Wood Turning Demystified - Basic Educational Demonstration to Get You Turning

This is a basic overview of woodturning and it's tool as it relates to other aspects in woodworking. In it I turn a project, start to finish (including finishing) in real time utilizing the roughing gouge, skew chisel, spindle gouge and bowl gouge while explaing how to use them and why they work. Knowledge from K-12 school, experience and common sense is referenced.

[@alfonsozambrano9889]

Anybody can learn anything with the right teacher this is probably one of the best tutorials I've seen on KZbin thank you

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@jacksprat3009]

It's easy for an experienced person to gloss over the very basics. You presented the basics , angles and a few tools in a way even I could understand without talking down. Thanks! Your video is a keeper.

[@ewbeal]

Jack Sprat agreed! Thanks!

[@clutions]

Have found a lot of videos for "beginners". This is by far the best. Learned more in the last 40 minutes than hours of other videos! Thanks for this one!!!!!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@haujeancontactee6872]

Thanks for posting these lathe videos, they are very informative and still teaching the masses 6 years later.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@wortheffort]

A) it's a close fitted padded bicycle glove that is no more likely to catch than skin. B) spend all day turning instead of just an hour or two. A glove is nice. C)turning wet wood can generate enough heat to steam. A glove insulates raw skin. D) there is a time and place for safety gear, I feel a glove on forehand more beneficial with minimal risk but just because someone does or does not protect themselves doesn't mean everything they say is irrelevant. Finally... "Safety Third", Mike Rowe.

[@theblindman8027]

I just ordered my lathe and tools. I have spent the last week watching a ton of demonstrations. I am so happy I came across this one. Very well presented. It’s funny to me how many others were afraid of the skew tool and only used it for scraping. It was nice to see how well you demonstrated it.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@Dragonfly0912]

I have no idea what I am doing but working with wood it's definitely for me, I love the SMELL!! Thank you so much for this video!! NO classes near me.

[@wortheffort]

Search for a club instead of classes. Better odds.

[@Dragonfly0912]

@@wortheffort Thank you so much for the tip. My husband and I watched a few of your videos last night, we love them and are so grateful for them. Thank you again!

[@paulscheinberg2414]

Awesome instruction & demonstration for beginner like me! I finally unpacked the JET mini-lathe I purchased nearly 20 years ago on a whim while recalling my limited high school woodturning shop experience. It took retirement from 40 years of medical practice to finally set up a shop. Although a book came with the lathe, none can do justice to beginner like your videos. Thanks for getting me started.

[@6105jakeusmc]

I'm not sure how many times I've watched your presentation but I do know I pick up more each time. Thanks for sharing this information on a platform that allows so many to learn from your wisdom for free.

[@johnhuggins5021]

I know it's been several years since you made this video, but the information you present is so well done that I wonder if it is worth it to you to re-do it again in a higher resolution so that we might be able to see the detail you present along the way. Thank you for this presentation. I hope you do it again.

[@grumblycurmudgeon]

Seconded!

[@AeonMedia]

I just bought my first lathe, and watching this video gave me some more detailed instructions on safety, logistics, and was highly informative! Thank you for sharing!

[@garytidball4566]

I just bought my first lathe (used) and look forward to getting started. I worked on and was around metal cutting lathes for 53 years. worked as an training instructor. Time for a change. Thanks for the video, we'll done. gt

[@paultay23]

I am a Flat Woodworker who is turning round now... I have learnt more this morning than in the last three weeks since i had my new lathe. It worth the effort watching your videos..... Cheers Paul in the UK

[@wortheffort]

Thanks, and watch getting dizzy.

[@dsprojects136]

This is the second time your video has taught me to turn- I have too many hobbies so the wood lathe only gets used every couple years-by which time I have forgotten everything. This is an outstanding introduction to wood turning - your teaching style and humor makes it easy to watch. Thanks for making this!

[@MrHoss976]

Very informative, I started turning a few months ago with a neighbor who has been doing it for years and is a member of the local wood club. I learned more of the basics in this video than I had the whole time spent turning him. Thanks

[@mrgroovestring]

Thank you so much. I have not been taught by a really good instructor in many years, and have been searching for a no-nonsense tutorial. Once again thanks!

[@MrHaroldOwen]

One of the most clear and concise efforts ever. I like your teaching style, Jesus taught with metaphor and so did Rod Serling. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewiannello6548]

Cut my first bowl last week, after breaking a scraper, I thought I better do some research before I get hurt. This video was the simplest explanation I came across which was relative and allowed me to transfer my existing woodworking knowledge over. Thanks mate, great job👍

[@wortheffort]

+Andrew Iannello for turning bowls I have a better video. Look for the tree to bowl video.

[@keystruckergal]

What a great and informative video. Loved the narrative and the presentation and not to mention the humor and expertise. Thanks for sharing!

[@dchambers986]

Great Job! I loved your video - watched it with my 7 year old boy, twice. Thanks for keeping it "family friendly" - he's just getting into turning and he really liked your video as well. Two thumbs up - WAY UP!

[@garyroe2929]

After watching what seems hundreds of clips on KZbin , that was the best educational one , he made it really interesting with bits of science thrown in and turned a nice piece , brilliant, from the uk 🇬🇧 i

[@imzzaudae]

Thank you. I loved wood turning in high school. Just spent 10 years building and setting up a little woodwork shop. Won't be long now and I will have a shinny new 60 year old Lathe. I like tools my own age. Thanks for the great video I learned a lot.

[@wortheffort]

They made some solid stuff back then.

[@MrDancampbell60]

This is a good introduction to turning and I applaud the effort. I am a woodworker and I have many wonderful tools. I enjoy most facets of woodworking. I have taught woodworking and I am a certified Master Woodworking Instructor. I am retired which allows me to use my skills any way I want (retirement is great). My reason for commenting is not to spout my abilities or brag about my shop (but, it is very nice shop). I do want to encourage those who have an interest in woodworking to try new things because woodworking (from my experience) is not just flatwork or turning. Woodworking is an expansive set of skills that requires all who want to learn it to keep learning . This man is trying to pass on his knowledge and he is doing this for nothing more than his personal satisfaction. Turning requires lots of practice and patience, this is the only way to develop necessary skills and techniques required. He did a good job introducing those who want to start woodturning past the anxiety of starting. This video is a beginning, but not even near the end of learning woodturning skills. Thanks, Dan

[@clownhall1609]

BRILLIANT Video. 40 minutes of good instruction. I'm new to wood turning and enjoyed this.

[@kakusei3672]

Clownhall how is your wood turning coming along?

[@cecilradicke1623]

Utah

[@0716Michael]

As a beginning wood turner, I find this video very helpful in pointing out proper tool position and pivot. I have reviewed it several times then practiced the concepts afterwards. While it feels different than it looks, the results are getting better. I suspect using soft pine is not the best, but maybe a cheaper way to learn. Thanks, Michael

[@Zthreve]

I loved the Better Off Dead joke! You do such a great job explaining the basics. I can't wait to set up our new to us 1950's craftsman.

[@wortheffort]

Not many got that joke. We're showing our age.

[@nealvaughn2340]

You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for sharing this video! I learned a TON.

[@GMastolier]

Just got my first wood lathe after years of working with flat wood. Very informative presentation. It took my fear away of that first touch of the tool to the speeding wood. Thanks.

[@wortheffort]

Have fun, make a mess.

[@CLardPercussion]

I just dug my great grandfather's lathe out and I think a mallet will be my first real project. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@wortheffort]

Get after it.

[@m0532v]

I don't usually comment, but this guy is great. Very informative. I don't have a lathe yet, but this really makes me want to get one a start wood turning. Thank you for the great tutorial.

[@McNuts1000]

I realize this video is older now and I'm not sure if you still see new comments on it but thank you. I am a self "taught" beginner. Watching this video has helped with what all the tools on my bench do lol. I like the way you teach and I dont know how many caught it but your reference to "Better off Dead" and the I want my 2 dollars bit was awesome! Thanks again for the video and the info.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@user-mu6co2vz8g]

I am so pleased I found your video. I just got started turning and managed to produce something that IS a bowl, BUT I had some lucky escapes after using the tools wrongly. So your lovely basic lesson really comes right on time. I love the way you use high school science and explain points of fulcrum,leverage, riding the bevel etc.keep up the good work.Thanks,David

[@joaogoedert7218]

I wish I had said what you say so appropriately. First time I see somebody telling the foundamentals of wood turning. The piece chosen to demonstrate the technique is very adequate: simple yet appropriate. Congratulations for your presentation. Thanks.

[@callingallkings163]

I highly enjoyed your information... I DID however laugh when you said "NEVER move tool rest while it's spinning" then you go about moving the rest as it's turning. I loved your knowledge and the effort you put in.

[@pandrews5042]

Without a doubt the best beginners turning video on KZbin, it has inspired me to have a go at what was quite a daunting task.You are a great presenter and I will be watching your future videos, Thank you . Phil, Hereford UK

[@wortheffort]

Thanks a lot.

[@jeffreyroybal8981]

By far the best explanation for each tool and how to properly use them! Very glad I found you on here and watched this!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@Rhysnga]

Had my lathe for about 4 years and have only made a couple of handles.but many thanks to your video I will now be able to make more items with a lot more confidence.I liked and subscribed to your channel.I am using Matai a native New Zealand hard wood to make my Mallet.thanks for all the tips and tricks.they are all my tricks now👍🏽

[@wortheffort]

Get busy and make a mess.

[@JirkaSoukup]

Best wood turning tutorial I´ve ever seen! Thank you for it!!!

[@gpaw999]

THANK YOU! Great explanation of the basics. I have been turning spindles for years without fully understanding the basics.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

Just watched for the 2nd or 3rd time. Whenever I think I need a refresher on the basics of spindle turning.

[@JONSDIY]

Thanks for sharing the video. Just got my first lathe. I will use your techniques until I develop my own. Thanks for the clear and simple introductory. Jon

[@wortheffort]

have fun

[@rbenoit1978]

This video has brought me even more closer to picking up my first lathe. Thank you so much!

[@wortheffort]

do it.

[@cherylreynolds521]

Thanks for taking the time to explain the tools and show in detail how to hold them to get the desired results. Will look for more!

[@911shamrage]

Learned a lot in a short space of time; riding the bevel. After some turning (never done it before), found the 'catching' scary... now I know what to watch for!! Thanks, great upload.

[@wortheffort]

THanks

[@natator64]

I very rarely watch long videos as, in a 40 minute video, you might get 20 mins of information and 20 mins of waffle. This video though was absolutely amazing, a constant flow of really useful information. I have learned so much from this one video, thank you!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@beauthetford7608]

you're a natural teacher! thanks man! clear and cogent!

[@jillmaisch7921]

Thanks for explaining the Tools so well! I have been turning for quite some time - but am self taught and I just have been doing what works! Very informative on the differences!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@stanleyshostak2737]

Awesome, I know it’s been said many times but THE best beginner turning video on you tube! I just started, did some pens, this gives me the knowledge and confidence to try more.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@eaglebreath5]

This is the most informative and helpful woodworking video I have ever seen. Thank you very much.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@kadkissonFLVS]

You are an outstanding teacher! Thank you for this very helpful and easy to understand tutorial! I have been scared of wood turning for some time but not any more!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@larryrizzo736]

This was a great experience for me. I am just now considering wood turning, and your video has allayed much of my apprehension. I enjoyed your explanations of the physics involved. Thank you! Larry

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@tedwasserman1113]

Fabulous. I have had a 40-50 year old lathe in my shop for long time. I don't think l have ever used it properly . After watching your instructional I'm looking forward to picking up some new woodworking skills. thanks.

[@wortheffort]

+Ted Wasserman Get out there and make some shavings. You'll get addicted.

[@deezynar]

Excellent information. If more people watched this, there'd be more people making shavings rather than dust.

[@patrickmurphy3]

WoW! That was amazing and you make it look so easy. That was a great video. I didn't skip ahead once!

[@dhutch9008]

Great video..I just picked up a used 6 x 12 lathe for $50 over the weekend and figured out some things on my own but this was very informative. thanks

[@tedyoung9427]

I plan to show this video to my Jr and Sr High Students. Excellent way to sneak in a little science while they are having fun. One suggestion for future videos. A little more talk about safety and face shields.

[@anthonychavez3742]

Today I bought a nice Rikon mini lathe 70-100 uesd. I am enjoying your videos and learning.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@svenmencke9]

Mission accomplished, wood turning demystified. Great video.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@Epitath]

Thanks for a great video. It is very different being able to see what the techniques are as opposed to reading about them, especially when it is explained so clearly that even a novice like me can understand. I loved your analogy's, and comparison's against other tools, as they helped me gain a better understanding of what you were talking about.

[@wortheffort]

+Grid Electrical Thanks

[@canalboating]

Excellent, really helped demystify the tools and why and how they are used thanks for taking the time and trouble to make and upload this.

[@rbollard1]

"Riding the bevel" and the comparisons to wood planes helped me to "get it" just now! The spot about fulcrums and other reminders about "stuff we already know" applying it in different ways were likewise very effective. You have a good teaching style. Thanks, I have subscribed so I'll be viewing all the lessons

[@isdhound]

Excellent video. I was having problems with my spring pole lathing and you absolutely gave me the courage to soldier on and some troubleshooting to boot. I underestimated the importance of the tool rest and just slapped one on there in haste. Redesign forthcoming. The varying camera angles really helped me see things I normally would have missed and I love your focus on the sound, shavings, grain. Nice "Better Off Dead" references by the way. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@pmckinlay653]

Thankyou for the video- Somehow, we didn't do any turning in high school, despite having several Hercus lathes... I guess the lawyers got that too? From the outside, as a very new woodworker, lathes look pretty intimidating! Anyhow, I'm going to take an introductory class in Woodturning soon, and when we find a house to buy, a lathe may well grace my workshop! Thanks again, and G'day from Canberra, Australia!

[@user-ji3ys5cw2l]

I LOVE You! You Rock with your teaching cues. VERY informative. The best I have seen

[@cjtoombs7473]

Thanks for the video. I'm normally a metalworker, but I need to make some handles for some stuff, so I'm building a wood turning rest for my metal lathe. I didn't have a clue how to woodturn, but after watching your video, I'm ready to go out and whittle out some handles. Thanks.

[@wortheffort]

You can also bolt a rest to your drill press platform for stuff like handles. Turn vertically instead of horizontally. A few videos out there from others on this technique.

[@chrishachet8622]

This is the video that convinced me to buy a lathe and try turning.

[@wortheffort]

Welcome to the top of the rabbit hole. Warning, it's deep.

[@TheOtherGuybo]

Thank you for this. Picked up my first lathe and chisels for next to nothing. Should have been working on other shop projects, but couldn't help but give it a whirl. No previous turning experience. But as you pointed out, the principles are the same. So I managed to make a small handle for something. It was fun!

[@stevearnold3175]

EXCELLENT video! I'm brand new to turning and this answers lots of questions I had.

[@mr.b.w.3146]

Very informative demonstration! Just got into turning, practising on some standard wood, going to try making a bowl from a bit of old scaffolding plank next. I'll have to watch again as you have presented a lot of handy tips and info, thanx for a great video, Barry.

[@wortheffort]

I've also got a video on bowl turning "From a Tree to a Bowl" with more specialized tips to that topic if interested.

[@pfboards]

Thanks a lot, your video gavie me very valuable information. I just bought exactly the same Lathe, and my first test was not so good...with your video I learned what I need to improve! Tnxs again.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks. Keep trying.

[@klausalan]

Awesome presentation. Really wish the video had more resolution so we could see more of the details, but still totally worth watching. Thanks for making this.

[@Sebastopolmark]

I agree with the masses (except the 153 lug nuts). This is a GREAT video. I have a ShopSmith and never tried the lathe but after this, I think I will attempt to make a pole out of a square.

[@wortheffort]

Do it.

[@nicoworlein505]

I am from Germany i like woodturning thanks for the wonderfull and good information!

[@mikeskupniewitz8057]

thank you, I MIGHT BE ABLE TO USE MY WOOD LATHE NOW... I bought it years ago, but never remembered how to use tools without scary results(to use to running metal lathe.. on center turning)... had used them 30+ years ago in shop class, after teachers instructions just fine... thanks again!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@dansays6645]

your a great teacher! thank you so much for a very thorough lesson and taking your time and care to help us all understand what we are actually doing to the wood and what is happening. thanks brother.

[@NautilusGuitars]

Amazing tutorial! You have an excellent teaching style and you're great and making the relation between different work. This really gave me the insight I needed to understand the fundamentals. Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to make and release this!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@UITNow]

Excellent video! You have the heart of good teacher. Thank you.

[@nuideas777]

Thanks so much for sharing. Been doing various types of woodworking and carpentry most of my life but never used a lathe. Great video and puts me at ease thinking about trying one out.

[@ramboiyer123]

Thanks. Great information and knowledge. Appreciate it Shawn. Again you are an terrific teacher.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@highjix]

wow, his explanation of how a see saw works was epic! because I was the one jumping off too! come to think about it, I have a lot of trust issue and I bet some of them stem back to be a kid playing on the see saw wondering who was going to jump off first.

[@buketti]

Great video! I was looking for something like this cause i just needed to get the basics to start with.

[@grumblycurmudgeon]

@wortheffort - That was excellent. Indeed, you convinced me: I've had a half-formed, vaguely-nebulous interest in "the learning of the turning" for a few years now. Never got into it for the same reason I've never learned to weld: namely it always seemed like the sort of thing that would cost one an arm, or burn down ones home if not taught by an actual, real-life, in-person teacher. The way you just presented this (with the hand plane metaphors in particular) abruptly made my cargo-cultish grasp of the mechanics gel. So I just ordered a lathe and a starter set of gouges. I want you to know that, Mr. Worth. Because of you. So, should the unthinkable happen and disaster ensue, I want you to know what you've done. Oh, I don't mean injury or property damage. That's all on me. If I hurt myself, or send a skew through the garage door into the neighbor's above-ground pool, that would be hyste-errr... entirely my own fault. No, I mean should my wife find out I just bought a lathe and chisels on the decade-old advice of a KZbinr whose channel I just found and hour ago. Although, now I consider, I suppose that, too, is simply transferring all the knowledge and experience I have from the rest of my woodworking too. Huh... well I'll be damned. It really IS almost identical. (Except for, yanno, the increased likelihood of a hand tool hitting an above-ground pool at orbital velocities. That part is a wee bit different.)

[@laurajones7676]

VERY helpful! I am a beginner turner and this was very informative and accessbile knowledge. Thank you!

[@judycharvey5790]

Thank you so much. I have been using a spring pole lathe and just yesterday got a hf lathe to see if I liked it...the basics are about the same but so different at the same time lol. You explained very well.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@zunedog31]

You are an excellent instructor, thank you for this.

[@catchmeifyoucan2815]

You sir are a master at teaching! Thank you so much.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@watermain48]

What a great introduction to woodturning. Thanks. Got you a new sub. I just bought a "cheap" lathe at Harbor Freight to see if I enjoy this hobby. I'm thinking I will.

[@WattsWoodenWonders]

Very good instructional video for me just starting out, gives me more confidence to get going on some projects, but I wanted to point out at 12:13 you moved your rest with the wood turning, which you had just got done saying to NEVER do.

[@henrikkotkas8263]

Thanks for this video! It was the very first one I used to get started with turning!

[@wortheffort]

awesome

[@johnfordham8133]

You are good at teaching and I have suggested your site to many!!!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks, word of mouth helps.

[@Xantar2482]

This is exactly what I needed. Thanks for putting the time into making the video.

[@utubephil100]

Great informative video, with super presentation. Will be a great help to me. Looking forward to lots more. Many thanks !

[@athenaelliott8719]

thanks so much. you made it very easy for me to understand as a new wood turner.

[@LexyGMichaels]

FWIW, you just sold me- I gotta get a lathe! Very nice work and an excellent tutorial, thanks :)

[@zacharytaylor1273]

Thank you. Great info well presented. Multiple cameras helped a lot. As did stopping to give a visual show of cutting in, etc. I finally feel confident enough to start turning. :)

[@chuckorsburn4452]

Awesome! I'm gonna have to get one. I need it for my carvings I think. Big game changer! thanks for the info

[@mogbaba]

Your teaching method is excellent, thank you very much.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@joell1813]

Pretty much all of the tutorial video out there skipped the very essential but you showed it perfectly. Amazing video! A little bit of improvement can be made on the zooms.

[@robertmihalyfi4901]

Great tutorial for beginners. Thanks a lot!

[@jessevardaman6208]

You should be a shop teacher. Do they still teach shop in school? If not they should bring it back so you could teach shop. Most excellent and fun video to watch! Thank you

[@wortheffort]

Nobody's hiring shop teachers anymore.

[@jessevardaman6208]

A real shame.

[@michaelkennedy4346]

As a beginner, found this video to be very informative. Curious that you say to never move the rest when the wood is turning, and then proceed to do exactly that moments later.

[@wortheffort]

do as say, not as do....