Why Woodturning Is More Than Just Making Things – A Guide for Beginners
- David Condon
- May 24
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 27
🪵Woodturning Techniques & Skills for Beginners
Woodturning is much more than shaping a block of wood — it’s a craft that blends skill, creativity, with a good amount of patience. For anyone starting out, learning the essential types of cuts — roughing, finishing, and detail work — forms the foundation.
You’ll also discover how to respond to the natural character of the wood itself, which is just as important as mastering the tools.
The Essence of Woodturning
This post isn’t a how-to guide, but more of a starting point — a collection of concepts, thoughts and ideas related to woodturning for beginners, especially the kinds of things you might not think about when you're first getting started. If it sparks your interest or gives you something to reflect on, that’s exactly what it’s meant to do. I’ve written other blog posts that go into more practical detail if you're looking to dig deeper into specific techniques or tools.
Over time, you may move beyond basic spindle or bowl turning and explore advanced techniques like hollowing (for making vessels) or segmented turning, where different wood pieces are joined to create stunning, layered designs. Personally, I have no wish to do either of those, as the processes hold no interest for me — but I do enjoy seeing other woodturners demonstrate or present their finished work.
Why It’s More Than Just Crafting
Your personal preferences will play a huge part in what you enjoy making as a woodturner. The Ring Holder shown here is a design I’ve perfected over the years and one that brings great joy to me when I get it 100% right. It is not easy to do in case you were wondering.
Getting Started with Woodturning
Choosing the right wood is part of the learning process. Hardwoods like oak, ash, or beech are durable and beautiful, while softer woods like pine or poplar are easier for beginners.
(P.S. I offer a selection of woodturning blanks if you’re looking for quality wood to start with and also a fine selection of pen blanks!)
Whatever wood you choose, aim to honour it and don't be wasteful with it. It might be cheap to buy or even be free like FOG wood (found on ground). Make sure your finished piece does justice to the once-proud tree it came from, and try not to waste more than necessary. I like to be very selective when I turn, creating as little waste as possible.
🦺 Safety First: Essential Practices in the Workshop
Before turning the lathe on, safety must come first. I always teach students to use:
• Safety glasses and face shields before the Lathe is switched on.
• Dust masks or respirators
• Hearing protection
• A clean, hazard-free workspace
Knowing how to set up your lathe, mount your wood properly & securely, and handle tools safely is crucial. I’ve even written a blog post, From Dust to Disaster, about common workshop hazards and how to prevent them—well worth a read!
In my tuition sessions, safety is built into every step so that you gain confidence and control from the very beginning avoiding unnecessary accidents.
🎁 The Joy of Making Handmade Gifts
There’s a deep satisfaction in creating something with your own hands. A handcrafted bottle stopper, bowl, or beautiful household ornament carries a meaning you simply can’t buy in a shop.
At first, your early pieces might feel very much like practice runs and a little bit dodgy and that’s perfectly okay. In time, though, you’ll create something that truly feels 'finished'.
Seeing someone’s face light up when they receive a handmade gift is a feeling like no other. This is why so many people fall in love with woodturning. After all the time, effort, blood, sweat & tears and investment, that first perfect piece makes it all worthwhile.
As your skills grow, you’ll begin adding your own decorative touches, engravings, or custom elements that reflect your personal style. It’s a proud moment when you can look at a finished piece and think, “Wow… I made this.”
🤝 Why the Woodturning Community Matters
Woodturning can be solitary—but it doesn't have to be. Joining woodturning guilds, local groups, or online forums introduces you to a world of makers who share, teach, and inspire.
Attending demos, workshops, and events brings fresh perspective and often sparks new ideas. The support and shared knowledge within the community is one of the most valuable parts of the journey.
Having a woodturning buddy can be a massive boost — someone to share progress with, trade tips, and even inspire a bit of friendly competition. If you know someone who’s also turning, get in touch with them ASAP — you’ll both benefit from the motivation and shared enthusiasm.
🌱 Sustainability in Woodturning
So far, I’ve donated to plant over 40 hardwood trees, far more than I’ll ever use for the rest of my life.
I also like to teach students how to minimise waste, reuse offcuts, and get creative with every last piece of wood. Sustainable craft is not only environmentally responsible, it often leads to your most interesting pieces.
✍️ Join Me in the Workshop
Since 2015, I’ve been turning professionally and since 2019, I’ve been teaching it. My tuition style is focused yet relaxed, and always personal. Whether it’s one-to-one or one-to-two teacher to student ratio, you’ll have my full attention. Even the group classes are not too packed at maximum 4 people.
If structured tuition isn’t your thing, you can also try a woodturning experience—a shorter, more casual introduction to the craft.
I’ll share everything I’ve learned over the years, including lessons from mistakes I made way back in the 1990s. You’ll benefit from that hard-won knowledge without having to make those mistakes yourself!
Check out my Woodturning Tuition Page for all the available Options to suit your budget and group size.
Benefits of Attending my Classes, Get Advice on;
• The right Lathe for your budget
• The best sharpening system
• The Right Tools to Use
• Sharpening Tips & Insider Tricks
• How to Look after your Equipment
• How to Turn Safely and efficiently
• How to remain Woodturning long into the future
And more besides.......
Still Not Convinced?
I have a few Blog Posts that deal with new or aspiring Woodturners that may be of interest after you look at my Tuition page. Once you know that you are going ahead, 'Your First Woodturning Tuition Class, what to expect' is a good one to start with. If you are unsure of going forward or not, 'Is Woodturning a Good Hobby?' is probably where you need to start. I have several other Woodturning related Blog Posts that will interest you if you are keen on making a start.
Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Thanks for reading — I hope this post has given you a better feel for what woodturning is really about, beyond just the tools and techniques. It’s a craft that grows with you, challenges you, and rewards you in ways that are hard to explain until you’ve felt them yourself.
Whether you're just curious, ready to book a class, or still figuring out if this is the right hobby for you, there’s a place for you in the woodturning world — and I’d love to help you get started.
I look forward to seeing you in the workshop! David
☕ Buy Me a Coffee?
I used to run ads on my website to generate a small income, but they slowed things down and didn’t really suit the feel of what I’m building here. So I’ve removed them in favour of something simpler and more personal—a “Buy Me a Coffee” button.
If you found this post interesting, helpful, or even just enjoyable, feel free to use the link below to show your support. No pressure at all—but every little bit helps, and it’s always genuinely appreciated.
As a small independent maker, I rely on a mix of teaching, crafting, and sharing to keep things going. This is just one way to help keep the shavings flying. Thanks so much!
More Pages to Explore
Household Woodcraft Gifts - Discover my range of Household Woodcraft for everyday use or special occasions, each crafted with care from exquisite Irish hardwood.
New Crafter's Haven - Browse a large selection of craft supplies I also sell including gift bags and ribbon that would accentuate my wood products when giving as a gift.
Food Serving - Explore my range of Food-Safe Irish Hardwood Bowls & Serving Boards!
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