My Background
My Background
My Background
I think my addiction to wood shavings started early. My dad liked to tinker. Whenever he took on a project, I was his designated helper. I watched and learned, and took it all in.
Over the years, I built up a wood working shop. Most projects were flat work. It was all about precision and accuracy, and most of my work was based on some
I think my addiction to wood shavings started early. My dad liked to tinker. Whenever he took on a project, I was his designated helper. I watched and learned, and took it all in.
Over the years, I built up a wood working shop. Most projects were flat work. It was all about precision and accuracy, and most of my work was based on someone else's predesigned plans.
Not so long ago, a move to Texas (no basements) lead to a major overhaul in how I defined my shop. For the sake of space, I had to divest of most of my stationary equipment. The center of attention was now a lathe. I have since added a number of implements to aid in sculpting wood.
This new direction allows for more creativity. No more plans. No more following someone else's idea. It is now a process of converting what nature has already created into something that can be enjoyed and uniquely appreciated.
My Medium
My Background
My Background
It all starts with trees. My favorite wood is whatever I can rescue from the wood chipper or burn pile. Construction sites are often the best. I have also had success just driving through neighborhoods during our stormy springs. Reclaimed wood from old fences or barns is another great source.
Sometimes the wood is in need of some he
It all starts with trees. My favorite wood is whatever I can rescue from the wood chipper or burn pile. Construction sites are often the best. I have also had success just driving through neighborhoods during our stormy springs. Reclaimed wood from old fences or barns is another great source.
Sometimes the wood is in need of some help to make it suitable for a project. Punky or insect riddled wood can be hardened via a wood stabilization process. The wood is submerged in a viscous resin and then placed under vacuum. As the air evacuates the cells of the wood, it is replaced by the resin. Once removed from the vacuum and gently heated, the resin hardens, leaving the wood ready for whatever is next.
Another process that I use to enhance a project involves the use of an epoxy or urethane resin. While wood is generally the basis for my work, a resin can add drama and interest. In some cases, the resin is essential to providing a structural form to a piece of wood that may otherwise be unusable.
My Process
My Background
My Process
It is cliché, but there is an element of truth in the idea that the wood will determine what to make of it.
It takes certain properties to make a blank of wood suitable for turning on a lathe. Whether to create a free form, bowl, or vase, if the wood has physical defects like cracks, ring shake, decay, or insect infestation, it may be to
It is cliché, but there is an element of truth in the idea that the wood will determine what to make of it.
It takes certain properties to make a blank of wood suitable for turning on a lathe. Whether to create a free form, bowl, or vase, if the wood has physical defects like cracks, ring shake, decay, or insect infestation, it may be too dangerous to attempt to turn.
While it might be disappointing at first to cut into a log and find issues, some of my favorite sculptured items came from wood that was rejected as turning material.
As I come into ownership of new logs, processing them quickly is key to preventing irreparable splitting and cracking.
It can be physically taxing, but there is an anticipation as I put the log on the buck and fire up the chain saw. You never really know what lurks inside, until you slice it open.
At this stage in the process, I have taken into consideration the various projects I want to make and my inventory of wood blanks. I may think I have a pretty firm idea of what I am going to do with the log in front of me, but every now and then that first look at the inside of the log will change my plans.