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A Carver's One-stop Strop SpotA Carver's One-stop Strop Spot
The variously shaped profiles of my woodcarving chisel blades require a variety of strops, and I used to have to mount them one at a time in my lathe, switching from one to the next.
Age-Old Carving Techniques Pass to New GenerationAge-Old Carving Techniques Pass to New Generation
Woodcarving is movement. By nature, it is more physical than cerebral.
Apprenticeship WantedApprenticeship Wanted
When you are learning a new trade, it is always better to start with the basics. Being self-taught is robbing you of the expertise and opportunity to take advantage of the knowledge and well-learned methods of an old master.
Arkansas Traveler: Work of an Itinerant CarverArkansas Traveler: Work of an Itinerant Carver
During his lifetime, Rupert Kreider was known as a "free spirit." The Arkansas itinerant supported himself through sales of his scenic woodcarvings, with the Squirrel Trading Post becoming his de facto gallery.
Getting Started with Letter CarvingGetting Started with Letter Carving
Our author started letter carving for practical reasons, including its appropriate nature for apartment woodworking. The results were signs that ended up in his Canadian retreat.
Natural Netsuke: Tiny Carvings Have Big ImpactNatural Netsuke: Tiny Carvings Have Big Impact
Elaborately detailed, very small works of art and craftsmanship ... that's a good, general description of a netsuke (pronounced "netskay").
Organized Graffiti: (Carving) Knives to the WallsOrganized Graffiti: (Carving) Knives to the Walls
Since 1923, over 3,000 students at the Belmont Hill School have picked up a chisel & created the 12" x 12" carved panel that's part of their graduation requirements.
Shell Carving ShortcutShell Carving Shortcut
One of the most enduring motifs in woodworking, the shell is a great introduction to carving. The author's technique employs the lathe to speed the process along.
Treasures of the Sierra MadreTreasures of the Sierra Madre
Fire-breathing crocodiles and flying giraffes roam folk art museums and shops around the world. They are alebrijes - hand-carved wooden figures from the Mexican state of Oaxaca.
Woodcarving InsightWoodcarving Insight
My life is all about woodcarving, mostly relief woodcarving. I started when I was 18 years old and knew right off: carving was for me.
A Basic Intarsia PrimerA Basic Intarsia Primer
Intarsists use two main tools: the scroll saw and spindle sander.
Getting Started with IntarsiaGetting Started with Intarsia
Intarsia involves cutting, carving, and shaping individual pieces of a pattern, then gluing them together. Using different species of woods and varying their thickness, color, and grain can produce dramatic effects with depth and perspective.
Making the Case for IntarsiaMaking the Case for Intarsia
Given Joe Szabo's background, it's no wonder he makes such a convincing case for intarsia.
American Marquetry: Pieces from the PastAmerican Marquetry: Pieces from the Past
Marquetry, often considered the exclusive province of European artisans, has sometimes been called "painting in wood."
Around the World in 80(+) VeneersAround the World in 80(+) Veneers
A Wooden Vision of Places Called Home: Minneapolis Marquetarian Has It All Mapped Out
Mastering MarquetryMastering Marquetry
Anderson Ranch Arts Center has a "great atmosphere, to be with all these inspired and inspiring people," says Woodworker's Journal apprentice LiLi Jackson.
Adjust Your Scroll Saw Table for Square CutsAdjust Your Scroll Saw Table for Square Cuts
Try this simple alignment procedure to ensure that you get square cuts with your scroll saw every time.
Danish vs. Tung Oil on Scroll SawingsDanish vs. Tung Oil on Scroll Sawings
I am retired, and my hobby is cutting out figures on a scroll saw. I pour Danish oil into a shallow pan and immerse the items for a few minutes.
Finishing Scroll Sawn BoxesFinishing Scroll Sawn Boxes
I'm making some intricate scroll sawn boxes. Finishing is a challenge.
How to Make a Scroll Sawn, Flared BowlHow to Make a Scroll Sawn, Flared Bowl
Most folks think of the lathe when considering a wooden bowl, but not this author! Laminated bowls are usually round, lathe-turned and made from large blanks. This rectangular bowl, with colorful stripes, is made on a scroll saw from a blank that is only 3/4" thick.
Red Pen Easier to See When ScrollsawingRed Pen Easier to See When Scrollsawing
I used to get eyestrain from continually aligning the black blade with a black pencil line when doing lots of scrollsawing.
Scroll Sawn NameplatesScroll Sawn Nameplates
Our scroll sawyer extraordinaire uses a simple project to demonstrate tricks he's learned over many years.
Scroll Sawn NightlightsScroll Sawn Nightlights
Looking for something to interest the kids (or grandchildren) this summer? How about introducing them to the basics of woodworking with these simple scroll sawn nightlights.
Twelve-piece Scroll Sawn PuzzleTwelve-piece Scroll Sawn Puzzle
This beginner's puzzle is sturdily made and simple enough to keep a little one engaged but not frustrated. You can choose any image or photo for your puzzle's theme, provided it can be trimmed to a final 8" x 10-1⁄2" size.
Anatomy of a BowlAnatomy of a Bowl
Betty Scarpino takes us through the basics of designing and turning a bowl.
As the World TurnsAs the World Turns
It's long been my contention that we could achieve world peace and economic stability if everyone were issued a lathe and some turning tools. Bear with me now, and hear me out.
Betty's Lathe Sanding SecretsBetty's Lathe Sanding Secrets
Can't afford your own personal shop "sanding sherpa"? The next best option is to follow our author's tips on minimizing sanding misery.
Choosing the Right Turning ToolsChoosing the Right Turning Tools
Bowl gouge, spindle gouge, detail gouge, roughing gouge, double-ended bowl gouge  - what does it all mean? We help you decide which tools to purchase, either for getting started or for advancing in your turning craft.
Chuck It!Chuck It!
Investing in a good quality chuck will increase your options for making bowls, especially with all that free wood available from friends and family. Have fun, and remember ... keep your tools sharp!
Common Woodturning MisunderstandingsCommon Woodturning Misunderstandings
Betty Scarpino shares some easily misunderstood concepts about woodturning with the hope of decreasing confusion and adding to your enjoyment and safety.
Cutting, Scraping and Shear ScrapingCutting, Scraping and Shear Scraping
Learning different turning techniques will advance your skills - and make it much easier for you to pick the right technique for your next project.
Drilling on the LatheDrilling on the Lathe
A drill chuck makes a sweet addition to your lathe.
Finishing On the LatheFinishing On the Lathe
Ask a turner to show you what he or she uses to finish on the lathe and almost anything is likely to "turn" up.
Friction Polish -- Fast and FriendlyFriction Polish -- Fast and Friendly
Sometimes, a product that works too quickly sacrifices quality. In the case of friction polish on the lathe, a fast finish is a fine finish.
Getting Started with Hollowing ToolsGetting Started with Hollowing Tools
Turning hollow forms is easy once you get the hang of it, but you'll need a few specialized tools and some practice.
Glue Blocks are the AnswerGlue Blocks are the Answer
What is an efficient, traditional and exceptionally safe method of mounting a bowl blank to your face plate?
How to Turn a Single Barley TwistHow to Turn a Single Barley Twist
Occasionally I add a little class to turned spindles by carving spirals. It's not as tough as it looks, and is quicker than you'd think.
Making Quality Final CutsMaking Quality Final Cuts
The last cut you make when turning a bowl will determine how much or how little sanding needs to be done before applying finish to your creation. A quality cut at this point in the process will not only decrease your sanding time, it will also increase your pleasure at the lathe.
My Friend EdMy Friend Ed
Ed is a retired concert violinist, but I know him as my woodturning buddy. We share stories about our woodturning adventures and occasionally swap wood and tall tales.
Sharpening a Bowl GougeSharpening a Bowl Gouge
Improving your turning skills involves spending time on your lathe, but sharp tools are also part of the equation. Here are some sharpening basics.
Skew Chisel TipsSkew Chisel Tips
If you learn two skew-cutting techniques and a scraping method, you'll turn like a pro!
Spindle Turning: Four Basic ToolsSpindle Turning: Four Basic Tools
The time you spend practicing proper spindle turning cutting methods with four key tools will easily be made up by a reduction in your sanding time.
The Lowdown on LathesThe Lowdown on Lathes
Just like you can't tell the players without a program, you can't really start turning without a lathe. 
The Soft Underbelly of BowlsThe Soft Underbelly of Bowls
As we casually sneak a peek underneath a friend's newly finished bowl, we want to know if the bottom received the same amount of attention as the rest of the vessel. Does the bottom curve agree with the inside form of the bowl? Is the shape pleasing? Are there sanding scratches? How well do the bottoms of your bowls hold up to such scrutiny?
Top Ten Turning Safety TipsTop Ten Turning Safety Tips
Proper technique and gear go a long way towards keeping you safe. Remember that the most important safety "tool" is between your ears!
Turning Green WoodTurning Green Wood
Tools cut green wood fibers like hot knives through butter, and the shavings fly! Here's how to transform a large chunk of hard maple into an elegant bowl in a matter of minutes.
Vacuum ChuckingVacuum Chucking
Sometimes, there just doesn't seem to be a reasonable way to attach something to the lathe. Enter the vacuum chuck!
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