One of the first things a woodturner needs to learn is how to sharpen woodturning tools. This is different than the sharpening of most other tools in the workshop but it is neither difficult nor expensive to setup and learn.

Seasoned woodworkers who have gotten a wood lathe are often confused at what to do with it after they get it. After all, most woodworking confines itself to flat work with the occasional decorative curve. The wood lathe operates somewhat like a potter’s wheel on it side, demanding thought in circles and spheres. The transition can be a freeing moment and a dramatic turn in the enjoyment of working with wood.

While a lot of the trends in woodturning move toward larger items, many woodturners are making smaller items. The satisfaction of making good, clean cuts in smaller spaces can be helped with appropriate tools. Of course the lathe concerned is the first item to be looked at.

Woodworking is a crafty job of imagination, planning, detailing, precision and presentation. A well prepared wood structure could be extremely appealing, strong and be constructed in a considerably short time. Simple woodwork, such as building sheds, arbors, gazebos in the garden, can be done by almost anyone and can be quite interesting and entertaining. To undertake this task, one must first arrange all the resources, which includes, having a well designed work shop, conditioned work tools, safety gear and of course, the raw material.

Think global and go local is a phrase that is often used by people considering the food they buy but it also one that can and often does work of woodturners as well. What we put on a wood lathe can travel a short distance from home or come literally from around the world. In addition it may be from endangered areas or from sustainable forests.

While the nature of the wood lathe forces roundness into virtually all woodturning projects, as with most other types of woodworking, it is easy to fall into the rut of making the same thing over and over with little variation. New projects are needed to break the cycle and generate new interest in the craft. Fortunately, these are extremely varied and easy to find.

One thing that bowl turners quickly learn is the high cost of bowl blanks and the limits on available sizes. While the answer is also quickly learned, namely cutting one’s own blanks, the question remains as to how to do so. That answer is generally found int he use of a chainsaw and in making a couple of cuts, one of which is seldom done except by woodturners.

Beginning woodturners are often confused as to how to mount wood on the wood lathe for safe turning. The process is different from that of most woodworking events in the shop where wood is advanced into the cutting blade as on a band saw, table saw or planer. At the wood lathe, the material is held by the machine and the cutting tools are advanced by hand. To achieve safety in holding the wood, mounting systems have been developed over the ages.

There are a lot of people, who combine their hands to perform woodworking and prove their creativity by placing them in a corner of their houses or placing them as a showpiece. The main idea here is that they want to have the experience of fulfillment by observing the self made show piece in their houses. When it comes to purchasing all the raw materials and collecting all the necessary items, they will turn around and may diverge from the thought of preparation.

In this day and age of subdivision expansion we have seen the forests and wooded areas all over the country shrink. This has caused hardship for our little friends the birds to find good nesting areas. A majority of species of birds use hollowed out trees but with these now gone you can make a difference by building bird houses that are practical and will be used by your local birds. Understanding what type of bird house each species prefers in essential.

Many picnic plans have been ruined by the fact that there was no convenient seating. A picnic on the ground may seem romantic, but the bugs can ruin it. That is of course, until you realize that numerous types of plans are available to build your own picnic table.

One of the most embarrassing things that can happen while entertaining is discovering that you do not have enough seating available for guests. Whether you need a few extra chairs to pull out only when needed, or you desire a stylish and practical piece to add to your decor, you can find plans for chairs to accommodate. Chair plans can range from the very simple straight back chair with no arms, to a high back, decorative chair with arms, wheels, or even rockers.