Ornamental turning is a craft which is slow and time consuming, but it also delivers great pride for a piece well made, and is a hobby you can pursue in many directions. I know that I am looking forward to retirement when I can spend more time on it.

When I obtained my lathe, the friend in England who found it for me suggested, "Now that you have your lathe, I recommend two things. First, retire, and second, teach your wife to sharpen the cutters." Only the first has come about; the second is still a somewhat onerous task.

Ornamental Tunery : A Practical and Historical Approach to a Centuries-Old Craft, by Frank M. Knox

Ornamental turning is a bit of a niche in the woodturning community, and can be exasperating when trying to get started. The goal of this website is to present information in a way that enables the new ornamental turner to get started in an easier way than we experienced. After a while, this site may prove to be too entry-level for someone who is experienced in this wonderful craft. If this site helped you get started, and you enjoy it, then the goal has been achieved.

• What is a Rose Engine Lathe?


• Ornamental Turning Language and Terms - a dictionary to help you get going.


• Ornamental Turning without a Rose Engine Lathe - there are some options for ornamenting turning without using a rose engine lathe.


• Rose Engine Approaches - there are a number of options you can pursue for making a rose engine lathe: this is an overview of those.


• Automation and Ornamental Turning - Use of automation in ornamental turning is a debate worth having.


• Buying a Rose Engine Lathe - If you want to buy one, there are some options.


• Making a Rose Engine Lathe - If you want to build one, there are some options, and most new ornamental turners start with one they've made.


• Rose Engine Jigs, Fixtures, Modifications, & Improvements - A catalogue of the modifications and improvements that ornamental turners have made to their Rose Engine Lathes to move the craft forward.


• Making a Cutting Frame - Notes gathered from experiences.


• Materials used in Ornamental Turning - Not all woods work : This section overviews materials typically used in the craft.


• Planning Your Work - Planning ahead for what you will make is critical in this craft.


• Techniques - Various techniques of note.


• For More Information - Books and videos about the craft.

If you are seeking information about the history of this truly wonderful craft, a great place to start is A Brief History of Ornamental Turning. Other sources include the British ornamental turners' site, The Society of Ornamental Turners, and the American one, Ornamental Turners International.