Fascinated with the form of the tripot, and interested to see what was involved in making one, I have started my own. I couldn't think of a better way to understand and appreciate it than to make one myself. In my first article about making my tripot, I showed how I shaped most of the … Continue reading My Tripot: Turning the Base
Fascinated with the form of the tripot, and interested to see what was involved in making one, I have started my own. I couldn't think of a better way to understand and appreciate it than to make one myself. Loosely following an article in Woodwork by Hugh McKay on his process of making a pentapot … Continue reading My Tripot: Shaping the Exterior
In 2007, I was into turning in a big way. I got into turning pens using exotic woods carefully paired with a package of pen hardware. My preference was chrome-plated hardware for its durability and affordable price. The result, when paired with African Blackwood, was an undeniably classy pen. One special piece of wood was … Continue reading Roots of Flair: Pushing the Limits
At some point in time, every woodworker has cursed the fact that wood expands in humid weather and contracts in dry weather. Because of it, lumber that was once straight became curved, twisted, or both. Parts that once fit snugly became loose, or impossibly tight. Turning green (freshly cut) wood was how I learned firsthand … Continue reading Roots of Flair: Accepting Wood Movement
I bought ten of these wine glass kits from Craft Supplies USA. The stems were cut off so that all the maker had to do was turn the bottom half. It seemed like a neat idea at the time, but I've somewhat lost interest in turning. If you would like these ten glasses, please leave … Continue reading Overflow, Part VII
Artist Name: Jon Siegel Title: Elliptori Details: circa 2001 - mahogany, glass 56" wide x 26" deep x 16"tall Why It's Notable: I like the design, but to me, what is most notable is the process used to make the base. Instead of laminating the rough shape, then refining it with carving tools, planes, and sanders, Jon Siegel took another … Continue reading Jon Siegel – Elliptori
If you don't have any scars, I would venture to guess that you lead a very conservative lifestyle free of peril, risk, adrenaline rushes, and interest. Yes, I have a few scars, each with a story and often a lesson learned as well. Scars can be reminders of epic tales of struggle, heroism, pain and … Continue reading Every Scar Has a Story, But Not Every Story Has a Scar
Today was a beautiful day - warm and sunny. I went to work and, four hours later when I finished, my left side was completely soaked, my right side was dry, and I was standing two inches taller. What was I doing? Do you need a hint? If not, I know that you have done … Continue reading A Riddle
I had this past weekend off, and I made the most of it, turning a total of five bowls, all from green wood. I slept in until 10:00am on Saturday. I had a quick breakfast and headed down to the shop. The first bowl was a result of a co-worker giving me a section of … Continue reading A Weekend That Turned Out Well
It seems that the idea of starting my business this year might just become a reality. While my weekly hours at Lee Valley hover around 40, my shop hours are probably over 20. On days where I work at Lee Valley, I spend little time in the shop as I am often too tired to … Continue reading No Rest For The Weary
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 