Wood Turning At Custom Furniture Companies

May 13
10:50

2013

Seth Atkins

Seth Atkins

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Wood turning is a technique employed by custom furniture companies and is used to create a wide range of wooden shapes on a lathe.

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Wood turning is a technique employed by custom furniture companies and is used to create a wide range of wooden shapes on a lathe. This technique actually dates back to 1300BC and was used by the ancient Egyptians. However it is still a very versatile and important technique still used today!

There are two main methods of wood turning. Spindle turning is one of the most common methods. This is when a piece of wood is fixed and rotated between two points. These points are at each end of the wood and are dug in. These points rotate,Wood Turning At Custom Furniture Companies Articles which in turn makes the wood rotate. This method is commonly used to make table legs, support columns, or candle sticks.

The other method used by custom furniture manufacturers is called faceplate turning. In this method, the piece of wood is secured using screws to a faceplate, or jig. Because there is only one point of contact, the wood can be cut from more angles than with spindle turning. Items like bowls, cups and platters are made using this technique. Sometimes, both techniques are used to create a piece of furniture or wooden item!

This technique requires a highly skilled craftsman in order to produce high quality items. As a result, this technique is usually found in only the best custom furniture workshops under the watchful eye of the most senior craftsman. Safety equipment is also necessary. Because the wood can spin very fast and parts can splinter off, eye protection is essential. Safety goggles are frequently used, though cautious craftsmen often use a full face visor.

Respiratory is also useful. This is because certain types of wood create a lot of dust which can cause breathing difficulties. A full face helmet with built in respirator and visor is therefore a good investment, though sometimes workmen use a simple disposable dust mask.

Custom furniture workshops also employ special techniques when turning wood. These are used in specialist circumstances to create special effects. For example, oval turning can be used to create a oval shaped piece of wood quickly and easily rather than a round one. Segmented turning is also a very creative method. Woods of different types or colours are glued together, then turned, to create some very exciting and interesting looking patterns. This can really give a unique look to a piece of furniture!