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Ornamental Turning Book of Knowledge |
So you want to get into Ornamental Turning ...
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.
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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.