Woodworker's Journal 2008-32-5, страница 31
Most small turnings require the use of miniature or small-scale turning tools. But don't worry, they're easily available through woodturning catalogs and at woodworking stores. When it comes to tiny turnings, it's helpful to select a fine-grained wood. Excellent fine-grained species are boxwood, dogwood, pear, persimmon, holly, hard maple and many of the exotics. But don't forget to consider the branches of larger trees. For example, if I want to use ash wood for a small turning, I might harvest a small branch from a large tree. The growth rings will be closer together and finer-grained, helpful for small-scale turnings. The ability to see well is of paramount importance. I recommend those magnifying lenses that fit on a person's head. They're sort of like wearing a pair of reading glasses, but easier to use when working at both medium and close distances. They're a standard fashion accessory for Bonnie, as well as for many other turners! I have my own pair. Ed Kelle Ed began turning in 2003 after he first saw a lathe being used at the Long Island Woodworking Show. Ed Ed Kelle's love and understanding of nature translate well to the objects he makes, like this tiny walnut wood "blossom." says, "I was mesmerized by the curls rapidly coming from the bowl." After frustrated attempts using a poorly running larger lathe, he purchased a JET® mini-lathe and began making small-scale objects. Ed sometimes uses small-scale tools, but generally he relies on standard turning tools for most of his work. For hollow vessels, he made his own small-scale hollowing tools. I first met Ed a few years ago when I acquired a set of Ed's nested acorns boxes. They are made from cherry wood, with the tops textured and darkened. They looked like the real thing! The use of texture and detail on a small scale are two elements Ed uses to draw viewers into his work: "people can't help wanting to pick them up. They step closer and then see the details that are present." Ed has a background in fine art, painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. He says, "Visual arts teach you the importance of concentrating on your subject, as there are no casual glances." He believes that form is the most important element in turning, and studying the art of other media can increase a person's knowledge base and visual skills. He's not afraid to incorporate ideas from other fields and utilize skills from all areas of his life into his woodturning endeavors. He's made furniture, sculpture and jewelry boxes, often using the lathe for the beginning phases of his work. Ed's "blossom" is made from walnut and measures 2" x 2" x 3>lkn. It is very thin, giving it the lightweight feeling of a real blossom. Ed textured the outside using Jennifer Shirley Woodworker's Journal October 2008 31 |
