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Woodturning is riding a wave of popularity these days, and it’s not hard to understand why. For one thing, woodturning’s a snap compared with, say, mastering hand-cut dovetails or learning how to cut cope-and-stick joinery with a router. For another, you don’t need a lot of wood to get started, and much of it is free: Chunks of chopped down trees or firewood, offcuts from other projects, even scraps from cargo pallets or old furniture. Turning also satisfies the craving for instant gratification. Even a beginner can make a pen or a small box in about a half-hour, or a big bowl in an afternoon.

 

Our collection of articles from Fine Woodworking magazine can help you unleash your inner woodturner. We’ve included tips on how to find the right lathe, and plenty of first-rate instruction from master turners like Richard Raffan, Jimmy Clewes, Mike Mahoney, and Ernie Conover. So get on the woodturning bandwagon. You don’t want to be the only one walking.

 

Online Extras for this issue:

How to Turn a Tapered Shaker Leg
Used sanding pads and a neat trick using graphite make for one terrific taper on this classic Shaker table leg

How to Turn a Platter on the Lathe
Learn how to tackle faceplate turning on the lathe by crafting a beautiful platter of tiger maple using only four basic turning tools

 

Shop Talk Live: Richard Raffan Comes Stateside
Celebrated woodturner Richard Raffan talks shop on Fine Woodworking‘s very own podcast

Sanding Jig is the Segmented Turner’s Secret Weapon
Learn how to build a sanding jig that yields perfect segments for terrific turning

 

A Woodturner’s Guide to Chucks and Jaws
Acclaimed turner Richard Raffan offers tips on what he looks for in lathe chucks

 

Liam Flynn: Virtuoso Vessel Maker
Using straightforward turning and carving techniques, Irish woodworker Liam Flynn turns extraordinary vessels from green wood and enriches their refined forms with freehand fluting

 

How to Turn a Basic Bowl
A woodturning master takes you through every step of the process in our two-part series

 

Turning Gouge Primer
Top-notch turner Mike Mahoney answers eight reader questions about tools and techniques for turning bowls