we are the only woodturning club in Scunthorpe and north Lincolnshire
North Lincolnshire Woodturners Association
JUST HIGHLIGHT THE PAGE YOU WANT TO GO TO AND CLICK ON IT
Please note that some pages are only available to Club Members and are password protected.
Just let me know if you've forgotten the password or have any other issues with the website.
THIS SECTION IS AN INFORMATION EXCHANGE FOR ALL TURNERS
This page will help people who are new to woodturning as well as those who're old timers.
Over the last few years, the Club has attracted quite a few new members. Some of our older, more experienced members frequently assist new members in showing them the basic skills and techniques. Woodturning can be a challenging experience for the beginner, so a helping leg up in skills can make the whole experience that much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to transport a lathe and tools from one place to another. The purpose of this page is to entertain and spread good safe turning techniques.
Mike Waldt is a very experienced amateur turner who regularly publishes woodturning videos on YouTube. He has demonstrated at UKIWS and at the Harrogate Show. Mike's online live demonstrations through the grim and dismal months of lockdown helped keep people in touch with each other as well as enjoying the fruits of an amazing talent and artistry.
Mike has produced a set of Beginners Videos that demonstrate how the basic woodturning tools can be used safely and productively. He also shows what can go wrong and how to prevent it happening again. Mike will be the first to say that his way is not the only one, but he does emphasise that it is his way and we should all be prepared to learn and improve. So, for our experienced members, if you use a different technique then please drop us an email so that we can share good practice.
Enjoy the videos. Double click on a video to go full screen.
THE LATHE
Probably the largest, heaviest "woodturning tool" of all. For those who haven't shelled out for one, there's some very useful advice in this video.
This may well be the largest outlay for many turners. Whilst there is a huge selection of brand new lathes available, used machines can be found on eBay and other similar sites.
Mike provides some very useful tips on what to look for with a lathes and the pitfalls to avoid>
THE SPINDLE ROUGHING GOUGE
The woodturners pit pony tool! Generally used to turn a log, a square piece of wood or similar uneven example into a nice smooth cylinder.
Though some would tell you otherwise, it is not safe to use this tool to make boxes or bowls. Mike will show you how to use this tool safely and what can go wrong.
SPINDLE & BOWL GOUGE S
Mike has produced a remastered video dealing with the difference between bowl and spindle gouges. He also shows the techniques and uses of each tool. The video is a useful lesson for both novice and experienced turners.
Visually, it is often difficult to determine the difference between a bowl and a spindle gouge. This is because there are many designs available with different cutting angle.
Both types of gouges are extremely versatile and can be used in many ways. The important thing is, as with all woodturning tools, to keep them as sharp as possible. Keeping a good edge on a tool is safer and will make your turning experience far more enjoyable.
THE SKEW CHISEL
Even experienced turners can be apprehensive about using a skew chisel. Once mastered, using a skew can produce the most amazing results. It is important that the tool is used safely as catches can be scary and dramatic! Some say that skew catches are the best cure for chronic constipation! On the other hand, once mastered, many turners find that the skew chisel becomes the favourite tool
Mike has produced two updated videos on the skew (shown below). It provides new insights into how to use this very useful and flexible tool. If you've been thinking about using a skew, or have been a bit scared of it, then these videos may be a great benefit for you.
THE SCRAPER
There are both round and flat nosed scrapers. Mike demonstrates both in this video. There are also scrapers with a negative rake grind that Mike details in the video below.
Mike has released a further video on scrapers comparing the traditional ground scraper with those with a negative rake. Those new to woodturning will appreciate how good and forgiving negative rake scrapers are. I'm a convert to these and have reground all my scrapers to a negative rake. If you've got any queries or questions then please drop me an email to info@nlwa.org.uk .
THE PARTING TOOL
This is one of those tools that tends to get neglected in introductory videos. Apart from neatly removing work from the lathe, it is a flexible tool. Mike show us a technique in how to use the tool and some of the different uses it can be put too.
Mike has produced an update to his parting tool video (below). This provides new and important information and is well worth watching.
SANDING TECHNIQUE
Whilst not strictly a tool, the use of the abrasive to finish a piece of work is crucial to the final result. Its true to say that many experienced woodturners spend as much time sanding a piece as they do turning it.
Check out Mike's follow up video below.
Turning a lidded box can be a most satisfying experience for many new turners. Mike takes you through the process so that you can get good results first time.
As with all aspects of woodturning, keeping your tools razor sharp is one of the key elements in getting good results from your turning experience.
A goblet makes a great project for new turners. Mike loves turning goblets and has become renowned for the good results he achieves.
After you've mastered the basic goblet shape, you might want to think about making one with captive rings. You'll make your friends scratch their heads in trying to work out how you did it!
A bowl is one of the projects you can undertake when you have a really beautiful piece of wood, such as English Yew.
Mike demonstrates various techniques to shape and hollow out a basic bowl. You will be able to experiment to find out which ones you prefer to use
TIMELY REMINDER ON SAFETY
This is a subject that effects all turners and we all get blasé about it at our peril. Mike runs through the basic Do's and definite Don'ts about using a lathe and the tools of the craft.
Before I put a tool to a piece of wood on spinning lathe, I do my ABC, A= the angle of the tool to the wood B= bevel contact. Have I got good contact to start the cut. C= Control. Have I got control of the tool or is it controlling me.
For membership enquiries : Call John Churchill on 07723 512401 Email
money@nlwa.org.uk
For general enquiries about the Club: Email sec@nlwa.org.uk
Website Queries: Email
info@nlwa.org.uk
For details about Demonstrations, Events, etc: Email events@nlwa.org.uk