructional classes, but another good reference book is "The Basics of Turning Spirals" by Bill Bowers, Schiffer Publishing. I still see it on Amazon but you can also find it on used bookstore sites.

​

Thanks for the reference! Just ordered the "last" copy.

 

[john lucas]

Try something less intimidating at first like a John Jordan spiral curved vessel. A lot easier than a hollow type spiral. Or a spiral lamp. One is just a painted spiral but doing the layout is the same whether its painted carved or hollowed.

 

[Doug Rasmussen]

Hmmm.... I think my first hollow double twist carving was when I was 9 years old. It may have been a cub scout project. All we had were pocket knives, and probably dull ones too. For wood we had nothing special, possibly old construction lumber, for sure not wood selected because it was easily carved. We hand held the pieces as we carved.

I watched Stuart Mortimer's four Youtube videos on a single twist. IMO, he does it the hard way with his special knife. Other than using the lathe to hold the workpiece I don't see much helpful advice.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

Avelino Samuel also has a DVD available.

 

[Dan Stromberg]

Avelino Samuel also has a DVD available.

People still make those?

 

[Mark Jundanian]

I think it's leftover stock.

 

[hughie]

I have been known to do a few spirals at times, its not that hard. But mine are always on hollow vessels, but much of the process is the same I do everything virtually by hand.
But as always the devil is in the detail, not so much as the layout. Details such as how much curve or twist, how the ends finish, how the grain is orientated, the shape or form has much to do with the effectiveness of the design and so. Its also handy if your good or have some experience at carving, if you have to learn about carving and doing the spirals at the same time the learning curve could be a bit steep for some.