Newsletter Articles

  • Lathe Drilling Helper by Bob GrinsteadLathe Drilling Helper by Bob Grinstead
    When drilling on the lathe, sometimes it is hard to turn the tailstock wheel. This will make it a lot easier by moving the handle out to the maximum width for your lathe. This can decrease the force needed to drill with large ...
  • How to Turn a Billiard Ball by Shannon DunlapHow to Turn a Billiard Ball by Shannon Dunlap
    Go to the hardware store and get a 4- in. PVC coupling. It is double ended and has two rubber inserts, so it’s like getting 2 for one. Take the cap off ...
  • Plan Design Board by Michel RichardPlan Design Board by Michel Richard
    Go to the bottom to watch the video. Plan Design Board Set-Up Plan Design Board includes ...
  • Pricing Pens for Sale with Jeff WaltersPricing Pens for Sale with Jeff Walters
    I only do 2-3 shows a year. I feature many different items that I have turned along with my pens, which are the largest part of my display. One of the questions I get from other woodturners is how do you price your pens. This is also a big discussion at meetings and with groups ...
  • Michel Richards’ Segmenting JigMichel Richards’ Segmenting Jig
    Michel Richards suggests using a jig to calculate the length of segments for a segmented bowl. For an open segment bowls, Michel Richards’ jig may require some minor adjustments, but, that would depend on your personal adjustment for desired gap. Typical for open segments, you might choose to use 66 – 70% of the length of ...
  • Making a Stop Block for your Saw(s) by Bob GrinsteadMaking a Stop Block for your Saw(s) by  Bob Grinstead
    Here is an easy to make “Stop Block” for your table saw or bandsaw. Needed: (1) magnetic tool bar (Harbor Freight, 18″ magnetic tool bar) (1) 3/8″ coupling (1) 3/8″ nut (1) 3/8″ x 4″ bolt (1) 3/8″ wingnut (1) 3/8” washer Shoe Goo (glue) Paint Assembly: There are 8 individual magnets in the bar. They are covered with a ...
  • Third Hand by Howard JohnsonThird Hand by Howard Johnson
    Occasionally, a third hand is needed off lathe for sanding, embellishment and/or carving. This article gives assembly instructions for a third hand (drawing 1). This device allows the craftsman to manipulate a piece of work off lathe, which makes manipulating the piece much easier. ...
  • Hollowing Camera Idea On The Cheap by Tim HatchHollowing Camera Idea On The Cheap by Tim Hatch
    I was asked recently to make an urn for my neighbor’s dog that had to be put down due to cancer. I selected a nice eucalyptus burl and cast it in resin in my pressure pot, then put it on the lathe and began shaping it, drilling it and then hollowing it with my Trent ...
  • How to Make a Floating Bottom for a Segmented Bowl by Bob GrinsteadHow to Make a Floating Bottom for a Segmented Bowl by Bob Grinstead
    Bowls that have a bottom larger than 6″ sometimes split or come loose from the next ring with the movement of the wood. All wood shrinks and expands over time. If you make a floating bottom you will not have that issue. The center piece of wood is not glued in and floats inside of a ...
  • Laser Engraving for Wood Turners (Part 6) – Todd FippsLaser Engraving for Wood Turners (Part 6) - Todd Fipps
    … Continued from May 7, 2025 Fire Safety: Preventing Burns and Accidents Laser engravers work by generating high-intensity heat, vaporizing the surface of the material to create engravings. While this process is controlled and precise, it carries an inherent fire risk, especially when engraving flammable materials like wood, fabric, or acrylic. If left unchecked, excessive heat can ...