Lathe Turnings

Cute right? If you own a lathe and enjoy turning then perhaps this project is for you. You can now turn a set of bears using the free woodworking instructions at the link. The contrasting wood used in these bears makes them awesome.

This platter was turned from walnut and measures about 14 inches in diameter. You only need 4 turning tools for this project. The blank was about 1 1/2 inches thick. Follow along at the link to see how it was turned.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a turned darning egg. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

Follow along and make a lazy susan on the lathe. Here is now to do it...

This is a project gone wild due to a lathe in the shop. What happens when you try to build what could have been a simple kitty condo in a shop with a new lathe? 18 columns, a total of 158 beads and 19 balls, among other spindle fanciness, highlight the excesses resulting from a near total lack of design control. Let is hope the cats are impressed.

Follow along at the link and make wooden lids for your mason jars using your lathe.

At the link you are taken through the step-by-step process of turning a wooden key chain.

Australian Woodsmith is a practical magazine for all woodworkers. From Issue 21. (Australia)

These spinning tops are great fun for children and adults. Follow along at the link and make your own spinning tops.

Here is a really nice old-fashion set of lathe turned dolls that are quite easy to make.

Here is a great way to practice making bowls on the lathe but creating a tea light holder. Follow along at the link.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing of a finial to be used on a headboard or footboard. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

Follow along at the link and learn how to turn wooden spinning tops on the lathe.

Create handles fit for a craftsmans tools by gluing blocks of scrap wood and turning them on the lathe.

My first shot at turning a Sphere on the Lathe was time consuming but it all turned out well in the end, just a matter of checking and rechecking everything and doing it often!! I spent a lot of time drawing everything out before putting tool to wood, I hope this all helps.

Piggy Bank...makes a neat turning project. The wood stock is maple. Feet are painted black; ears and nostrils are touched with pink. The two front legs fit holes drilled in the body; back legs are cut to conform to curve and are nailed and glued in place, as shown.

Follow along at the link to see how to make a captive ring baby rattle on the lathe.

Make your own barrel shaped coin bank on the lathe using these free step-by-step instructions.

Here is a project for the woodturner, a tea light holder turned on the lathe. Follow along at the link.

Here are several tools made from allen wrenches, nails and screwdrivers. They are easy to make and quite effective.

In the old days the column was turned into the round on a lathe, then the rope design cut with wood rasps and sanded smooth a very time-consuming chore. The Revo makes the chore quick and easy, taking about an hour to complete the column. Search the page for the project.

The Concord Table, also known as the candle stand table, is a traditional American Favorite. Our version lends itself to being a gift project because, by using a lathe duplicator, you can easily produce multiple spindles.

This plan can be used to construct a simple cup that uses a Segment Design to form a dramatic ring around the cup. Of course, it is not that simple when you consider the total number of pieces involved. The total is 384 pieces if the Segment Design is built from all of its individual parts. It is only 204 pieces if you take advantage of the design to use fewer parts.

If you have a lathe and want a new project, perhaps this hat and coat rack combo is for you.

This makes a neat holder for a ball of crochet cotton. The diagram at is one-half full size, making it simple to pick off all essential dimensions.

Despite also owning a few high-tech yo-yos, this homemade yo-yo is the one I use most often. The size and shape are all custom fit to my hand. Most importantly, the fact that I made it incorporates a level of satisfaction to yo-yoing that a manufactured yo-yo cannot match. This is a simple and classic project that also makes a great gift, and you will not believe the functionality that you can create.

I am not really sure what to call these figures. They are not really winged or natural edged bowls because there is not enough bowl inches in the center.

Diagram only with dimensional information. This, a recent topic of the Whats Up section, is my first plan made entirely with the Segmented Project Planner.

Diagram only with dimensional information. I thought the Inlaid Cup was a little bit much as my first project using Segment Designs, so I simplified it, constructed it, and you can see the result...

I love how a custom handle feels and works in MY hands: fit to my grip, my turning style, and a length that gives me proper leverage.