Posts Tagged ‘wood turning’
Custom Wood Turning
Back in middle school, I took a class known as “General Technology.” It is basically the 21st century version of shop class, incorporating computer technology with basic tool skills. We covered the basics of course, but one thing that sticks out in my memory was a visit by a professional wood turner.
The shop was equipped with an old lathe, and one afternoon he came in and gave us a lesson in custom wood turning. It was amazing to see him transform a block of wood into an intricately designed work of art. While my skills will never reach that level, the experience has given me a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship that is inherent in various forms of woodworking.
Beauty below the Bark
It’s astonishing to think what a bit of human creativity and ingenuity can accomplish. You and I might look at a block of marble and see a nondescript chunk of rock. For an artist, this is the raw material required to chisel out a sculpture. Woodworkers are the same way – finding treasures in the logs and bits of timber that would normally be relegated to the fire pit.
Knots and other “imperfections” make pieces of wood uniquely suitable for wood turning. This process involves the use of a lathe to craft elegant bowls, vases and other decorative pieces. Knots and grain in the wood naturally create a pleasing aesthetic effect and set each piece apart from the rest. What looks like just another nondescript log could theoretically contain a genuine masterpiece.