An introduction to woodturning

Woodturning is an ancient art form with its main development happening in the medieval years, and has gained large popularity in the 1970s. There are many facets to woodturning with a number of difference disciplines. Some people enjoy the problem solving aspect of woodturning, others enjoy creating specific forms, and some may use it to create presents or make a bit of extra money. It attracts a range of people, in our club our members ranges from people in their 20s to their 80s and everything in between. Most of our members took up woodturning as a hobby after retirement and have enjoyed it ever since.

 How about something for the birth of a newborn? The below piece is made from cherry and was cut down by the member, dried and then turned. It is made from one piece of wood - how would you go about getting the rings to rattle freely on the stem? These are the sorts of problems and questions that will start to come up as you start to create more pieces.

Woodturning is used as a general ‘hold all’ term for a number of disciplines such as pen making, which can be of wood or acrylic, segmented or as one piece, fountain or ball. See below for a visual guide of an acrylic pen being turned and put together.  

Whatever your particular interest, we are a friendly bunch at Chelmer Valley Woodturners and would love to meet you at our next event where we host professionals to come and show us how they do things. Members are free with their knowledge and bring in their work to show. If you want to find out more, you are welcome to show up on the night, but we would encourage you to get in touch before the event to ensure someone keeps an eye out for you.