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Despite the crummy weather the sizeable turnout tonight was treated to Gary Rowland’s demo on Open Segmented Turning.

He was quick to point out that while the style can be time consuming and the learning curve can be long, it is worth the effort.

His work proves that point.

It all begins with a proper plan. And Gary says that the best guidance he’s received thus far has been from William Smith’s book, “Segmented Wood Turning”

This link is to a pdf

The use of well thought out jigs and sleds is essential to achieve exact repeatability.

This lathe mounted jig,
for example, coupled
with the lathe’s indexing ring ensures exact
spacing during the
gluing up process.

All photos this page by Andy Hoyt

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A cone on the tailstock (that’s just barely kissing the piece, pressure wise) provides a high degree of support while getting the exterior rounded out.

It wasn’t long at all before the demo piece had a pleasing shape to it.

He used a right angle drill with 2” sanding pad to quickly smooth it up.

A simple strip of sandpaper can also be used with excellent results.

It was here that my camera began having a hissy fit.

But I was able to salvage this three-section panoramic.

Page last updated March 22, 2008