News
The Egg
Posted by Bradner Bond on
Today I want to tell you about the crazy journey of making this egg, starting with this piece of sapele. I got it round using my spindle roughing gouge. Then I used my diamond parting tool to get some tenons on both ends, just making sure they were the right size with my dividers. Next up was parting it in half with an extremely thin parting tool, being careful not to go all the way through to avoid any mishaps. A quick saw cut finished that up. For the top half, I wasn't really focused on making a standard box. My...
From Craftsman to Creator: Embracing the Artist Within You
Posted by Bradner Bond on
The lathe spins, the wood takes shape, and shavings fly. As a woodturner, your hands guide the tools, but have you ever stopped to consider yourself an artist? It's easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of woodturning – the sharp tools, the precise cuts, the quest for perfect symmetry. But beneath the craft lies a wellspring of creative potential waiting to be unleashed. Here's how to start seeing yourself as the artist you truly are: 1. Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the need for absolute perfection. Those knots, those grain variations, those unexpected curves – they're not...
Breaking Free from the Creative Slump: Tips for Woodturners
Posted by Bradner Bond on
As a woodturner, you're probably familiar with the feeling of getting stuck in a creative rut. You may find yourself lacking inspiration or struggling to come up with new ideas for projects. This can be frustrating and discouraging, but don't worry - there are several things you can do to break out of a creative slump. 1. Take a Break Sometimes the best way to overcome creative block is to simply step away from your work for a while. This doesn't mean you have to give up woodturning altogether, but it can be helpful to take a few days or...
Rose engines, rarity, and craftsmanship
Posted by Bradner Bond on
Objects made with a rose engine lathe are highly sought after and incredibly valuable due to their rarity and exquisite craftsmanship. The rose engine lathe is a traditional tool used for ornamental turning, and it produces intricate patterns and designs on the surface of wood, metal, and other materials. The intricate patterns created by the rose engine lathe are not only visually stunning but also incredibly time-consuming and labor-intensive to produce. The art of ornamental turning using a rose engine lathe has been practiced for centuries, and the techniques used to produce these objects are highly specialized and often passed...
Woodturning as therapy
Posted by Bradner Bond on
Woodturning has been a popular form of therapy for centuries. It's a form of art that allows the artist to create beautiful pieces of work while also providing a sense of relaxation and stress relief. One of the main benefits of woodturning as therapy is the sense of accomplishment it provides. As you work on a piece, you can see the progress you are making and the end result of your hard work. This can be a very rewarding experience and can help to boost self-esteem and confidence. Another benefit of woodturning is the opportunity it provides for creativity. As...