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Woodturning Tips Library

Steven D. Russell

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 75 countries around the world.

This collection of woodturning 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. New articles will be added to our tips library frequently, so check back often!



Woodturning Tips: Finishing

Oil 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.Liberon finishing oils


Using Buffing Wheels with Oil and Wax Finishes

Buffing an oil finishLearn 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.Renaissance microcrystalline wax


Using Wood Dyes for Decorative Embellishment

Concentrated spirit stainsLearn how to use wood dyes to enhance the color of your woodturnings. Includes tips and tricks for using spirit based dyes.



Buffing Epoxy Finishes New Content!

Learn how to buff epoxy finishes using various techniques. Includes tips and techniques specifically designed for woodturners.System Three clear coat epoxy



Woodturning Tips: General Woodturning Techniques

Dealing 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.Shear scraping platter rim


How to Apply End Grain Sealers for Success

End grain sealer dip tankLearn the proper techniques for applying end grain sealers to fresh cut green wood to prevent checking. Includes tips for numerous application methods.



Drying Green Wood Roughouts in Paper Bags with Forced Air New Content!

Learn how to use ordinary paper bags for drying green wood roughouts. Includes advanced protocol to reduce overall drying time with forced air circulation.Loading green wood roughout in paper bag



Cabochon Stone Buying Tips New Content!

Cabochon inlaid bottle stoppersLearn how to buy cabochon stone inlays for your woodturning projects. Includes buying tips and recommended sources to get you started.



Woodturning Tips: Woodturning Tools and Equipment

The 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.Nested bowl set made using Kel McNaughton center saver


Micro Turning Tools: Elegant Tools for Fine Detail

Henry Taylor micro turning toolsMicro 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.


Dry 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.Baldor dry grinder


Cryogenically Treated Turning Tools

Cryogenically treated bowl gougesLearn 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.


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.Oneway 2436 lathe


Chainsaw Tips: Getting the Most from Your Saw New Content!

Chainsawing logsLearn 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.


Using a Wood Burner to Thermally Transfer
Photocopied Images Onto Wood

New Content!

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.Razortip wood burner


Pen Mandrels: Maintaining Accuracy New Content!

Using PVC pipe to store pen mandrelsLearn how to properly maintain and store your pen mandrels to preserve their accuracy. Includes mounting, turning and storage tips.




Mastering Shear Scrapers New Content!

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.Henry Taylor shear scrapers



Woodturning Tips: General Woodturning

Finding Artistic Inspiration for Woodturnings

Spalted Water Oak hollow formLearn 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.Minwax wood hardener


Super Glue: Tips and Tricks

Super gluesLearn 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 New Content!

Learn how to turn deer antler writing pens. Lots of tips and tricks are included for working with this alternative material on pens.Deer antler


Lathe Drapes Make Your Life Easier! New Content!

Oneway 2436 latheLathe 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 New Content!

Learn techniques to prevent splits in pen barrels during drilling, sanding, finishing and assembly.Turned wood pens



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