David Condon, Woodturner from Tralee Co. Kerry Ireland
Welcome to my About Page.
Welcome! I’m David Condon, a woodturner working from my workshop just outside Tralee, Co. Kerry. I create handcrafted Irish hardwood pieces both decorative & functional and teach woodturning to beginners and hobby level Woodturners from across Ireland. I also stock and sell a wide range of woodturning tools and products through my website. What began as a creative outlet has become a full-time passion rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and sharing knowledge. Whether you’re here for tuition, tools, or one-of-a-kind gifts, I hope you find something that inspires you. Thanks for supporting Irish craft and small independent makers like me.
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​Join Me in Woodturning!
Whether you're a beginner or more advanced and looking to hone your skills, I offer comprehensive Woodturning tuition lessons. Join me in my workshop and embark on your own creative journey, guided by years of experience and a genuine love for the craft. I carry an extensive range of essential Hamlet Woodturning Tools, Chestnut Products, Hampshire Sheen, Woodturning Blanks and Sanding Essentials to help you on your journey to finding excellence in your own creations. I also carry an extensive range of Woodturning Pen Blanks in Irish Hardwood and Acrylic Pen Blank form if pens or pen making are your interest. If you are only a casual interest in Woodturning or are looking for an interesting day out, my Woodturning Experiences may be right up your street.
Better Behind the Lathe Than in Front of the Lens
You will find a few pictures of me around this page, I'm normally extremely camera shy so please know that it took a lot of effort for me to be in frame and even now I am uncomfortable looking at them.
I Turn & Craft pieces using Irish Hardwood almost exclusively, cutting the wood from the trees & drying them in my workshop.
My aim is to give you a product that is truly Irish Made to the best quality I'm capable of. Each piece you buy from me has a history which I am happy to share with you.
Pictured here; The smaller Ash Bowl came from Glencar and went to a buyer in Cork. The larger one came from Tralee and went to a buyer in California USA.
Crafted in Kerry: From Tree to Treasured Keepsake!
I have a passion for transforming Fallen Irish hardwoods into stunning, functional & artistic pieces. Situated just outside of Tralee Co. Kerry, my workshop is where nature's raw beauty meets meticulous craftsmanship.
Each piece tells a story — of Irish wood, local heritage, and a lifelong craft.
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A Journey of Craftsmanship
I specialize in rescuing hardwoods directly from fallen trees and breathing new life into them. From elegant home decor & functional pieces to occasional artistic masterpieces, my work embodies the spirit and beauty of Irish wood.
Follow My Social Media Online​​​
Stay Connected: Follow my journey and get inspired by checking out my social media accounts below. Join our vibrant community of woodturning enthusiasts and craft lovers.
Thank you for visiting my site. I hope you find something that sparks your creativity and love for handcrafted art.
First Time Here?
Are you looking to book a Woodturning Tuition Session or a hands-on Woodturning Experience? You'll find all the information you need in the listings by following the links above. Each session type is described in detail, ensuring you know exactly what to expect and how to secure your spot. If you have any further questions, my Blog Posts and Contact page are available to assist you.
Interested in Owning a Handcrafted Piece?
Photos don’t always do justice to the quality and character of my work. Many customers say the craftsmanship truly shines when seen and held in person. It may cost more than mass-produced pieces, but the joy and uniqueness are worth it.
​Learn more about the My Process here
Here I am Rough turning a large Ash bowl in 2019
​Want to see my Work or buy something from me?
I’d be happy to set up a display for you! While I don't have a permanent shop, I welcome visitors as long as I have some notice of your arrival. To ensure you have the best experience, please send me a message through the Contact page with a list of items you’d like to see and suitable time. This way, I can arrange a time for your visit and have everything ready for you to view. I’ve had some unannounced callers in the past who were disappointed to find nothing on display, so letting me know in advance is greatly appreciated.
I’d love to show you what I’ve been working on—just get in touch and we’ll make it happen.
Where I'm Located
I live in a quiet valley at the foot of the Short Mountain, just outside Tralee town. Tralee itself sits in a parallel valley, with both opening into the scenic Tralee Bay. The mountain rising behind my home is part of the Sliabh Mish range, which stretches halfway along the Dingle Peninsula—an area known for its rugged, picturesque landscapes and classic Irish charm.
I’m about a mile from Tralee’s town centre, in a rural setting—but don’t worry, I’m easy to find on Google Maps. You’ll find my full address on the Contact Page.
The ash bowl shown here was made from a tree felled in Glencar, Co. Kerry. I sold it a few years ago, but it remains one of my all-time favourites—everything about it turned out just right, so it still features in some of my advertising.
Woodturning Teacher
I offer a range of Private Tuition Classes for beginner Woodturners from my Workshop in Tralee. Early on, I discovered a niche in helping aspiring Woodturners avoid common pitfalls when starting out. Many beginners invest in poor-quality lathes, tools, or sharpening equipment, leading to frustration and higher costs in the long run. Where I stand out is by focusing on advice—helping students choose the right tools and equipment for their needs & budgets, rather than diving into specific projects too early.
This practical guidance ensures students start off on the right foot, with a solid foundation. Once we’ve covered the basics, including sharpening and maintaining tools, the focus shifts to how to use those tools effectively. To read more about getting started, check out my Blog Posts.
Attend one of my Woodturning Classes in Tralee
My sessions are now 4 or 5 hours long, offering ample time for learning without becoming overwhelming.
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Many students tell me that the money they save by following my advice far outweighs the cost of the sessions themselves. Teaching safe and efficient woodturning techniques while helping students invest wisely in equipment is incredibly rewarding for me. Since late 2019, I’ve also welcomed visiting tourists into my Workshop through engaging Woodturning Experiences, providing a unique opportunity to explore the craft firsthand.
Check out my Woodturning Tuition or Woodturning Experiences pages if this craft interests you.
There are Gift Vouchers available for nearly all options, ideal if you are looking for a quick gift idea!
A Taste of Turning—Just for Fun!
Discover the Joy of a Woodturning Experience: If you only have a casual interest in woodturning or are simply looking for a unique and engaging day out, my Woodturning Experiences could be just what you're looking for. These hands-on sessions are designed to give you a taste of the craft in a fun, relaxed setting, making them perfect for absolute newbies or anyone curious about the art of woodturning. Whether you're seeking a creative way to spend a few hours, a memorable gift idea, or just a chance to try something completely different, these experiences are an enjoyable and rewarding introduction to this timeless skill.
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Side effects may include sudden bursts of creativity and a strange urge to buy chisels.
Why David Condon “Woodcraft” and Not “Woodturning”?
When I launched this business back in 2015, I deliberately chose the name David Condon 'Woodcraft' instead of 'Woodturning'. Why? Because I didn’t want to limit myself. While woodturning is my main focus, I also wanted the freedom to create a wider range of woodcraft products and to stand out from the many others using “woodturning” in their name. In hindsight, I’ve occasionally wondered if using Woodturning might have helped me appear higher in search results as a Woodturner. But names aside, it’s the quality of the work that matters most and I let that speak for itself. My forays into the Woodcraft world beyond Woodturning have not been extensive but that may change in time!
​So What is this website all about?
A new visitor to my website might be confused to see a Woodturner's website with so many craft supplies products that are seemingly unrelated to their Woodcraft business.
You're not alone if you think that it is strange, I do feel that way myself sometimes. I started out simply as a Woodturner selling my handcrafted bits and pieces.
After a few years, I added the Tuition and then the Tools & Finishes naturally slotted into the business nicely.
What started as a way to support my own making evolved into a resource for other makers too—now I supply not just woodcraft, but the materials to wrap, finish, and present it beautifully.
Why I Started Selling Craft Supplies
I began selling ribbons, bows, organza bags, and a few other packaging items because I was already using them in my own business—for adding finishing touches and wrapping handmade gifts. After spending far too long hunting for reliable, high-quality supplies, I grew frustrated with vendors who relied on backorders and made me wait 7 to 10 business days (or longer) for delivery.
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Eventually, I decided to take matters into my own hands and become a reseller. I figured if I needed these products, other crafters probably did too. I also hoped that some customers might buy a handmade piece from me and pick up ribbon or a gift bag to wrap it with.
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Sales have since been strong enough to keep the range growing. I’ve invested heavily to ensure I keep stock on hand—because I don’t dropship, and I firmly believe businesses should only list items they physically have. Everything you see on my site is ready to ship (with the odd stock hiccup, I’ll admit!).
It was during Covid that I began expanding my product range in a more serious way. What many people don’t realise is that being a full-time woodturner is a very niche path—one that rarely provides a sustainable income on its own. Like many others in the trade, I needed to diversify. Most woodturners stick with turning-related items or narrow product lines, but I seem to have taken more of a shotgun blast approach—offering everything from finished woodcraft to ribbons and packaging supplies to tools & finishes!
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At one point, I considered splitting the craft products off into their own website. But after chatting with a marketing expert, I was advised to keep everything under one roof. As it turns out, each side of my business adds credibility to the other—and that mix is part of what makes this shop a little different.
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Why not place an order today and experience the difference for yourself? Every item is in stock, carefully packed, and sent with the kind of personal, efficient service you won’t find from big-box stores.
Support a fellow crafter and small Irish business—and get the quality you’ve been looking for.
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Appreciate the work? A coffee goes a long way ☕
From November 2023 to mid-2024, I ran Google Ads on this website to generate a bit of extra income. But over time, I felt the ads were becoming intrusive and taking away from Customer browsing experience so I removed them.
Instead, I’ve added a small “Buy Me a Coffee” button. It’s a simple, optional way to support what I do. Woodturning isn’t exactly a millionaire’s game, as many of you likely know, and every little bit helps keep the workshop lights on and the shavings flying.
I know not everyone will want—or be able—to contribute, and that’s perfectly okay. But if you’ve enjoyed the content on my website or Blog & found it helpful, and feel like showing a bit of support, it would mean a lot.
No pressure. Just thanks for stopping by.