My approach…
Having retired from a career in engineering, I have more time to dedicate to woodturning. I’ve largely stopped preparing a fully dimensioned drawing before I start any piece, instead taking my inspiration from the feel and grain of the wood and how it seems to guide my tools over the work. I prefer my results if I don’t treat each turning project as a technical exercise in precise engineering.
My dear, late father-in-law, Len, introduced me to woodturning, many years ago. I can distinctly remember his woodworking shed in the garden in Shropshire, with the neatly labelled tins and jars of nails and screws, and beautifully cared for hand tools and equipment. And the very special and comforting smell of all the things in the shed mixed together – timber and wood shavings and oil and rust and paint. He encouraged me to have a go at turning, talking me through the safe operation of the lathe and the chucks and tools. He introduced me to the spindle and bowl gouges, parting tools and scrapers, and the tools he was frightened of (skew chisels!). A simple cylinder was my first lesson and although I can’t remember what wood it was, I remember proudly considering it to be a rolling pin.
In time, Len moved house and I acquired much of the content of the shed, including the lathe. After a few unguided tentative goes on my own, I decided I would benefit from some structured lessons, which I enjoyed considerably. I made small steps. Every project was a massive learning exercise and I made many mistakes. But with enthusiasm and persistence, over time I started to feel proficient, particularly in turning bowls.
Now, a lot of bowls and other items under my belt, and a new lathe and new set of tools to boot, I’ve started to receive positive and favourable feedback for my efforts. I choose to turn wood that has been sourced very locally to where we live. If not, I obtain native UK-grown timber from reliable suppliers. Whilst it produces lovely items, I prefer not to turn exotic timbers from far away places. I have been very fortunate to be able to turn wood from trees that have been felled or from our garden in Hertfordshire. I’m also able to source wood for turning from the woods that are accessible from our local town.