5 Ways To Make Wood Turning Blanks

By Author: Ariella Tranter
Total Articles: 1
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Introduction

My name is David and I have been an avid woodturner for the past 10 years. It all started when I received a lathe as a Christmas gift from my wife. I was instantly fascinated with the idea of turning a plain block of wood into a beautiful and functional piece of art. Over the years, I have experimented with different techniques and methods to create my own wood turning blanks. Today, I want to share with you 5 ways to make wood turning blanks that will elevate your woodturning game.

1. Traditional Method

The traditional method of making wood turning blanks involves gluing together smaller pieces of wood to create a larger block. This is especially useful if you have a lot of scrap wood lying around. First, arrange the wood pieces in a desirable pattern, making sure they are all the same thickness. Apply wood glue on the edges and clamp them together tightly. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before removing the clamps. You now have a bigger block of wood that can be used for turning.

2. Segmented Method

The segmented method involves creating a blank using several pieces of wood ...
... of different colors and species. This allows for more intricate designs and patterns, making the final product more visually appealing. Start by cutting the wood pieces into equal sizes and gluing them together to form rings. Once you have a few rings, glue them together to create a larger block. This method requires precision and patience, but the end result is worth the effort.

3. Cored Method

The cored method involves drilling a hole through the center of a larger piece of wood and then using a hollowing tool to remove the core. This creates a hollow center in the blank, which can be useful for making vases or candle holders. To do this, start by drawing a circle in the center of your wood piece. Next, use a drill press to carefully make a hole through the wood. Then, use a hollowing tool to remove the center and smooth out any imperfections.

4. Stacked Method

The stacked method is similar to the segmented method, but instead of using rings, you will be stacking the wood pieces on top of each other. This method allows for more creativity and freedom in design as you can create unique layers and textures. Begin by cutting the pieces of wood into different shapes and sizes. Then, stack them on top of each other, making sure the edges line up. Glue them together and let it dry before turning on the lathe.

5. Resin Method

The resin method involves combining wood with epoxy resin to create a colorful and unique blank. This is a great way to use wood pieces that are not large enough for other methods or for creating custom designs. First, mix the resin according to the manufacturer's instructions and add any desired pigments or dyes. Then, pour the resin into a mold and add the wood pieces on top, making sure they are evenly spaced. Once the resin has cured, remove it from the mold and trim off any excess. You can now turn your resin and wood blank on the lathe to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

After trying out these 5 methods, I have found that the traditional and segmented methods are my go-to for creating wood turning blanks. However, I always keep a few resin blanks on hand for when I want to add a pop of color to my pieces. Whichever method you choose, the key is to have fun and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

As I continue to hone my woodturning skills, I am always looking for new ways to improve and elevate my craft. Making my own wood turning blanks allows me to have more control over the materials I use and opens up endless possibilities for creativity. I hope these 5 ways to make wood turning blanks, including making segmented bowl blanks https://exoticwoodzone.com/blogs/e/turning-elegance-a-guide-to-rosewood-bowl-blanks, have inspired you to try new techniques and take your woodturning to the next level. Happy turning!