Woodturning Blanks – A Starter’s Guide for New Turners
- David Condon
- Sep 5
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
When I first started woodturning, I thought the biggest challenge would be the tools — sharpening them, learning the cuts, getting the right techniques. But very quickly I discovered that the real stumbling block was the wood itself.
Finding suitable blanks to practice on was harder than I expected. Either the timber was too expensive to “waste” on beginner mistakes, or it wasn’t properly prepared for the lathe. Like many new turners, I ended up frustrated, wishing I had a simple and reliable supply of decent blanks to get me going.
That’s part of the reason I recently began stocking a range of woodturning blanks myself. Over time, I’ve built up a small but practical selection that students or newbie woodturners can purchase online or take away after lessons with me here in Tralee. These are the same species I use in my own workshop for my own creations, so I know exactly how they behave on the lathe and what kind of end results to expect.
If you are just starting out in woodturning or interested in getting started, my post what to expect from your first woodturning class may be of benefit and I have others to read too. If you don't know anything about woodturning, my post Is Woodturning a Good Hobby might interest you and get you to go further.
I have added a new post where I talk about Essential Tools & Finishes for a Woodturner’s Workshop which you might find helpful if you are starting out.
My own Early Experiences
When I bought my first lathe I was itching to get started and instantly frustrated that wood wasn’t just lying around waiting for me. I used scraps of softwood but they were not up to the task. I even laminated pieces together to create something more substantial but I realize now that what I was doing was actually dangerous. A little bit of knowledge.......
I knew a local joiner back in the day, who let me dig through his bin for endgrain scraps. Sometimes I got lucky and found a full 8-inch offcut piece or two that I could work with, but many were cracked or damaged — which is why they ended up in the bin in the first place. Using badly cracked wood is dangerous and not something I’d recommend for any turner.
Hardwood was cheaper back then, but times have seriously changed. Prices have risen and joiners are now reluctant to part with even waste wood offcuts for free. That’s why I’ve taken the stress out of it by stocking a small, affordable range of blanks.
To make things easier, I’ve put together a selection you can pick up alongside tools and finishes — ready to use, safe, and fairly priced.
Ash Woodturning Blanks
Ash is one of my favourites for spindle projects and bowls too. It has strength, lovely grain patterns, a nice pale colour initially, and it takes detail extremely well. Whether you’re making tool handles, candlesticks, or just practicing beads and coves, ash is a dependable choice. It’s also a good introduction to how hard-hardwoods cut, giving you a feel for grain direction without being overly punishing.
Some woodturners avoid ash because it can be tough to cut, but I enjoy it for its strength and characterful grain. I absolutely love working with it. Ash also takes embellishing waxes beautifully — for example, the Gold Embellishing Wax from Hampshire Sheen really pops on its pale surface.
Beech Woodturning Blanks
Beech is another solid option, often overlooked but excellent for projects that need a smooth finish. It’s a mid range hardwood, slightly softer than ash and can be a little more challenging because it shows tool marks easily and highlights your mistakes so they can't hide. That’s exactly why I recommend it once you’ve gotten a feel for spindle turning. I use beech a lot for practical projects, as it’s durable and consistent. It doesn't have the most fantastic grain if that's your thing but it can be very attractive at times.
Beech doesn’t have the most striking grain, but it can still be attractive at times. It’s a closed grain wood, so it doesn’t take embellishing waxes well. Beech works quite well with Danish Oil as a finish (if you need food-safe) and I find that using a high grit wet/dry sandpaper while the Oil is still wet on the surface can produce fantastic finish results.
Poplar Practice Blanks
When you’re starting out, you need something forgiving — wood that lets you practice your cuts without worrying about chipping out or wasting money. That’s where poplar comes in. These practice blanks are inexpensive, soft, and perfect for building confidence on the lathe. Many of my students start here, working through their first beads, coves, and shapes before moving on to hardwoods. Once you become more experienced, Poplar can make fine ornaments so you can be ready for Christmas Markets. So even practice blanks can turn into something useful down the line.
Bowl Blanks
Bowl turning is a different beast altogether, and good blanks can be hard to source. That’s why I’ve invested in a range of bowl blanks, even though they came in at great expense. Having quality, properly prepared blanks makes all the difference when you’re learning how to shape and hollow a bowl. Many students pick one up after a lesson so they can continue practicing at home with confidence.
When you’re starting bowls, you don’t want to risk hours of effort on a poor-quality blank — it’s frustrating and can put you off turning altogether. That’s exactly why I make sure to stock proper bowl blanks, even if they’re costly to carry.
The truth is, suitable wood is expensive and planks over 7 inches are hard to come by. To keep prices reasonable, I sometimes have to buy in bulk and sit on the stock for a long time. It’s a big investment, but one I believe is worthwhile for anyone serious about learning bowls.
Final Thoughts
Getting started in woodturning can be a challenge, but the right blanks make the journey much smoother. If you’re a beginner, don’t hesitate — stock up on some practice blanks, and once you’re ready, move on to hardwoods and bowl blanks.
Every cut you make builds skill, and having the right timber on hand means you can focus on learning rather than fighting with poor materials. Don’t let cost alone dictate your choice — buy right the first time, and your more experienced future self will thank you.
Thanks for reading,David
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About the Author
I’m David Condon, a woodturner and small business owner based in Tralee, Co. Kerry. I’ve been working with wood for most of my life — 11 years as a carpenter and over a decade running my own woodturning business.
During that time, I’ve worked with Irish hardwoods, taught woodturning, and run my workshop full-time. On this site, I share the same knowledge I pass on to my students — from choosing the right wood and tools to finishing techniques that make every project shine.
I also stock a carefully chosen range of turning blanks, tools, and craft supplies that I use every day in my own work. You can explore more of my handcrafted pieces and classes at David Condon Woodcraft.
© David Condon Woodcraft – All Rights Reserved.
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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.
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