FAQ Woodturning - All questions and answers about woodturning

Woodturning is a traditional craft in which workpieces, usually made of wood, are set in a rotating motion in order to shape them using special tools. This produces turned objects such as bowls, vases, pens, furniture parts and more. The technique is carried out on a lathe.

There are various woodturning techniques, which differ mainly according to the orientation of the wood in relation to the lathe:

1. Long wood turning: In long wood turning, the wood is worked along the longitudinal axis. This technique is often used for workpieces such as table legs, rods or balusters. The wood is clamped parallel to the grain.

2. Cross turning: In cross-grain turning, the wood is worked across the grain, e.g. when making bowls or plates. Here, the wood is perpendicular to the turning axis, which requires different cutting techniques and tools.

3. Face wood turning: Face wood is turned along the grain direction, but with the grain direction aligned with the turning axis. This technique is often used in the production of bowls or cups, where the wood is turned into thin layers. It requires special techniques as end grain is more sensitive to cracking.

4. Epoxy resin turning: A more modern technique in which wood is combined with epoxy resin. This enables the production of unique, often transparent or coloured workpieces. The epoxy resin is poured into cavities in the wood and then worked on the lathe as usual.

These techniques differ not only in the way the wood is orientated, but also in the tools and processing techniques used. Each technique offers different creative possibilities and requires specific skills.

To start woodturning, you need basic equipment consisting of machines, tools and safety equipment. Here are the essential components:

1. Woodturning lathe: The woodturning lathe is the central tool in woodturning. It holds the workpiece and turns it at a certain speed so that it can be machined with the turning tools. There are various models, from beginner models to professional machines.

2. Turning irons: Different turning irons are required for different types of machining:

   • • Spindle gouges: Such as moulding gouges, spindle gouges or roughing gouges for long wood turning. Roughing gouges are generally used for rough work, and spindle gouges for typical turning shapes

     • Chisel/bevelled chisel: For smooth surfaces and fine details on long wood turning work.

     • Cutter: For cutting off the workpiece and turning a holder for the chuck

     • Bowl gouges: For turning bowls

     • Outside turning tools: For hollowing out the end grain in long wood blanks. For example, to make cans and vases.
       
       

3. Workpiece holders or chucks, drivers and travelling centre punches:

   • Different clamping systems are used depending on the workpiece type:

     • Chucks: For holding bowls and other hollow moulds, no live centre is required in the tailstock. Chucks are generally not included in the scope of delivery. However, there are package prices where a chuck is also offered.

     • Drives and centres: For long wood turning between the centres. These are generally included in the scope of delivery.

4. Grinding machine or grinding system: Woodturning tools need to be sharpened regularly. A good sharpening system or sharpening machine is therefore essential to keep the tools ready for use at all times. Well-known sharpening systems are, for example

   1. Our KS + HOPE DML complete set: double grinder slow buyer, geared towards sharpening woodturning knives. Developed in co-operation between Hope and KS, including instructions and sharpening gauges.
   2. Robert Sorby ProEdge belt sander: Manufactured by Robert Sorby in England, ideal for sharpening woodturning knives, but also for sharpening other woodworking tools.
   3. Tormek T4 and T8: World-renowned wet grinding system for sharpening all kinds of blades.
   4. Record Power WG 250 and WG200: Another popular wet sharpening system from the English company Record Power.

5. Protective equipment: Safety is very important when woodturning. The basic equipment should therefore include

   • • Face protection or safety goggles to protect yourself from shavings and splinters.

     • Dust mask or respiratory protection, as wood dust can be dangerous when woodturning.

6. Wood blanks:

   • Must not be missing, of course. In our shop you will find a large selection of already dried wood. Remember: Freshly felled wood contains a lot of water, the turned object will warp and possibly crack afterwards.

7. Abrasives:

   • Clean sanding is essential for a beautiful turning result. Take your time and invest in good sandpaper that can withstand the high friction and heat when sanding on the woodturning machine.

   • An alternative is, for example, the self-rotating Pro Sander from Hope or various sanding discs that can be mounted in a drill.
8. The finish, oils, varnishes, waxes and so on
   
   1. Waxes provide a side-matt shine
   2. Oils provide a natural lustre and penetrate deep into the wood to protect it
   3. Polishes are suitable for finishing workpieces to give them a lustre.

With this basic equipment, you are well equipped to tackle your first projects and refine your woodturning techniques.

Ultimately, you can turn anything that is round. Bowls, plates, chair legs, a lid for your pot at home, a baseball bat, a tin for spices, handles, toys, decorative objects, yes, we even offer kits for turning pencils, pens or pepper mills. Just browse through our shop. If you still run out of ideas, here is a small list:

1. What can you turn?

When it comes to woodturning, the possibilities are almost endless, as many different objects and shapes can be made from wood (and other materials). Here are some of the most common and popular projects you can turn:

1. Bowls and plates

• Bowls are one of the most classic woodturning projects. They can be made in different sizes and shapes, from small jewellery bowls to large fruit bowls.
• Plates or flat platters are also popular projects and offer many design options.

2. Vases and vessels:

• Vases can be elegant and decorative and are great for practising hollowing techniques.
• Vessels or cups are also typical woodturning projects and offer many variations in shape.

3. Pens and writing utensils

• Turning pens is a very popular project. You can create individual, handmade writing utensils from various woods or materials such as acrylic and epoxy resin.

4. Candle holders:

• Candle holders or tea light holders are easy to turn and offer many creative possibilities, whether in a plain or detailed ornate form.

5. Furniture components:

• Table legs, chair legs, balusters and other furniture components are often turned. The long wood turning technique is used here.
• Furniture knobs or handles can also be turned.

6. Turning projects for the kitchen:

• Salt and pepper mills are common woodturning projects that combine wood and mechanisms.
• Cooking spoons and other kitchen utensils can also be turned.
• Chopping boards with decorative turned edges or serving platters are interesting projects.

7. Toys:

• Spinning tops, yo-yos and other wooden toys are classic projects that are both fun to make and require craftsmanship.

8. Decorative objects:

• Ornamental baubles, Christmas tree decorations, eggs or ball bowls are popular decorative objects that can be turned.
• Epoxy resin projects such as small decorative objects or pieces of jewellery offer exciting possibilities for advanced woodturners.

9. Musical instrument:

• Some parts of musical instruments, such as the neck pegs on stringed instruments or flutes and woodwind instruments, can also be turned.

10. Handles and tool handles:

• Many woodturners make handles for tools or handles for hammers and other hand tools. Ergonomics and stability are often important here.

11. Rings and jewellery:

• Woodturning is also suitable for making rings, bracelets or other pieces of jewellery that are made of wood, epoxy resin or a combination of both materials.

12. Lids and tins:

• Jars with snug-fitting lids are exciting projects that require precision. These containers can be used to store small items.

13. Biros holder:

• These make great desk decorations and are useful accessories that can be easily turned.

14. Mouldings and ornaments:

• Turned mouldings or ornaments are often used to decorate furniture or other craft projects.

15. Wine bottle stoppers and corkscrews:

• These small projects are popular because they are both useful and decorative and make ideal gifts.

When turning, there are various finishes available to protect your workpiece and achieve an attractive surface. Each finish has specific properties and is suitable for different projects:

1. Wax:

• Properties: Wax is a soft finish that gives the wood a silky matt sheen and emphasises the natural grain. It is easy to apply and gives the wood a soft, pleasant feel.
• Use:
  
  • Ideal for decorative objects or pieces of jewellery that are not subjected to much wear and tear.
  • Perfect for wooden toys or smaller projects that emphasise the feel of the wood.
• Recommended products: For example beeswax, carnauba wax.

2. Oil:

• Properties: Oils penetrate deep into the wood and offer protection from the inside out. They create a natural, matt to slightly glossy surface. Oils are particularly easy to care for and offer long-lasting protection.
• Use:
  • Ideal for kitchen utensils such as salt and pepper mills, chopping boards or bowls, as they are water-repellent and food-safe.
  • Also suitable for furniture parts and tool handles that need to be robust and resistant.
  • In principle, whenever the wood is subjected to stress.
• Recommended products: Linseed oil, tung oil, hard wax oil (combines the advantages of oil and wax)

3. Polishes:

• Properties: polishes provide a glossy, smooth surface and enhance the grain of the wood. They create a highly reflective lustre, which is often desired for decorative pieces. Polishes are usually applied and then buffed to a high lustre with a polishing cloth.
• USe:
  • Ideal for decorative objects such as vases, bowls or ornamental pieces that should have a visual shine.
  • Suitable for high-quality woodturning work where a glossy finish is desired.
  • Also popular for ballpoint pens or anything that is classy.
• Recommended products: Shellac polish, carnauba resins.

4. Sanding pastes:

• Properties: Sanding pastes are used to achieve a smooth, flawless finish by gently sanding and sealing the wood at the same time. They leave a soft, satin finish and are often used as a preparation for waxes or polishes. It is not a finish in the true sense, as you only sand and no additional material is left on the wood at the end.
• Use:
  • Ideal for bowls, tins or smaller decorative items where a particularly smooth surface is desired.Well suited for intermediate sanding or as a finish after sanding with fine sandpaper.
• Recommended products: König wood and resin sanding pastes, Chestnut Cut n Polish, Ubeaut EEE Ultrashine

5. Varnish:

• Properties: varnish provides hard, durable protection and is available in various gloss levels (from matt to high gloss). It forms a protective layer on the surface and is particularly resistant to wear and scratches.
• USe:
  • Ideal for heavily used surfaces such as furniture parts, tool handles or bowls that are used intensively.
  • Particularly suitable for decorative objects that need to shine and be durable.
  • Also popular for writing implements or various construction kits in everyday use.
• Recommended products: Chestnut Spray Lacquer, Acrylic Lacquer, Chestnut Melamine Lacquer.

6. Resin (epoxy resin):

• Properties: epoxy resin creates a thick, crystal clear finish that seals and protects the wood. It is very resistant and produces a deep lustre that makes the wood appear almost as if it were under glass.
• Use:
  • Perfect for jewellery, decorative objects or projects that require an unusual look (e.g. combination of wood and resin).Ideal for furniture surfaces that need to be extremely hard-wearing and visually striking at the same time.
• Recommended products: Epoxy resin.

7. Hard wax oil:

• Properties: A combination of wax and oil that provides a very hard-wearing and water-repellent surface. Hardwax oil penetrates the wood and at the same time forms a protective layer on the surface.
• Use:
  • Perfect for heavily used surfaces such as table tops, chopping boards or furniture parts.
  • Also suitable for tool handles or bowls that are frequently used.
• Recommended products: König hard wax oil, Chestnut hard wax oil.

Summary:

• Wax: For soft, silky matt surfaces, ideal for decoration and objects subject to little wear.
• Oil: For deeper protection, water-repellent, perfect for kitchen utensils and furniture.
• Polish: For glossy, decorative surfaces.
• Sanding paste: For a smooth, fine surface, often as a pre-treatment for further finishes.
• Lacquer: For long-lasting, hard protection, ideal for heavily used surfaces.
• Epoxy resin: For exceptional, clear surfaces with a depth effect.
• Hard wax oil: For heavily used surfaces with high resistance.

The choice of the right finish depends on how the workpiece is used and what look you want to achieve.

Common mistakes in woodturning and how to avoid them:

1. The bevel of the tool is not in contact with the workpiece:

• Problem: If the bevel (the flat part behind the cutting edge) is not in contact with the workpiece, the tool can jump into the wood in an uncontrolled manner and lead to unwanted cuts.
• Solution: Make sure that the bevel always remains in contact with the workpiece. This gives you more control over the tool and allows you to make smooth, precise cuts. Guide the tool smoothly and evenly.

2. The wood is not properly clamped:

• Problem: If the wood is not clamped tightly enough, it can come loose during the turning process. In addition, the tailstock can be pressed too hard against the workpiece, resulting in friction, heat generation and deformation.
• Solution: Clamp the wood securely and evenly without putting too much pressure on it. The tailstock should only lightly support the workpiece, not be pressed too hard against it. Regular adjustment of the tailstock helps to maintain the correct tension.

3. The tool is not sharp:

• Problem: A dull tool is more likely to tear the wood than cut it cleanly. This leads to unclean surfaces and can even be dangerous as the tool is more likely to get stuck.
• Solution: Always keep your tools sharp. Use a sharpening system or whetstones to resharpen the blades regularly. A sharp tool allows for smooth cuts and less resistance when working.

4. Wood is alive and not a homogeneous material:

• Problem: Wood often has different density and fibre areas that behave differently than expected during processing. A common mistake is to treat the wood as a uniform material.
• Solution: Pay attention to the grain, knots and soft areas in the wood. Each section can behave differently, so it is important to always work carefully and carefully. Work with the grain and adjust your technique accordingly.

5. Too much pressure is being applied to the wood:

• Problem: Too much pressure when turning can cause chatter marks or even cracks in the wood. In addition, too much pressure increases the risk of the tool getting stuck or breaking.
• Solution: Keep the pressure on the workpiece as low as possible. Let the sharp tool do the work instead of using force. Guide the tool gently and with feeling to create smooth surfaces.

6. Irregular clamping or use of chucks:

• Problem: If the chuck or driver is not properly adjusted, the workpiece may wobble or shift. This leads to inaccurate cuts and can damage the workpiece.
• Solution: Ensure that the chuck and driver are gripping firmly and securely. Check regularly that everything is set correctly, especially when working for long periods or with larger workpieces.

7. issing or insufficient safety equipment:

• Problem: Without adequate protection from wood chips, dust and loud noises, there is an increased risk of injury. Many people underestimate the dangers of flying chips or fine wood dust.
  
• Solution: Always wear safety goggles or a face shield to protect yourself from chips. A dust mask or respiratory protection is important to avoid inhaling fine wood dust. Hearing protection can also be useful for longer periods of work.

8. Incorrect lathe speed:

• Problem: If the speed of the lathe is not adjusted to the workpiece and the tool used, uneven cuts or vibrations can occur.
• Solution: Always adjust the speed to the size and material of the workpiece. Large workpieces require a lower speed, while smaller workpieces and finer work can tolerate a higher speed.

9. Overheating of the workpiece or tool:

• Problem: Excessive friction during woodturning can overheat both the tool and the workpiece. This leads to burns in the wood and can dull the tool.
• Solution: Reduce the pressure and work in shorter, even cuts. Allow the tool to cool down and make sure to work the workpiece evenly to avoid overheating.

10. Poor tool holding:

• Problem: Incorrect holding of the tool often leads to uneven cuts and can cause the tool to jump dangerously into the wood.
• Solution: Make sure you always hold the tool firmly and securely. Hold it with both hands and support it on the blade rest to maintain full control.

11. Working too quickly or unevenly:

• Problem: Impatience or working quickly can lead to chatter marks, messy cuts and mistakes.
• Solution: Work evenly and calmly. Allow enough time to carry out each step precisely and carefully.

12. Wrong choice of tool:

• Problem: Every woodturning project requires the right tool. The wrong choice of tool can lead to unclean cuts or damage.
• Solution: Always use the correct tool for the respective work step. For example, spindle gouges are suitable for long wood turning and bowl gouges for hollowing out bowls.

By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting a conscious approach to woodturning, you will not only achieve better results, but also work more safely and efficiently.