Lathe and Turning woodworking plans/projects

This Yuletide container will bring cheer twice: once from its novel lightbulb design, and again from the candy cached inside. We will show you how to turn this on your lathe.

Dramatic figured wood sets off the clean lines of this canteen-style vase. And turning it is easy, even with that terrific mock inlaid face. Included with the plan are a cutoff Jig, jam chuck and radius guide.

Even the humble toothpick can have an exotic holder. While turning this clever container you will learn an ingenious technique for making a box with an inset lid.

The graceful shallow profile of this 10 inch diameter platter makes it the perfect project for showcasing fancy grain. With its spectacular swirling grain, random voids, and bark inclusions, few materials look better in a finished turning than burl, so we have included a source for burl-blanks. With a four-jaw chuck and a screw center, you can turn out an impressive platter in an afternoon.

You will be able to turn this novel penlight in a flash. It is just one more shining example of the fun you can have with your lathe. A buying guide is included with the plan which includes a flashlight pen kit.

Are cutoffs of exotic wood collecting dust in your shop? Here is your chance to transform a few pieces into an eye-catching toy. The plan includes a source for a kit that includes a special mandrel that make turning one childs play.

I scream! You scream! We all scream for fun, practical turning projects! Well here is one: an ice cream scoop you can turn in an evening, and enjoy every sundae. Included in the plan is a source for the scoop.

Hey turners, are you looking for something neat to do with all those wood scraps too beautiful to toss, yet seemingly too small to serve any purpose? Faced with the same dilemma, I blew the dust off o...

Behind the complex maze of intersecting grooves that make up these two-sided turned kitchen accessories lies a very simple process. This method incorporates a simple offset turning technique and uses ...

Serve snacks to friends and watch their attention turn to this attractive tray and handsome handles of the stainless steel cutlery. Then point out that the column supporting them shares the shape of the handles. We have included a source for the utensils and turning blanks for you.

Turn a scrap of wood, a piece of dowel, and a dab of paint into an elegant decoration. This handsome ornament holds more than one surprise. The first is the tiny tree captured within the pierced body; the second, the ease in turning this difficult looking project. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to spin them out by the dozen. And after all the admiring remarks, you will need to answer the inevitable question, How did you do it?

Serve cheese and crackers on this terrific turned tray. A maple cheeseboard graces the center of this domed mahogany tray, making an ideal service for all kinds of snacks. A knife with a turned birds ...

Create a buzz in your neighborhood with this alluring turning project. A source for the glass reservoir tube is included. This fanciful feeder requires only three things: a turning blank, a feeder kit, and a couple of relaxing hours at the lathe. The trick to forming the petals involves nothing more than a coping saw.

Here is a chance to hone both your spindle and faceplate turning skillsâand if you are lucky, get a tasty treat for your efforts. To prevent screw holes, we used a four-jaw chuck when turning the base. If you do not have such a chuck, a faceplate will do, but use the short screws that will not poke through the top of the base.

Here is a turning you can churn out quickly for gift giving. Or, if you are a wood collector, turn a bunch with this technique to display a variety of cherished wood species. You will learn to decorate the top with a chatter texture, using a low-cost tool you can make in your shop with parts from the hardware store. Special hardware (source listed in the plan) and chattering give this turning a whole new spin.

Lathe projects do not have to be complicated, and neither does gift giving. Learn to turn pens, and you will discover both a pleasant new pastime and a great way to make personalized gifts for birthda...

Though it brings to mind extraterrestrial objects, our turned lazy Susan boasts down-to-earth practicality. At any gathering, you only have to fill the four compartments with snacks, and this beauty becomes the center of the universe.

Mysteriously, metal paper clips stick to this turned piece of wood, the secret is is tucked away just below the domed top.

You will love to watch the birds gather round this turned bird feeder. You should be able to turn it out in short order, then just sit back and enjoy. This simple project turns leftover wood pieces into a lovely, full-size bird feeder!

After a simple glue-up and a quick turn between centers, you will have one strikingly beautiful tool in no time. And, with is supple ash handle and super-dense morado (Bolivian rosewood) head, you can expect a lifetime of service.

This quick-to-make light-bulb ornament is sure to brighten up the holidays. Whether you choose to stain them an assortment of colors as shown or make them out of different colored wood species, you can quickly turn out a tree full of these delightful Christmas ornaments for many seasons of holiday cheer.

This classic oval table will make a beautiful addition to your home and the tilt-top makes it convenient for storing if necessary. For those of you who are interested in building this project, but do not want to turn the pedestal, see the Buying Guide, provided with the plan, for a preturned one. For those up to the challenge, but needing a little help, see the turning instructions included.

Whenever you wander over the river or through the woods, carrying your sturdy turned walking stick, the miniature compass in the top will help keep you pointed in the right direction. And by following our how-to directions, you can not go wrong turning it, either. This walking stick can be made to any length that will be comfortable for you. The buying guide included in the plan will set you on the right path to purchase a miniature compass for your project.

Even if they do not attract any tenants, you can take pleasure in the fine lines of these miniatures. Intended for their good looks and not for actual nesting, these turned projects will add a bit of excitement to any room. Our simple faceplate block makes it a snap to turn out a whole cluster in a couple of evenings.