Four Cuts - A Wood Turning Basics Lesson

[@p0sher]

Rock solid understanding and knowledge expertly explained. Thanks! I've worked with wood most of my life and have a wood science degree. Your explanation of cutting theory and practice reminds me of my student days reading McKenzie and Koch! Having just recently purchased a lathe I need to learn and practice a new skill and this video has helped enormously! Everyone who works with wood should see this, not just wood turners!

[@chrisnedbalek2866]

7:00 skew 7:46 skew: plane, peel, slice, scrape 8:23 planing (Spindle turning) 9:36 skew: analysis of the edge of the blade 13:34 how to actually apply the tool to the wood 14:25 more on applying the tool with the angle of the tool to the wood 16:56 review so far 17:22 peeling (the most underrated cut) 21:15 The peeling technique 22:27 the Slice (is like cross cutting) 23:45 Slicing technique 24:52 slicing is one of the best ways to get almost finish ready Edge grain 25:07 Scraping 27:12 scraping technique 28:07 scraping is the quickest way to dull your tool. It'll dull it in about eight seconds. 29:23 Review 30:33 Spindle roughing gouge 32:00 SRG technique 36:32 Spindle gouge & bowl gouge 40:17 left-hand and right-hand in the use of the spindle gouge and bowl gouge. 41:10 technique with bowl gouge 47:32 Back to planing (with a bowl gouge) 49:30 ... and with a Spindle gouge 51:50 Wood is stupid. 52:38 End grain hollowing 56:50 EGH: scraping 1:00:52 Face grain work 1:06:42 the Facing compromise most turners make

[@d3w4yn3]

This is actually educational... the single best woodcutting video out here! Others only teach me to mimic them without knowing why, but this changes everything! This should be required watching for anyone purchasing a wood lathe!!! Not just making people better at the skill, but you have probably prevented a lot of injuries, broken tools, broken materials and even broken lathes!

[@shaunhayward]

Single best woodturning video I've ever seen. This demystified so much.

[@lukekirby4954]

What Shaun Hayward said ... new to this game and without good local tutors I have been playing, testing, trying, perfecting. I guess I have quickly learnt that tool sharpening and technique are key BUT understanding the engagement of the tool to the wood and grain structure will be a game changer. Great video well shot and very understandable.

[@johnleins5593]

Very good. Novice turner's should very carefully watch, listen, and learn. This video also makes you think. Signed. Novice.

[@MelkeinMaalla]

I have a DSc Tech degree and I just love how you put a lot of analytical thinking on what you do. You build indepth understanding instead of repeating generic advice. I have actually wached this a couple of times. This video is phenomenal.

[@MelkeinMaalla]

Sidenote: I was reading articles on wood turning and the skilled makers said there are two different cuts... I was like nope, four! It is really rewarding to learn the techniques as now I am experimenting with different woods. If the wood is not dense enough for one type of cut I can switch to another technique. Also understanding what happens where the chisels touch the wood allows changing the angle and rotate the tool without too much thinking. I take a bowl gouge and turn it sideways instead of using a roughing chisel. I rotate it to scrape a U-shape, and so on. Most rewarding was that I finally became friends with the skew yesterday. It takes a bit more power than the other chisels and it is necessary to understand how to use the pressure so that you don't push in a way that makes a catch. I was able to cut very straight end-grain surfaces freehand to glue different woods together without sanding.

[@weisnowhere]

I went nearly a year unable to use my lathe, felt rusty, and I knew I needed a refresher and I'm glad to say this helped as much as the first times I watched this! Thank you!

[@robertf6344]

An hour+ video for me as a newbie that I felt I learned something all the way through and enjoyed watching. No wasted words. Very well presented.

[@BatasKitchen-gm9ne]

Thank you for this video. I thought I knew wood until I watched this. My understunding of why it works this way is dramatically improved

[@marianorossi6315]

I just started at turning and I am glad to hear such a fonded and principle driven explanation of cuts. Honestly I understood only a part, but it’s not your fault. It’s a tricky matter. I plan to watch this video multiple times. Thank you.

[@jolilley3760]

I appreciate your analytical approach. It allows me to do the logical instead of the "what did he do?".

[@TheCaoimhin2]

This goes down as one of the great videos on KZbin! To be a good teacher is a real gift, and you are a great teacher. One of the best on KZbin and so one of the best in the world. Thank you for your time.

[@kevingowdy3651]

Watching this should be compulsory for anyone buying a lathe, BEFORE they begin turning. Less catches, less accidents and much more productive fun. Thank you for another great lesson. Kevin UK

[@DR-kt3qi]

Just started turning and this is a wonderful explanation of what’s going on between the tool and the wood which is exactly what I was looking for after experiencing multiple catches and tear outs. Thanks a TON!!

[@Arduinerd]

Your videos have been so tremendously helpful. I genuinely thank you for putting in the time to teach these things.

[@ConcreteLand]

My practice. Watch this video, go practice. Watch video again, go practice more. Repeat as necessary. Thanks for all the great videos. You’re awesome.

[@SkipFixesStuffAndKnowsThings]

Shawn, apologies for the long post. I’ve been woodworking for 25+ years and have done a wide variety of projects from which I’ve learned a ton about wood grain, cutting, and movement. But I’ve finally broken down and gotten a lathe and have been spending a significant amount of time watching beginning woodturning videos. The grain dynamics, while still universal, for me, still require a brand new paradigm given the dynamics of spinning wood. This video, with the deep dive into those dynamics and the simplicity of the four different cuts and how the different shaped tools have basically identical edge interactions, has been an eye opener and will help me immensely. As I said, I am just starting out and have found myself wanting to do a particular shape and then staring at my tools wondering which one to use. This results in tossing tons of toothpicks in the trash as I experiment, with no real understanding of what is happening. I will be referencing this video frequently as I move into this world. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together. Skip. Also shout out to @chrisnedbalek2866 for indexing the time and topics for easy reference.

[@briangreenlee166]

I watched several “Lathe basics” videos before I found this one and boy I’m glad I kept searching. If he’s not a teacher he should be. This was the most comprehensive easy to understand nuanced approach to showing not only what to do but why you want to do it this way I have ever seen on any subject on KZbin. I immediately became a subscriber and look forward to all your other videos.

[@1cooldadnOK]

Agreed. Very informative.

[@VictorAntonioLive]

Finally, someone puts 'cutting' in plain English...thank you.

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

I agree this was very helpful video adjust started to use ale the know-nothing this is a very helpful and education how long have you been using a lathe? ByForNow Ken

[@Jrb8k3n]

Couldn't agree more.

[@jonaweber7325]

Great explanatory video!

[@johannbarnard5893]

Excellent presentation. I've been turning for many years on an on/off occasion. Wish this had been around then!

[@craigsalyers7091]

This is a great instructional video. Not only does he explain HOW, but he also explains WHY.

[@balintbarki4121]

I very-very-very rarely say this, but this video was one of the best I have seen about woodturning/woodworking. Thank you!

[@jonjohnson647]

With zero experience, I recently purchased a wood lathe. I have watched numerous videos from many experts. I could not for the life of me figure out just what was going on with the complicated geometry of the tools. Until I watched your video, that is. Now, it all makes sense. Thank you so much for the instructions.

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

How are things going now?

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Brilliant! Although I've turned wood, this has explained how what I'm doing actually works in practical terms. Very enjoyable to watch, and very well presented. Cheers 👋🇬🇧🇪🇺🇺🇦🇮🇪

[@aliabazaid4293]

Everyone enjoyed and benefited from this valuable lesson and the next generation will do too.

[@MrDavidHearn]

By far the best lathe video for beginners. Everyone else just skips over these crucial details. Thank you so much!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@chuck8228]

Ok I just ordered a lathe and some chisels. Guess you gonna be my teacher. I was thinking I could do this as retirement when I get old. I'm 53 so I better get started. I bought a new stihl chainsaw to. It wasn't be here for a week so I got time after work to watch videos. Here goes a new journey!!!!

[@TONY-ye1gg]

The best video i have ever seen related to woodturning Your videos has been a tremendous help Thank you so much Cheers

[@AutoMattOn]

"it works because it has a soul" came for the woodworking, left with an existential crisis seriously great video. i'm about 4 test pieces into my journey and this was the insight i needed. thanks 😊

[@nebuler1]

You are among the best teachers I've seen on all youtube, in any subject.

[@JamesRousseaux]

Thank you for taking the time to provide such a simple but in-depth explanation of how to use the different edges of different chisels in wood turning. I don't even have a lathe yet but I am keen to learn. When you watch the experienced turners and they make it look so easy. But there is a lot more to it. You have shared in one hour what would probably take years to figure out. Thank you so much. 😊 🇦🇺

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@gregdownunderinOz]

G’day Shawn, revisited this video. Probably one of the best I’ve seen on explaining how tools cut timber and interaction of grain. The skew certainly is the master tool. I didn’t know how it affected the other lathe tools or how gouges relate to the skew. This video should be a must for all turners and should be reviewed by ALL turning clubs once in a while. Thank you. One comment though it is a little long. The references to planes while useful does help understanding, but for us turners probably could be left out. A new updated video just for turners would be useful. Possibly a series of shorter videos on each tool with references to skew and 4 types of cuts for each tool.

[@jeffreyroybal8981]

Without a doubt this video has been the best explanation of how it all works! I have watched several and none have broken things down so I get it the way you did! You rock Sir!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@overlycranked8674]

In this one hour video I learn more than a full day workshop I paid good money for. This is a very tricky subject to explain and you have done a masterful teaching here. Thank you

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@reprosser]

Been turning for years, and this is the best description and demonstration I have seen for the 4 cuts.

[@GaryWall]

The same here. I wish that I had this information in this format when I started out. I had to learn from my own mistakes.

[@allenwc]

Again! So thorough, which in the end makes it so clear. I'm learning so much from these turning lessons. Thank you so much for doing them.

[@fiberinspector1304]

It's 2:30AM, I am so tired but, cannot seem to stop watching. Such a great video, learned a lot. Thanks.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@medicsteele]

Thank you so much...your teaching method is awesome and I am learning a tremendous amount about turning. I am retired and turning has become a passion.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@richmillett7815]

Being showed how to do something is one thing. But being taught why is so much more important. Thank you very much. You are the best teacher.

[@tj5153]

Best turning video that ever existed in the universe. Learned a lot!

[@jimmccorison]

The internet sure has changed many things. When I was learning woodworking in the 80's I bought a bunch of VHS tapes from Taughton Press. It's what there was. What they lacked in the enthusiasm of the instructors/narrators was almost made up for by the production quality. Here we have an incredible introductory lesson to wood turning. Sure, it doesn't have the fancy set, or spit and polish, of a production VHS tape from a big company. What it does have is a teacher who is passionate about what he is teaching, and engaging in how he teaches. The result is that I find myself really understanding and effortlessly absorbing the information. I'll take the real deal over fancy production sets any day of the week. Thank you for all the effort you put into your videos.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@hammerheadmouse]

This man has made me a far better turner in 1hr and 11mins and I haven't even made it to my lathe. Thanks for the thorough explanations!

[@MarcFireHart]

Thank you for this video. There are hundreds of tutorial videos out there and this is the first time I learn so much about grain and how to work with it. Fantastic!

[@DStephan90]

the info on the vid is like 1000 times better than the autofocus :D hope you get me right tyvm, sir

[@claudepotter7763]

Just wanted to say thank you for putting this vidio out there im new to turning bin a cabnit maker sence 1985 never got to realy learn the basics on turning love the way you put it in perspective with the grain.alsome job explaining thanks

[@JustJimWillDo]

What I heard: A hand plane works because it has a soul. What I thought: Man, this tutorial is really going into some depth! And it did. I may have misheard that metaphysical part, but the rest was wonderfully comprehensive. Best 'theory' of woodworking I've heard since high school, and that was decades ago.

[@bretteee]

Thanks for sharing your skills, and teaching us to be better turner's. You sir have helped me hone my skills much better than I was before. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills with us, you should write a book about your knowledge because it would be the go to book if you needed to check if you are doing and using the right chisel for the job. Thanks for sharing your skills

[@GeoffHooper-p3j]

As a new woodturner I find your videos invaluable. Love the way you describe everything that's easy for dummies like myself to understand. For the first time since watching this video I actually enjoy using a skew now instead of expecting a catch every time I try and use it.. Keep up the brilliant work.

[@burnleyize]

This is ridiculous! Spending ALL.my free time watching your videos! Superb. I have learned so much about lathe turning and it makes me rush out to the shop to try them out. And, I am finally enjoying turning bowls, boxes and mushrooms. Thanks, fella. ( And you are WAY TOO YOUNG to be so wise!)

[@wortheffort]

I'm officially a senior citizen this year.

[@stephanieray6587]

Shawn, you are a gifted instructor, but even so I had to watch this video many times to even begin to understand it. So glad now that you started with the skew and a planing cut, which build on what we learned about chisels and planes. So happy to be one of your patrons,

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@김욱중-l8d]

Very helpful! It's like a kind of collge lecture. Easily understandable :) Thanks for sharing experience of your professional wood turning!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@ironeagletrike]

Shawn you are seriously a great teacher! You know how to part information and made me go buy something other than pen blanks to start turning out some other things!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@davidsolivan5115]

EXCELLENT! Everyone who wants to get into word turning should watch this video first. So well explained. Thank you!

[@richlong2270]

Well this is the best explanation of the theory of wood turning I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching if your not in teacher it’s a shame thank you for making this video ✌️

[@Rocknbike2011]

I'm an italian cabinetmaker who is trying to improve his own woodturning ..... I appreciate a lot your passion but mostly your very talented educational attitude!!!

[@shanesowell4124]

As a degreed engineer, I truly appreciate your scientific approach to this! Subscribed and will be watching many more of your videos.

[@KB-fo1sr]

Subscribing to this channel is a no-brainer! Fantastic tuition👍

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@kevinfontenot9463]

I’m learning more and more. I always come back to your and one or two others videos. The more I turn, the more things you’ve pointed out make sense allowing me to learn even more from your videos. I really appreciate the work you’ve put into your teaching vids. Thank you.

[@Lakersawi]

I just started wood turning a couple of days ago and today I came across this video. This is the best learning video I have watched. Thank you very very much for such an informative job.

[@kcrowder7622]

Most important aspects of turning. I've already broke a lathe with the dreaded "catches" and you explained perfectly as to why. Can't recommend this video enough! Many thanks.

[@Sinestro6123]

I was bitten by the lathe bug at 12 years old. Have just got another lathe been 40 years. You teach really good. Thank you. 👍 and subscribed.

[@rutabegared1]

The best instructional turning video I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@AndersOlausson]

Thank you. This is easily one of the most useful videos on the internet right now!

[@eileenbreen9057]

I agree, very well done. I am a slow learner so I need to watch a few learned so I had to watch several times and enjoyed each times. Very well presented,

[@bobquinn314]

Excellent Video, even after turning for a few years now, it cleared up some problems I encounter. Will use this as a refresher as needed. Thanks!

[@philgabbard7535]

If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand , Einstein You my friend are a great teacher! Most knowledgeable, helpful, and applicable. Thanks (Teacher, preacher, turner,) your humble servant Dr. Phil

[@imzzaudae]

Ya, I'm an avid box turner. Been learning from this guy for years. Always first class videos. Thank you.

[@ournovascotiaadventure1619]

I have to make another comment, I just used what you showed us and it was so much more enjoyable, and safe lol. Thanks again

[@06blackflhxi]

i bought a mini lathe , it was back order, expecting next week, in the mean time , i have been eating up your videos, i can’t wait to start making shavings. Thanks for demystifying, the lathe is the last tool that i did not own because it intimidated me. With your videos, i’m sure i’ll be able to create some beautiful things in the future.

[@ДенисГлебов-ж3ь]

Absolutely great lesson.Thank you.Hello from Russia.

[@ssum7733]

I always love the detail, comments, challenges and comedic elements in your commentary. Thanks for the lessons. You're great to learn from.

[@tonyripacandida5015]

You teach really well, thank you, this has to be the best vid i have watched

[@timwatson2141]

Due to a "COVID" slowdown in my industry, I haven't been able to take the plunge into this exciting venture. What I have been able to do is watch WORTHEFFORT tutorials presented by Shawn Graham. WOW! A gifted person like Shawn Graham doesn't come along very often, but here he is! The in-depth explanations are 2nd to none! Thanks Shawn Graham for all you do! With your help, I look forward to diving in to this hobby! God has truly blessed you with this talent!

[@Gothtecdotcom]

Bought mi self a lathe, now using KZbin, as it is supposed to used.... Learning stuff... Thank you :D

[@erichough7080]

As a rank beginner, I find that this post is the very best that I have seen. Great teaching. Thank you.

[@SlightlyRottenCarving]

Thanks for the information... I just started turning after a couple years of using dremels, grinders and hand tools to create my carvings. I'm excited for this... and I appreciate the work that people like you put into helping others understand this craft. Take care, friend.

[@pinnaclegaming6019]

Most valuable and best 1 hour and 10 mins of my learning experience. Thank you very much for this video.

[@davidc3572]

Really great explanations and demonstrations. Thank you. I think I've slipped into some poor habits over the years.

[@shaz1616]

This is easily the best video explaining the difference in cuts and tools. For a nerd like me hearing the science behind each cut made it all click for me. Amazing video.l

[@raincreek8032]

Man, I’ve just watched you for 12 hours, and I’ve learned more than in the last 2 years! Bravo!

[@du3lmaul3rs50]

Excellent explanations and demonstrations. Just whenever I was thinking some of the explanations were starting to get convoluted, you followed with a demonstration that cleared it all up. You are a very good educator. Thanks

[@KodyKimani]

only met you last night but i love u! lol - Thanks - you are a great teacher I know that for sure- saved you to my woodworking learning playlist! Gill in Ireland x

[@tedcarson2971]

Ah Ha ... this time I found you ON PURPOSE and I am glad I did!! At this rate I'm beginning to actually UNDERSTAND what I'm doing. Thanks VERY MUCH for taking the trouble to explain what is actually happening with the plane, peal, slice and scraping cuts. Please keep your videos coming!

[@wilhelmjonker6732]

this is so excellent i finally now understand the basics which is the fundamental's thank you very much from south Africa

[@scubadraig4725]

You are a fantastic teacher, expertly explained, I've yet to turn anything , currently awaiting my lathe but learning before I start. Giving me a great understanding of tool usage. Thank you sir

[@ezeddie9747]

You're a great teacher. Everything is explained very clear. I have been a carpenter over 40 years. I have taught many of Apprentice. I enjoyed that just as much as doing the work. Thanks for the great video

[@DavidL-ii7yn]

And this is the video that makes me realize how much I still need to learn. Excellent explanations, thank you.

[@JOHNSmith-pn6fj]

Great lesson on the basics of tool cuts. Thank You for that information.

[@craighansen3031]

You deserve more subs My guy, much more in depth, thorough, and all together educational than 99.9% of KZbin woodworkers in your niche (.1% is basically just Matthias W. I think we all can agree) lol nice work man thank you .

[@barrylennard6046]

The clearest, by a mile, explanation about turning basics that I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@jonathantinsley3529]

Agreed that this is the absolute best turning video I have seen on KZbin

[@christopherstafford227]

I just started trying out woodturning and I'll tell you I've been working basically randomly. This video was the best investment of an hour! Thank you so much for the tutorial!

[@ProfessorVector]

Wow what an education I got. I never knew this !! Thank you so much.

[@DaemnNoctus]

ok so I love watching wood turning videos, and I have never felt I understood enough to ever attempt it. This id the first video that explains what people are actually doing with the tools. I'm going to have to watch this a couple times once I get a laithe

[@robkijkindevegt6443]

Whow, you can explain it all well, even it “dazzels” me in my head at the end! Greetings from The Netherlands

[@DavidMains-pf6zo]

This is great very informative.thanks for the safe explanation of the use of tools,as a beginner really needed to know these things.

[@pinkenbajedi2119]

I will hopefully be picking up a lathe this Wednesday, will be self teaching. Thanks for these videos, fills the gaps.

[@Bizissl]

Best video for learning about physics behind turning! Best man! Thanks so much 🙂

[@paulschmolke188]

Lengthy and detailed. Excellent explanations on what’s really happening when you put chisel to wood.

[@MrDaytrack]

Love your lecture, man. Now that I understand better what is 'actually' going on at the wood itself; and more to the point; the cutting edge, my turning is better. You-da-man ... Best ... William (Hampshire UK)

[@michaelbrendzel7018]

Great video. Informative. Concise, despite the run time. It's dense. I'm going to have to watch it a couple more times.

[@Skyrunner_84]

This is an amazing video. I have never seen someone explain the basic mechanics of wood turning in such great detail. Yet this video is easy for a new person to this craft like me to understand. Thank you so much!