How to Be Wood Turner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 28, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Turning wood is an art form that requires great skill and patience. The process of wood turning involves shaping pieces of wood on a lathe to create beautiful, intricate pieces. To begin, the woodworker must select the correct type of wood, ensuring that it is suitable for the desired shape or purpose.

The wood is then secured to the lathe with a chuck and a drive center before the turning process begins. Once the wood is spinning, tools such as gouges, scrapers and chisels can be used to cut and shape the wood into desired shapes. After the desired shape is achieved, sanding and finishing techniques are used to smooth out the surface.

The finished product is an object of beauty that can be used for decorative purposes or functional items such as bowls and cups. The entire process from start to finish takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it when the end result is a beautiful finished piece.

Steps How to Become

Learn the basics of woodturning. Take a class or workshop to learn the fundamentals of woodturning and the proper use of tools. Learn about different types of wood and the best ways to prepare them for turning.
Gather the necessary tools and safety equipment. Purchase a wood lathe and all the necessary tools to get started, such as chisels, gouges, and a skew chisel. Make sure you have safety goggles, a face shield, and a dust mask to protect yourself while working.
Practice on scrap wood. Start with simple shapes, such as bowls and plates, and practice your techniques. Make sure you understand how to use each tool properly before attempting more complicated projects.
Experiment with different types of wood. Try different species of wood to explore their unique characteristics. Develop an understanding of how each type of wood responds to turning tools and how to finish it for a beautiful result.
Create projects for sale or display. Once you become comfortable with woodturning, create items to sell or showcase in galleries or shows. Use the skills you have learned to make unique items that stand out from the crowd.

Wood turning is an art form that has been practiced for centuries; it involves the use of a lathe to shape and finish wooden objects. The process of wood turning involves a number of key steps, which are all essential to achieving the desired product. To begin, the wood must be prepared by cutting it into a workable shape, such as a round or square.

Once the shape is established, the wood can be secured onto the lathe and worked with various tools such as chisels, gouges, and sandpaper. By applying pressure and rotating the piece, the turner can create a variety of shapes and designs. Finally, the piece can be finished with different finishes, such as oil, wax, and varnish.

This process requires an immense amount of skill and precision, and is an effective way to create beautiful and unique pieces of art. The end result is an ideal and efficient way to transform raw materials into something beautiful.

You may want to check Metal Worker, Roof Framer, and Steel Erector for alternative.

Job Description

Wood Turner: Operates a lathe to shape a variety of wood products to customer specifications. Selects materials, sets up and operates machine tools, and adjusts cutting speed and depth. Inspects and verifies finished workpiece against specifications.
Wood Finisher: Applies a variety of finishes to wood products. Checks the quality of the product visually, using a microscope or magnifying glass. Adjusts and tests the finish for an even coverage. May be required to sand, stain, or polish the product.
Wood Joiner: Joins wood pieces together, using various techniques such as doweling, mortising, and tenoning. Measures and cuts wood precisely and accurately, using hand tools or power tools. May assemble wood parts or sections into larger structures.
Wood Cutter: Prepares wood for further use by cutting it into specified shapes and sizes with saws, jigsaws, band saws, and other cutting equipment. Verifies that all pieces conform to customer specifications. May also be required to stack and package finished pieces safely for transport.
Wood Shaper: Uses a variety of machines to shape wooden components. Reads blueprints or sketches and sets up machines accordingly. Operates lathes, planers, routers, and sanders to shape the pieces. Checks the finished product for accuracy and makes adjustments as necessary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of woodworking tools and techniques
Ability to read and interpret plans and drawings
Ability to use a variety of measuring tools and instruments
Ability to shape and finish wood by hand and machine
Knowledge of wood movement, grain, and behavior
Ability to identify and select appropriate types of wood for projects
Knowledge of safe work practices
Ability to use appropriate safety equipment
Knowledge of finishes, stains, and other methods for treating wood
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems related to woodworking machinery
Ability to work with multiple types of machinery
Understanding of basic electrical and mechanical principles
Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and machinery effectively and efficiently
Ability to operate a lathe
Knowledge of woodworking joints and joinery techniques
Knowledge of shop maintenance and organization

The ability to turn wood is an essential skill for any woodworker, as it is the foundation for a variety of projects. In order to craft quality pieces, the woodturner must have a strong understanding of the material, tools, and techniques involved in the process. Woodturners must be able to select the best wood for their projects and turn it into a desired shape.

They must also have excellent control over the speed, pressure, angles, and depth of their cuts. Furthermore, they must pay attention to the safety of the work area and follow safety protocols. Lastly, it is essential that a woodturner be able to assess the quality of the finished piece, adjust their techniques accordingly, and be able to make changes or repairs if necessary.

By mastering these skills, a woodturner can create beautiful and unique pieces that will last for many years to come.

Trim Carpenter, Millwork Installer, and Fence Installer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a wood turner?
What is your process for selecting and cutting wood?
How do you troubleshoot any issues that arise while working with wood?
How do you manage the risks associated with high-speed machinery?
What safety precautions do you take when working with wood?
What techniques do you use to finish and varnish wood?
How do you troubleshoot any issues that arise while working with machines and tools?
How have you incorporated new technology into your work?
What strategies do you use to ensure accurate measurements and precise results?
What techniques do you use to ensure that your work meets customer expectations?

Common Tools in Industry

Lathe. A rotating machine used to shape wood, metal, and other materials by cutting, sanding, and drilling. (eg: Wood lathe)
Chisels. A tool with a metal blade used for cutting and carving wood. (eg: Japanese chisel)
Gouges. A tool with a curved blade used for creating curved surfaces in wood. (eg: Bowl gouge)
Sander. An electric or air-powered tool used to smooth and finish wood surfaces. (eg: Belt sander)
Drill. A power tool used to bore holes in wood and other materials. (eg: Cordless drill)
Router. A power tool used to shape and create decorative edges in wood. (eg: Router table)
Planer. A power tool used to trim and shape wood to a desired thickness. (eg: Benchtop planer)
Saw. A handheld or power tool used to cut wood and other materials. (eg: Table saw)
Grinder. An electric or air-powered tool used to grind and shape metal and other materials. (eg: Angle grinder)
Files. A metal tool used to shape and smooth wood, metal, and other materials. (eg: Hand file)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Woodturners
International Association of Professional Woodturners
The Association of Woodturners of Great Britain
The Australian Woodturners Association
Canadian Association of Professional Woodturners
European Association of Woodturners
Japan Woodturners Association
The Southern Highlands Woodturners Guild
The Woodturners Guild of Australia
The National Woodturners Association

We also have Masonry Worker, Shopfitter, and Site Superintendent jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Lathe. A machine for turning wood or metal by rotating the material against a cutting tool.
Chisels. A type of hand tool used for carving and shaping wood.
Gouges. A tool with a curved blade used to cut grooves into wood.
Sandpaper. A type of paper with an abrasive coating used to smooth and shape wood.
Finishes. A substance or coating used to protect and decorate the surface of wood.
Turning Tools. A variety of tools used to shape and form wood on a lathe.
Carving Tools. Hand tools used to carve out or shape designs into wood.
Woodworking Jigs. Devices used to hold and guide pieces of wood while they are being worked on.
Turning Blanks. Pieces of wood that are ready to be turned on a lathe.
Wood Glue. Adhesive used to bond two pieces of wood together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Wood Turner? A1: A Wood Turner is a skilled craftsperson who uses specialized tools to shape, carve, and decorate wooden objects. Q2: What tools do Wood Turners use? A2: Wood Turners typically use lathes, chisels, gouges, and other specialized tools to shape and decorate wood. Q3: How long does it take to become a skilled Wood Turner? A3: Becoming a skilled Wood Turner can take years of practice and study. It is often recommended that beginners start by taking a course or class in woodturning before attempting more advanced projects. Q4: What types of objects can Wood Turners make? A4: Wood Turners can create decorative objects such as bowls, vases, and jewelry boxes, as well as functional items such as table legs, chair arms, and kitchen utensils. Q5: What is the difference between a Wood Turner and a Wood Carver? A5: Wood Turners typically use lathes to shape wood, while Wood Carvers use hand tools to carve intricate designs into wood.

Web Resources

The Art of Wood: Woodturner Virtual Exhibition - Arnold Arboretum arboretum.harvard.edu
Great Plains Wood Turners - Nebraska Innovation Studio innovationstudio.unl.edu
Kristi Wood-Turner | Social Action Clinic - West socialaction.wvu.edu