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Woodturning Tips Library
Steve offers numerous woodturning tips
on the proper use of the "Irish" ground
bowl gouge at The Woodworking Shows
Welcome to our Woodturning Tips Library. As a professional studio woodturner, teacher and writer, I have written numerous education articles for international woodturning magazines, which have been published in more than 78 countries around the world.
This collection of tips and techniques is intended to assist woodturners in advancing their skill level in various aspects related to woodturning. For in-depth articles on woodturning, please visit our main library. For definitions to common woodturning terms, visit our Multimedia Woodturning Glossary Library. New articles will be added to our tips library frequently, so check back often! Search for Educational Content on this Website Below
Woodturning Tips: FinishingOil Finishes - Reducing Color Change in Light Woods
| Oil finishes can dramatically change the color of light woods. Learn how to use sanding sealers prior to application of your oil finishes to reduce this color change. |  |
Using Buffing Wheels with Oil and Wax Finishes
 | Learn how buffing the finish on your woodturnings can greatly enhance the quality of your finish. Whether you use oil or wax, buffing can improve the quality of your woodturnings. |
The Magic of Microcrystalline Wax
| Learn how to use microcrystalline wax to enhance the finish on your woodturnings. Microcrystalline waxes offer superior protection over traditional waxes like beeswax and carnauba. |  |
Using Wood Dyes for Decorative Embellishment
 | Learn how to use wood dyes to enhance the color of your woodturnings. Includes tips and tricks for using spirit based dyes. |
Buffing Epoxy Finishes
| Learn how to buff epoxy finishes using various techniques. Includes tips and techniques specifically designed for woodturners. |  |
Preventing Paste Wax Creep
 | Learn how to store paste wax finishes to prevent creep (seepage) from the tins during storage. |
Woodturning Tips: Homemade Finishes
Woodturning Tips: General Woodturning TechniquesDealing with Torn Grain
| Learn how to effectively deal with torn grain and tear out on your woodturnings. Includes simple strategies to reduce or eliminate torn grain. |  |
How to Apply End Grain Sealers for Success
 | Learn the proper techniques for applying end grain sealers to fresh cut green wood to prevent checking. Includes tips for numerous application methods. |
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Drying Green Wood Roughouts in Paper Bags with Forced Air
| Learn how to use ordinary paper bags for drying green wood roughouts. Includes advanced protocol to reduce overall drying time with forced air circulation. |  |
Cabochon Stone Buying Tips
 | Learn how to buy cabochon stone inlays for your woodturning projects. Includes buying tips and recommended sources to get you started. |
Woodturning Ergonomics Save Your Body!
| Learn how proper ergonomics while woodturning can help you save your body and reduce injuries. |  |
Using Diamond Abrasives to Sand
Crushed Stone Inlays
 | Learn why diamond abrasives are a good choice for the initial sanding of crushed stone inlays on your woodturnings. |
Woodturning Tips: Woodturning ToolsThe Kelton Center Saver System:
Getting More Value from Your Bowl Blanks
| With a Kelton Center Saver system, you can core out the centers of your bowls as a solid block of wood. This saved core can then be remounted and turned into additional bowls. |  |
Micro Turning Tools: Elegant Tools for Fine Detail
 | Micro turning tools are very useful for many tasks on the lathe. Learn the benefits of these tools and how they can become an essential tool in your woodturning studio. |
Using a Wood Burner to Thermally Transfer
Photocopied Images Onto Wood
| Learn how to use a wood burner to transfer photocopied images onto the surface of your woodturnings. The transferred image can be used as a guide for burning, carving or other embellishment work. |  |
Pen Mandrels: Maintaining Accuracy
 | Learn how to properly maintain and store your pen mandrels to preserve their accuracy. Includes mounting, turning and storage tips. |
Mastering Shear Scrapers
| Learn the advantages of using shear scrapers to perfect the surface of your woodturnings. Includes tips for Irish bowl gouges, traditional scrapers and dedicated shear scrapers. |  |
Cryogenically Treated Turning Tools
 | Learn the benefits of cryogenically treated woodturning tools. Using cryo treated turning tools reduces the amount of sharpening needed when turning large volumes of wood or abrasive timbers. |
Measuring Tools for Woodturners
| Learn how measuring tools can make your woodturning easier and more accurate. |  |
Using the McNaughton Center Saver On A Mini-Lathe
 | Learn about using the McNaughton center saver on mini-lathes with the new micro and mini center saver systems. |
Using Profile Scrapers
| Learn how profile scrapers can benefit you when working on faceplate projects. Includes sharpening tips for better performance. |  |
The Versatile Irish Grind
 | Learn why the Irish grind is becoming an increasingly popular bevel profile for woodturning bowl gouges and spindle gouges. |
Reducing Vibration When Using Scrapers
| Learn how to reduce vibration when using scrapers on the lathe. Includes tips for using different kinds of scrapers and tool rests to effectively mitigate vibration and achieve a smoother surface. |  |
Random Orbit Sanders
 | Learn the benefits of using random orbit sanders to finish sand woodturnings. Includes advantages and disadvantages. |
Using The Sanding Solution to Sand Inside Hollow Forms
| How to use The Sanding Solution inertia sander to simplify sanding inside deep hollow forms. |  |
Faceplates: Choosing the Right Type
 | Learn how to select faceplates for various woodturning projects. Includes tips, tricks and recommendations. |
Woodturning Tool Handles New Content!
| Learn how to choose tool handles for various woodturning tools. Includes pros and cons for metal and wood handles. |  |
Drilling Accurate Holes New Content!
 | Learn tips and tricks for drilling accurate holes in your your woodturning projects for turning on the lathe. |
Ball Bearing Live Centres New Content!
| Learn about various types of live centres used with woodturning lathes, including ball bearing, dead, and multi-tip. |  |
Woodturning Tips: Woodturning Related EquipmentDry Grinder Wheel Maintenance
| Learn how to maintain the wheels on your dry grinder for optimal sharpening performance. Maintaining your dry grinder is an important step to keep your woodturning tools sharp. |  |
Chainsaw Tips: Getting the Most from Your Saw
 | Learn how to get the most from your chainsaw when you're processing green wood logs and turning blanks. Includes tips for chainsaw maintenance and cutting. |
Preventative Maintenance On Woodturning Equipment
| Learn the basics of preventative maintenance for your woodturning tools and equipment. Includes lathe, dust collector, bandsaw, drill press and others. |  |
New Products from Tormek New Content!
 | Tormek has introduced several new products for their wet sharpening system. Learn about these products and how they can help you in your woodturning studio. |
Air Compressor Tips New Content!
| Learn how to select and maintain an air compressor for use in a woodturning studio. |  |
Cordless Drill Batteries New Content!
 | Learn about my deliberations on whether to rebuild or replace my dead or dying rechargeable drill batteries for several drills. |
Stihl Chainsaws: Repairing the 026 and 066 Models New Content!
| Learn some tips for repairing and maintaining Stihl 026 and 066 chainsaws. |  |
Woodturning Tips: General WoodturningFinding Artistic Inspiration for Woodturnings
 | Learn how to find the right kind of artistic inspiration for your woodturnings and overcome the creative wall and keep your work fresh. |
Wood Stabilization Techniques for Woodturners
| Learn simple wood stabilization techniques using lacquer, CA and wood hardeners for spalted and soft woods. |  |
Super Glue: Tips and Tricks
 | Learn how to use and store super glue. Includes tips and tricks for applying super glue, storing, and preventing tip clogging. |
Tips for Working With Deer Antler
| Learn how to turn deer antler writing pens. Lots of tips and tricks are included for working with this alternative material on pens. |  |
Lathe Drapes Make Your Life Easier!
| Lathe drapes can protect your lathe and make clean up easier. Using these simple drapes makes your lathe clean up at the end of the day a snap. |
Tips for Preventing Splits in Pen Barrels
| Learn techniques to prevent splits in pen barrels during drilling, sanding, finishing and assembly. |  |
Options for Inlay Materials
 | Learn about various inlay materials for use in woodturnings including crushed stone, wood shavings and metal dusts. |
Storing Anchorseal Green Wood Log Sealer:
Long Term Test Results
| Learn the results of my long term storage tests for Anchorseal's green wood log sealer. |  |
Metric Conversion to Fractional to Decimal-Inch Cross Reference Table
 | Use this handy cross reference table to quickly convert your drill bits to any metric, fractional or decimal-inch equivalents. |
75 Woodturning Tips and Tricks New Content!
| 75 woodturning tips and tricks from Steve Russell to save you time and money in your studio. |  |
Art and Craft Shows: Tips for Success New Content!
 | Learn how to get started selling your work at art and craft shows with these handy tips. |
Woodturning Tips: Specialised Woodturning Techniques
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