How to Turn a Gonk! | Wood Turning DIY Project

Learn how to turn you own Gonk/Norwegian Gnome!
I this video I explain the methods I use to turn Gonks. It is a fantastic little project which is suitable for turners of all skill levels - but particularly so for beginners.
So grab your chisels and let's get cracking!
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Video inspiration came from Rebecca DeGroot and Tina Johnson, among many others, who have been making these little guys for ages and really made them popular! 💜
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If you are interested in becoming a member of my channel (Team Tiny) and gaining exclusive access to members only perks, click the link below to join:
/ @thetinyturner
And don't forget to throw a thumbs up my way if you enjoyed watching!
These streamed videos will be available for 4 weeks prior to being removed, so enjoy them while you can!
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Products/Equipment used in this video*:
DIY Gonk Kit for Woodturners:
• www.thetinytur...
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*NOTE: I am NOT sponsored or endorsed by any of the brands mentioned in this video, or the stores I have linked the products to - Everything has been paid for with my own money. This leaves me to be free to use what I use because I believe it to be of good quality!
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Disclaimer
Woodturning is a potentially dangerous hobby.
This video is a demonstrative video for entertainment purposes and although it provides commentary on the techniques I personally use, there are many different ways to approach wood turning.
Should you therefore wish to 'have a go' yourself, you must make sure you do your own research into techniques, working methods and safety measures.
Remember: YOUR safety is YOUR responsibility!!

[@TheTinyTurner]

Hope you enjoyed the video! Don't forget to stop by my Facebook page and groups to show me photos of the gonks/gnomes you have made! Just search for The Tiny Turner on Facebook and you'll find me (links in the description box)! 💜 If you want to become a Team Tiny Member, follow the link below or click the 'Join' button for more information. You'll gain access to additional, exclusive content and live streams that are not available in the public domain. kzbin.info/door/5ej8PfAv_VsgfYI5PWZDlgjoin To buy a DIY Gonk Kit for Woodturners, just follow this link: www.thetinyturner.co.uk/product-page/gonk-norwegian-gnome-diy-kit-for-woodturners Thank you all for watching! 💜

[@garyjohnson9297]

Lovely little Gonk thank you for sharing this

[@jzkartchner]

Thank you! You made it look doable. I'm going to cut out the parts, stand my 85 year-old bones up to the lathe and see if I can be a copy cat. Have a great 2023.

[@PBUCKY1969]

Still not made any gonks after getting some gonk stuff off you but tomorrow is the day - thought I'd get a refresher tutorial. And might I say your's is the best tutorial on't t'internet 😊 Hope you're all good!

[@andrewross1639]

nice to see an item made in step-by-step instruction.

[@TheTinyTurner]

Thanks Andrew! Glad you enjoyed watching 👍🏻

[@unclemonty9506]

Beautiful. Nice Gonk too 😉

[@michaelogden5958]

I'm subbed! I like your "Let's get to it and get it done" approach. Thanks for the video, and "Howdy" from Texas!

[@paintilludrop]

2nd time watching...enjoyed it all. Perfect video. Love no music. New to woodturning 7 months. Like simple but skill building.

[@stevefromlondon9175]

Love the video so easy to follow you have great talent Regards Steve UK London

[@rogersprague563]

Nice job you are an excellent Teacher I will be waiting for more vids

[@SilverBack.]

Emma you have started a craze 😂👏👏👏👏

[@robcrew40]

I've just ordered the kit and a few beards from you. Great tutorial video, looking forward to having a go.

[@seamusday1964]

First time seeing your channel and really like your teaching style and skill at the lathe... subscribed! The best things come in smaller packages!

[@brentjackson5553]

What a neat little gift idea. Great work Emma.

[@TheTinyTurner]

Thanks Brent! Glad you enjoyed it and look forward to seeing your gonks! 😆😆

[@paulclark3233]

Thanks Emma, I did enjoy the video and have ordered four of your kits from your Facebook page. I will look at your other video's and pinch all your ideas. Thank you again Paul

[@TheTinyTurner]

Awesome Paul! Glad you enjoyed it and look forward to seeing your results! 👍🏻

[@ncwoodworker]

Really enjoyed your video. Great explanations on each step. And you do turn perfect bubbles. We often call them knobs over here.

[@juliahammond252]

Much simpler method than I’ve seen before. Will definitely give it a go. 👍

[@TheTinyTurner]

Awesome news Julia! Can't wait to see the finished characters! 😁

[@jackierudd2010]

Cute little gonk 😊 thanks Emma, 👍

[@TheTinyTurner]

Thanks Jackie! 💜

[@johngriffiths4874]

Wonderful. Well done. Thanks for sharjng.

[@SKKrafts]

Emma your videos are so educational, turning my first one today on my live. Had to just re-watch to refresh how to turn one. wish me luck.

[@TheTinyTurner]

Hope it goes well Steve!! They're so much fun 😁

[@SKKrafts]

@@TheTinyTurner thank you

[@BigMels..]

Nice work and a great workshop setup .

[@TheTinyTurner]

Thank you Melvyn! 😄

[@georgiannburdette1256]

Emma wonderful as always! Thanks for sharing your talents...

[@TheTinyTurner]

Thanks you for watching Georgiann 💜

[@fredmunson8952]

You are an amazing turner.

[@JiggsysShed]

Love making these guys. Was great to see how you do yours Emma. Thank you for sharing

[@TheTinyTurner]

They're really fun to do aren't they? Thanks for stopping by Jiggsy! 😄

[@JiggsysShed]

@@TheTinyTurner yeah they are definitely fun to make. Only problem is they multiply quickly and take over the display shelf

[@TheTinyTurner]

@@JiggsysShed Hahahaaa! 😄

[@MakingItOutOfTheWoods]

I gotta try one of these fellas. Seen loads on KZbin - it’s like a craze or invasion?!? 🤪Thanks for sharing! 🌲🦊🌲

[@TheTinyTurner]

Yeah they went a bit mad last year! I am late to the party really 🤣

[@kevat9kcreations]

Brilliant how to . See you at Newark

[@AnnesenKoenspa]

Thanks for the "how to". Made my first gonk in my brand new lathe. What a funny guy it has become.

[@richardbierton6062]

Loved the Demo looking forward to you live demo at the ise and nene Valley turners in September

[@TheTinyTurner]

Me too Richard! It's been far too long! 😊

[@chuckOldKennelFarm]

This is the first of your videos I've found and I'm a subscriber immediately! I have been trying to view numerous vids on gnomes and I like yours the most! You are a great teacher and prefer your design the most, especially the scoop for the bobble!

[@TheTinyTurner]

Oh wow thanks for the compliment, Chuck! Glad the video helped you and I hope you make many, many gnomes 🤣🤣

[@malcmenzies3556]

We have received some of your kits today - look forward to making them for Christmas gifts - the beards are awesome. Just subscribed and look forward to following you.

[@dermotlawless2612]

Brilliant video. Really enjoyed that and learned a lot. 👍

[@TheTinyTurner]

Cheers Dermot! Glad it was useful to you 👍🏻

[@billy19461]

Loved your Gonk! Got a new sub.

[@TheTinyTurner]

Thanks Billy!! ☺ See you at the next stream hopefully! 😉

[@jmadej3612]

very professional instructional video Thank you!

[@WahlDesigns]

Very nice job

[@lisak5274]

Wooo I love this so much, super cute gnome! 🇦🇺

[@WoodsleeSummercraftwoodturning]

Ok I’m convinced I need one of these in my shop lol I wonder if anyone has turned a biggun Take care Rob

[@TheTinyTurner]

I've seen some medium-sized ones... but I reckon I might have some wood knocking about to make a larger one. Might have to just do that Rob! 🤣🤣

[@WoodsleeSummercraftwoodturning]

Emma yea do it lol, he would look awesome

[@TheVerbiousOne]

Thank you for the outstanding instructions and inspiration! I'll be having a go at these.

[@melissahutchens5657]

Thank you for the VERY informative tutorial! Well done & thank you for showing your placement of your tools on the rest and describing what you are doing. I'm now a subscriber and I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@ZombieWoodturner]

Very nice! I enjoyed that. thanks for sharing Emma!

[@TheTinyTurner]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@booyaa1851]

Gonna have to try one of these ...nice Emma 👍

[@tonysmith3143]

Thanks for sharing 😜

[@donaldsurface8831]

Sayy I like your new work very nice nice work cool

[@postiesteve]

Great video, with good explanations throughout! Cant recall if I saw you demonstrating at Newark Show this year?

[@SteveC38]

Great Job Emma👍

[@TheTinyTurner]

Cheers Steve! 😁

[@fredmunson8952]

That is a beautiful wood.

[@roystheboy]

very nice work thank you i will now try and make one

[@TheTinyTurner]

That's great Roy! I hope it works out well for you 😁

[@aaronstill3810]

very well explained........... you have a new subscriber ;)

[@TheTinyTurner]

Thank you Aaron! 😁👍🏻

[@bandicoote1964]

Very Nice, I do like that 😊👍

[@TheTinyTurner]

They're addictive, Rob! You have been warned! 🤣

[@bandicoote1964]

@@TheTinyTurner Too late it's already started, Just awaiting fur to arrive. lol

[@TheTinyTurner]

Hahahahaaa!! Look forward to seeing the come to life!! 😁😁

[@bandicoote1964]

@@TheTinyTurner I will have to send you a picture you will find it funny but i have only been woodturning for about 5 months so they are not great lol.

[@TheTinyTurner]

@@bandicoote1964 Nothing to laugh at no matter how long you've been turning... well apart from the gonks themselves 😁

[@russellphillimore6836]

Hi emma and roy Ive have had a Request to make one of these so cheers for the demo😀

[@TheTinyTurner]

Glad to be of help then Russell! Enjoy making him, and make sure you post it on the Facebook page once he's done! :D

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Emma, That looks fantastic. Not something I have ever turned but something I will do in the future. Sorry I'm late watching this I have to limit the amount of time I sit down at the moment due to my back. Take care Emma. Cheers, Huw

[@TheTinyTurner]

Hope you're started to feel a bit better soon, Huw. Must be driving you mad not being able to do anything at the moment 😔

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Emma, I was hoping to get in there this week just to turn a pen, but have put that back to next week. I just wish I knew what I did. Have you got a live this weekend?

[@ronaldforder839]

@@WoodenItBeNice ¡k

[@ian7583]

Thanks for that 🥰👍👍👍

[@gregkenrick3880]

Very entertaining and you are so cute!

[@llemusic1]

I'm just getting started and think this would be a great project to begin with, but don't have a chuck. Can they be made without one?

[@jimspencer1077]

Good video

[@ivancotterill6059]

Hi Emma, great video. Seeing that you have waxed the body have you found any issues with the glue not sticking especially using PVA glue. Plan to make one this week.

[@PhilipHolden-nd7nw]

Im looking for a face mask and respirator for woodturning. Any ideas. What does Emma use

[@mashmade-airth]

Hi Emma. I'm relatively new to your channel & loving it. I've been to your web shop & bought & will defo' be back. My new wee workshop is almost complete, about a week away I reckon, then I can get on with things. Would a hot glue gun work for fixing the beard ? Keep the chill out videos coming please, they're brilliant, entertaining & informative

[@TheTinyTurner]

Hi Jim! Welcome to the channel and thanks for taking the time to say hi! Got melt glue will definitely hold the beards on, but don’t burn your fingers or press so hard that the glue comes through the front of the fabric! ☺️

[@lynnemcphie1301]

Just found you and I think your gonks are adorable. Where did you get your face shield? Love that the breather part is on top.

[@TheTinyTurner]

Hi Lynne! The faceshield is a JSP Powercap which I bought from Yandles. Axminster also make one which is identical. They're nice and light compared to some of the other makes and it's great to have the positive airflow system as well as the impact resistant face shield 😊

[@keithkimsten5111]

Great work! How about a gonk pet or a Miss gonk for the gonk? Gonks get lonely too... LOL.

[@TheTinyTurner]

I need to re-visit making a girlie gonk 😂😂

[@michaelglackin2420]

Hello Emma some class work I watched your video on making the gonk. I was going to try and make one but need the furry do you send stuff to Ireland, thanks

[@worrallswoodcrafts4366]

Hello! Very educational video. I am trying to make these myself. Can you please tell me the diameter of the nose and hat bobble? My attempts at making the nose and bobble tend to not look right in relation to the rest of the gonk. TIA for your advice. Looking forward to seeing more videos from you!

[@TheTinyTurner]

Hi there! The diameter of the nose is approximately 3/4 inch and I try to make it as spherical as possible. If I do a larger body I go up to about 1 inch diamter, and a smaller one 1/2 inch to 5/8. The hat starts at 2 inches square and is rounded off keeping as much diameter at the base/rim of the hat as possible and taper the top towards where the bobble will go. Hope that makes sense!!

[@worrallswoodcrafts4366]

@@TheTinyTurner Thank you very much!

[@tonycarey6090]

Great informative video Thankyou, just one question Emma why do you use a bowl gouge and not a spindle gouge for this?

[@TheTinyTurner]

I use a bowl gouge for a lot of spindle work because mine has a very short bevel meaning the cutting edge is well supported so can last a little longer than a fingernail profile grind. I use the bowl gouge for the rough/heavy work then the spindle gouge for the fine detail 😊

[@josephbrauer2573]

you are very pretty and Talented lady , I love the Gonk , I carve but I think I can turn a Gonk .

[@philipselman2564]

⭐️⭐️⭐️plus 2 ⭐️⭐️= 5. Ha ha ha thank you

[@nedrapollari894]

Hey i really like that face shield what brand is that?

[@TheTinyTurner]

It's a JSP Powercap, Ned :)

[@jeffstoermer9108]

Where did you get your face shield and respirator at ???

[@dirkfanning2053]

newbie here, just getting set up in my shop. what is the brand of the face shield you are wearing?

[@TheTinyTurner]

In this video I’m wearing a JSP Powercap but it fell apart after 6 months so now Inwear a Sundström SR500 combined with an SR570 and that is miles better (but much more expensive, unfortunately) ☺️

[@linofernandez8908]

Buen trabajo. Pena que no tenga subtítulos en castellano.👌👌👌👌👌

[@fredericm3503]

Bonjour Merci pour le partage de votre savoir. Je cherchais à faire quelque chose pour Noël et grace à vous j'ai trouvé. Merci

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Like it.

[@TheTinyTurner]

Thanks Brad! 😁

[@mariobarba3931]

Nice!!! Is gonk an other country's name for gnome?

[@TheTinyTurner]

Pretty much Mario! I don't know where or when they became known as gonks, but they technically are gnomes! ☺

[@dasfreakster]

Awesome video. What is that mask your wearing?

[@TheTinyTurner]

It's a JSP Powercap which I bought from Yandles 👍🏻

[@MrTurtletraxx]

Emma, you are so damn cute. I so enjoy watching your videos. Learning a lot. Thank you.

[@dduncan221]

Can you tell me the name of your face mask with the filters the top I love this and your face videos. Keep them coming.

[@TheTinyTurner]

Hi Dennis, it is a JSP Powercap but I have to warn you it fell apart after 6 months so I now use a Sundström SR 500 instead 👍🏻☺️

[@chriswall4460]

Were do you get the beard from?

[@johnpbh]

Now that I have finally watched the "how to" video.. I had better get my kits off of my "Emma shelf" and get them turned hadn't I..?

[@TheTinyTurner]

YES!! Get the cobwebs off that 'Emma Shelf' and make a gonk John! 😁

[@merton132]

It may be a question everyone else knows but what is C A glue? (Mentioned when you glued the hat to the body.)

[@TheTinyTurner]

It's Superglue David! We technically aren't supposed to call it that as it is (or was) a brand name. The technical name is Cyanoacrylate glue, so we shorten it to CA glue. 😊

[@alangriffiths3360]

My comment about spalted timber was not a criticism of your work and what you do; just the timber.

[@danijelzizek3754]

How much would this cost if you sell? Lot of effort and skill for just 10$

[@TheTinyTurner]

I sell these for about £20-£25 and more depending on how I decorate them ☺️

[@DJ_Guitars]

One of our friends drew us a lovely family of Gonks picture for Christmas so I’m planning on making her a family for Christmas this year! I’ll be in touch! 😉👍🏼 what do you think about a female one? Using the fur around the sides and back as fur?

[@TheTinyTurner]

I'm working on a female version at the moment. Issue is the front though and what to do about that 🤔

[@DJ_Guitars]

@@TheTinyTurner I think just leave it as a nose like the others, expressionless? Or maybe turn another little ball, chop it in half and glue them on 😉😂

[@TheTinyTurner]

@@DJ_Guitars 🤣🤣🤣🤣 That could work I guess! Haha! I was meaning more it looks a little bare just having hair round the sides and back. Wondered about fashioning some sort of skirt or similar?

[@DJ_Guitars]

@@TheTinyTurner that would work! 👍🏼

[@merton132]

I've got some pink fur so maybe a bearded female gonk?

[@jeffstoermer9108]

How much are the kits

[@donaldsurface8831]

Dear ladyy dear say I like your vido and work nice work sweet

[@aleks-vc6ov6pj1v]

Какая хорошенькая девушка прямо загляденье:-)

[@jennyblair331]

Hi...is that the Easy chuck? What do you think of it? I love your gongs. So good to see woman turner

[@TheTinyTurner]

Hi Jenny! The chuck is an Axminster Clubman SK100 and it is an excellent chuck 👌🏻 Fhanks for stopping by and watching the video. I hope you make some gonks 😄

[@tnyberg67]

Tell us more about that face shield, please. Doesn't that get a little uncomfortable?

[@TheTinyTurner]

It isn't uncomfortable at all. But I have recently upgraded to a better unit that has the fan pack on a belt and a tube system to feed the air into the helmet. Much improved 👌🏻

[@peedieboxcompanyakakeith8783]

Nice one padauk or purple hart would make a great nose just a idea but I think it would be to much messing about to make a kit with different types of wood for the nose and bobble so something we could add ourselves

[@TheTinyTurner]

Oh a red nose might look really cool! Might have to have a play 😄

[@AndrewArndts]

I know I am a bit late, however the fungus in the wood of any spalted timber is Dead. YET wearing a mask in general is a wise precaution while wood turning.

[@johngriffiths4874]

I'm pretty sure the fungus can still harm you.

[@TheTinyTurner]

As far as I'm aware, it is only dead if the timber has been kiln dried, but there is still risk if the timber is not fully dry. I may he wrong, but it seems there are different opinions on this from what I have read about this since you guys pointed this out 🤔👍🏻

[@915greenhornet]

Link to your mask

[@EvanCullen]

Hi

[@EvanCullen]

Yanniks friend

[@alangriffiths3360]

I have posted this elsewhere and here we go again. I have worked in the timber trade for nearly sixty years and for the life of me I do not understand what people find attractive in rotten(spalted ) timber.

[@TheTinyTurner]

Each to their own I suppose, Alan. We can't all like or loathe the same or the world would be pretty boring 😄

[@oneturnatatime6309]

Great job Emma 👍