# WoodturningOnline > Your resource for woodturning techniques, tool reviews, project ideas, and everything related to the craft of turning wood on a lathe. Founded by Vince (Vincent Hewle). - [Home](https://woodturningonline.com/) - [Blog](https://woodturningonline.com/blog/) - [About](https://woodturningonline.com/about/) ## Calculators - [Woodturning calculators](https://woodturningonline.com/tools/): Free browser calculators for board feet, lathe speed, and segmented rings. - [Board foot calculator](https://woodturningonline.com/tools/board-foot-calculator/): Board feet per piece and total from thickness, width, length, and quantity, with 4/4 to 16/4 presets and cost. Formula: (T x W x L in inches) / 144. - [Lathe speed calculator](https://woodturningonline.com/tools/lathe-speed-calculator/): Safe RPM range from blank diameter using the diameter x RPM ~ 6,000 to 9,000 rule of thumb, with a slower start for unbalanced blanks. - [Segmented turning calculator](https://woodturningonline.com/tools/segmented-turning-calculator/): Miter cut angle (180/n), included angle (360/n), outer segment length, and strip length with waste for segmented rings. ## Getting Started - [What is Woodturning?](https://woodturningonline.com/what-is-woodturning/): Overview of the craft — what it involves, what you can make, and how to get started. - [How to Use a Wood Lathe: A Beginner's Guide](https://woodturningonline.com/a-beginners-guide-to-using-a-wood-lathe/): Lathe parts, basic operations, safety, and your first turning project. - [Is Woodturning Dangerous?](https://woodturningonline.com/is-woodturning-dangerous/): Safety risks and how to mitigate them. - [Safety Equipment for Woodturning](https://woodturningonline.com/safety-equipment-for-woodworking/): Face shields, respirators, hearing protection, and the hierarchy of lathe safety. - [Can You Make Money from Woodturning?](https://woodturningonline.com/can-you-make-money-from-woodturning/): Turning your hobby into a side income or business. - [Best Woodworking Classes for Beginners](https://woodturningonline.com/best-woodworking-classes-for-beginners/): Online and in-person woodworking class recommendations. ## Lathes and Equipment - [Best Wood Lathes for Woodworking](https://woodturningonline.com/best-lathes-for-woodworking/): Comparing top picks from JET, Rikon, Nova, and more with a buyer's guide for every budget. - [Best Mini Wood Lathe](https://woodturningonline.com/best-mini-wood-lathe/): Compact lathes including the Excelsior, WEN 3424T, Turncrafter Commander, and JET JWL-1015. - [Lathe Chucks: Types, Parts, and Selecting the Right Piece for the Job](https://woodturningonline.com/lathe-chuck-types/): Scroll, faceplate, screw, collet, and vacuum chucks with brand comparisons. - [Lathe Chuck Mounting Methods](https://woodturningonline.com/lathe-chuck-mounting-methods/): How to mount various lathe chucks. - [What Is A Lathe Swing](https://woodturningonline.com/what-is-a-lathe-swing/): Understanding lathe swing terminology and specs. - [Best Steady Rests for Wood Lathes](https://woodturningonline.com/best-steady-rests-for-wood-lathes/): Top picks for hollow forms and long spindles, plus DIY options. - [Best LED Lathe Light](https://woodturningonline.com/best-led-lathe-light/): LED lighting for your lathe and workshop. - [Wood Lathe vs. Metal Lathe: What is the Difference?](https://woodturningonline.com/wood-lathe-vs-metal-lathe-what-is-the-difference/): Key differences between wood and metal lathes. - [Can You Turn Wood on a Metal Lathe?](https://woodturningonline.com/can-you-turn-wood-on-a-metal-lathe/): Using a metal lathe for wood — what works and what doesn't. - [List of Wood Lathes and Their Specifications](https://woodturningonline.com/list-of-wood-lathes-and-their-specifications/): Reference table of wood lathe models and specs. ### Lathe Reviews - [Jet JWL-1440VSK Review](https://woodturningonline.com/jet-jwl-1440vsk-review/): Powerful motor, cast iron stand, 400-3000 RPM range. - [Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe Review](https://woodturningonline.com/rikon-70-100-mini-lathe-review/): Compact mini lathe with impressive capabilities. - [Wen Lathe Review](https://woodturningonline.com/wen-lathe-review/): WEN 3420 mini wood lathe — ideal entry-level choice. - [Shop Fox W1758 Review](https://woodturningonline.com/shop-fox-w1758-review/): Features, pros, cons, and FAQs for the Shop Fox W1758. ## Turning Tools - [Best Woodturning Tools: A Complete Guide](https://woodturningonline.com/best-woodturning-tools/): Gouges, scrapers, parting tools, and complete starter sets. - [Carbide vs HSS Woodturning Tools](https://woodturningonline.com/carbide-vs-traditional-hss-woodturning-tools/): Comparing sharpening, cost, learning curve, and performance. - [Best Full-Size Carbide Turning Tools](https://woodturningonline.com/best-full-size-carbide-turning-tools/): Carbide tool sets from Asieg, Wolltex, and YUFUTOL. - [Best Roughing Gouges](https://woodturningonline.com/best-roughing-gouges/): Top picks from Schaaf, Hurricane, PSI Woodworking, and Robert Sorby. - [When to Use a Nose Scraper](https://woodturningonline.com/when-to-use-a-nose-scraper/): How and when to use a round nose scraper for smooth curves. - [Sharpening Woodturning Tools](https://woodturningonline.com/sharpening-woodturning-tools/): Sharpening angles, systems, and frequency for lathe tools. ## Other Shop Tools - [Best Chainsaw](https://woodturningonline.com/best-chainsaw/): Gas, electric, and cordless models from Husqvarna, Oregon, and WORX. - [How to Sharpen a Chainsaw in 7 Steps](https://woodturningonline.com/how-to-sharpen-a-chainsaw-in-7-steps/): Step-by-step chainsaw maintenance guide. - [Best Digital Calipers](https://woodturningonline.com/best-digital-calipers/): Digital calipers for woodworking and metalworking. - [How to Use Dial Indicators and Calipers](https://woodturningonline.com/how-to-use-dial-indicators-and-calipers/): Using machinist's instruments for precision measurement. - [How to Install Bandsaw Tires](https://woodturningonline.com/how-to-install-bandsaw-tires/): Diagnosing and replacing bad bandsaw tires. - [How to Set Jointer Knives](https://woodturningonline.com/setting-jointer-knives/): Proper knife alignment for your jointer. ## Wood Selection and Preparation - [Best Wood for Woodturning](https://woodturningonline.com/best-wood-for-woodturning/): Softwoods for beginners to exotic hardwoods for stunning bowls and spindles. - [Where to Buy Wood for Woodturning?](https://woodturningonline.com/where-to-buy-wood-for-woodturning/): Sources for turning stock — local, online, and salvaged. - [How to Make Woodturning Blanks from a Log](https://woodturningonline.com/how-to-make-woodturning-blanks-from-a-log/): Converting raw wood into turning blanks. - [What Are Wood Turning Blanks and How They're Used](https://woodturningonline.com/what-are-wood-turning-blanks-and-how-theyre-used/): What blanks are, standard dimensions, and how they're used. - [How Dry Should Wood Be When Turning](https://woodturningonline.com/how-dry-should-wood-be-when-turning/): Green vs dry wood — moisture content guidelines for turning. - [What Are Some Kinds of Exotic Lumber?](https://woodturningonline.com/what-are-some-kinds-of-exotic-lumber/): Overview of exotic wood species for furniture and turning. - [How to Buy Lumber at a Local Sawmill and Save Money](https://woodturningonline.com/how-to-buy-lumber-at-a-local-sawmill-and-save-money/): Sourcing lumber directly from sawmills. - [How to Build and Use a Wood Drying Kiln](https://woodturningonline.com/how-to-build-and-use-a-wood-drying-kiln/): DIY kiln from an old refrigerator for drying turning stock. - [Can You Use Pine For Cutting Boards](https://woodturningonline.com/can-you-use-pine-for-cutting-boards/): Pine for cutting boards — pros, cons, and food safety. ## Techniques - [Making Your Own Hollowing Rig](https://woodturningonline.com/making-your-own-hollowing-rig/): DIY hollowing rig for deep boring on a budget. - [Adding Decoration to a Bowl](https://woodturningonline.com/adding-decoration-to-a-bowl/): Plug inlays, indexing, pyrography, texturing, and more. - [How to Center Segmented Bowl Rings](https://woodturningonline.com/how-to-center-segmented-bowl-rings/): Centering glued-up rings on the lathe. - [Wood hardener VS Epoxy](https://woodturningonline.com/wood-hardener-vs-epoxy/): Experiment comparing wood hardener and epoxy for stabilization. - [How to Build a Pen Assembly Press](https://woodturningonline.com/how-to-build-a-pen-assembly-press/): DIY portable pen press for assembled turned pens. ## Finishes and Resins - [Homemade Woodturning Finishes](https://woodturningonline.com/homemade-woodturning-finishes/): Recipes and methods for DIY turning finishes. - [Best Resin for Woodturning](https://woodturningonline.com/best-resin-for-woodturning/): Epoxy and casting resins for stabilizing blanks, pen turning, and hybrid bowls. - [Best Resin for River Tables](https://woodturningonline.com/best-resin-for-river-tables/): Top resin choices for river table projects. - [How to Spray Lacquer: Illustrated Guide](https://woodturningonline.com/how-to-spray-lacquer-illustrated-guide/): Complete guide to spray lacquering. ## Projects ### Bowls and Vessels - [Project: Burmese Blackwood Bowl](https://woodturningonline.com/project-burmese-blackwood-bowl/): Step-by-step photoshoot of a Burmese blackwood bowl. - [Project: Turning a Ring Bowl](https://woodturningonline.com/turning-a-ring-bowl/): Turning a decorative ring bowl from a 6.5-inch blank. - [Project: Erosion Vase](https://woodturningonline.com/project-erosion-vase/): Hollow turning, freehand carving, and piercing with Neil Scobie's technique. - [Project: Cremation Urn](https://woodturningonline.com/project-cremation-urn/): Cremation urn project by master turner Bill Grumbine. ### Boxes - [Project: Finial Box](https://woodturningonline.com/project-finial-box/): Turned finial box project by Don Jones. - [Project: Snap Lid Box](https://woodturningonline.com/project-snap-lid-box/): Lidded box with a friction-fit snap lid. ### Spoons and Spatulae - [Turning Wooden Spoons With Hand Carved Bowl](https://woodturningonline.com/turning-wooden-spoons-with-hand-carved-bowl/): Lathe-turned spoon with a hand-carved bowl. - [Project: Kitchen Spatula](https://woodturningonline.com/project-kitchen-spatula/): Turning a practical kitchen spatula. - [Project: Caddy Spoon](https://woodturningonline.com/project-caddy-spoon/): Making a caddy spoon with a wooden chuck. ### Other Projects - [Project: Captive Rings on a Baby Rattle](https://woodturningonline.com/project-captive-rings-on-a-baby-rattle/): Photo tutorial on captive ring technique. - [Project: Turning a Toy Soldier Ornament](https://woodturningonline.com/turning-a-toy-soldier-ornament/): Turned Christmas ornament project. - [Turning a Wood Ring with Veneer Inlay](https://woodturningonline.com/turning-a-wood-ring-with-veneer-inlay/): Wood ring with decorative veneer inlay. - [Tips for Turning Baseball Bats](https://woodturningonline.com/tips-for-turning-baseball-bats/): Wood selection, lathe setup, steady rest technique, and step-by-step turning. - [Project: Epoxy Resin River Table](https://woodturningonline.com/project-epoxy-resin-river-table/): Building an epoxy resin river table. ## Video Tutorials - [Video: Grain Direction](https://woodturningonline.com/video-grain-direction/): Stuart Batty on assessing spindle blanks for grain direction, knots, and defects. - [Video: The Importance of Sharpening](https://woodturningonline.com/video-the-importance-of-sharpening/): Stuart Batty on sharp vs dull tools and the push cut technique. - [Video: The Importance of Sharpening, part 2](https://woodturningonline.com/video-the-importance-of-sharpening-part-2/): End-grain cutting, bevel contact, and the tripod principle.