Home Demonstrations Accessories Challenges Plans N Resources Turning Styles About Contact
Home Demonstrations Accessories Challenges Plans N Resources Turning Styles About Contact

About Alan Stratton

Alan Stratton has been a member since August 11th 2017, and has created 656 posts from scratch.

Alan Stratton's Bio

Alan Stratton's Websites

This Author's Website is http://www.AsWoodTurns.com

Alan Stratton's Recent Articles

Turning My Christmas Ornament

published Friday, November 22nd, 2024 at 6:33 pm by

Christmas Ornament

Where does inspiration come from? The answer is anywhere. Even pictures that you adapt to your own style.

This ornament consists of a sphere from cherry for the main section that is hollowed from one side. The hollow is painted with an iridescent paint and a swirl of gold Rub N Buff. Maple finials complete the ornament.

The ornament is about 11 inches long and almost 3 inches in diameter. It is finished with shellac friction polish, iridescent acrylic paint and Rub N Buff.

Enjoy.

p.s. If you would like a more in depth demonstration than my weekly videos, please contact me for an IRD (Zoom Demo) on this or other topics.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Ornaments, Spheres | No Comments »

Harvesting Turned Autumn Pumpkin Box

published Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 9:34 am by

Pumpkin Box

This project is a great multi-axis box in the form of a pumpkin.

The twist is that the lines on the pumpkin continue into the lid, thus integrating the lid and base portions.

This wood is honey locust which has a great color and grain. However, it is so hard and brittle that I would recommend a more friendly wood such as cherry.

The box is spherical and based on the octagon method for turning spheres.

The box is about 4 inches round plus a stem carved from sapele. All finished with shellac.

Enjoy.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Boxes, Multi-Axis | 1 Comment »

Not So Artificial Intelligence For Turning Design

published Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at 9:08 am by

Urn example

I wanted to design a classic vase but needed inspiration and did not want to draw a design from scratch. Then I thought “Why not use the internet”. But instead of looking and a picture, use the computer to take it further.
So, browse the web for a likely candidate. It will not be perfect – I only need the general shape. Then copy and paste the image into another design software.
If turning solid, some measurements and go to the lathe.
If segmenting, take the software approach further to lay out segment rings of a target height. Then let the software tell me diameters that can be plugged into a spreadsheet for final calculations.
What a boost.

The Ornament Challenge began accepting entries November 1st.

Enjoy.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Segmented | 1 Comment »

Turning Honey Dipper For Sweet, Quick Gift

published Thursday, October 31st, 2024 at 10:23 pm by

Honey Dipper

This project is a quick and easy project. If you can turn a spindle and use a parting tool, you are good to go.

Prepare wood spindle of close grain, non-toxic wood with a tenon to mount to a chuck.
shape the dipper end with grooves – depth is optional – number is optional.
Finish the dipper with a handle and any other accents that may be desired.

Maple 1″ plus diameter by almost 5″ long finished with beeswax and mineral oil mix.
(1 pint mineral oil and .25 pound beeswax.

The Ornament Challenge will begin accepting entries November 1st.

Enjoy.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Small Projects | No Comments »

Turning Quick and Easy Tool For Quilting Friends

published Thursday, October 24th, 2024 at 10:10 pm by

Maple Quilt Tool

This project is another quick and easy project. One that my sister who is greatly affected by the quilting virus has requested several times. If you can turn a spindle, you are good to go.

Prepare wood spindle of close grain, with a tenon to mount to a chuck. I like maple but since as a spindle, it is fairly plain, I like to add burned in grooves for accents. I like to keep the spindle finger friendly. This is not the time to show off big beads and coves.

Maple 1″ diameter by almost 7″ long finished with shellac.

The Ornament Challenge will begin accepting entries November 1st.

Enjoy.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Small Projects | 4 Comments »