DIY Network

Materials and Safety Review Materials and Safety Review From "Woodturning Basics" episode DWTN-104

Whether the goal is artistic or functional, the craft of wood turning seems to hold a little something for everyone. This episode of Woodturning Basics finds master wood turner Dave Hout teaching Jane Lueders how to turn a bulky, lifeless block of wood into a delicately rounded box. Hout has been turning wood for more than 25 years and knows all the secrets of the craft. As vice-president of the American Association of Wood Turners, he travels the country, teaching the art of woodturning.

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	The finished round box.
	From the wood blank on the left, even a novice wood turner can create an impressive-looking round box like the one on the right.

Boxes are usually square, but when turned on a lathe, the finished result is a rounded box. Dry maple is used for this project, but just about any type of wood can be used to turn a box. When turning a box, a number of steps must be carefully followed, but the main challenge is to create a box with a snug-fitting top.

Materials:

5/8" spindle gouge
1/2" spindle gouge
parting tool
scraping tool
safety glasses
tape measure
maple blank
sandpaper in 100, 150 and 220 grits

Basic Safety Tips

• Never wear long sleeves, jewelry or baggy clothes.

• Tie back long hair.

• Always wear safety glasses.
  

Lathe speed: 1,800 rpm.