Occam's Razor For Wood Turners
* It’s elementary. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one.
You've probably heard it before: The simplest explanation is usually the right one. This line of reasoning is called Occam's razor. It's used in a wide variety of ways throughout the world as a means to slice through a problem or situation and eliminate unnecessary elements. There are two parts that are considered the basis of Occam's razor, and they were originally written in Latin:
The Principle of Plurality - Plurality should not be posited without necessity The Principle of Parsimony - It is pointless to do with more what is done with less"
KISS- Keep it simple silly has been around as long as I can remember. As a jig and fixture designer, inventor and DIY engineer, I struggle constantly with making things too complex trying to avoid imaginary problems. When I refine something we use for woodturning, it is usually to take something away or simplify it, rather than add something else.
There are exceptions but, beginning pen turners are notorious for wanting to add beads and coves to the pen barrels. The most attractive pens have almost no shape except to taper slightly from the point to the pen clip area. Vases that have stood the test of time, usually have clean simple fair curves and utilize a classic shape. I'm not talking about texturing, carving or embelishment here, just the overal shape of the vessel.
I recently visited a high-end wooden vessel manufacturer who has come to the conclusion that it only takes three basic shapes to satisfy his commercial customer base. He offers each shape in either walnut, cherry or maple, but they are still the same basic shapes. Each shape is only slightly different from the others so he can rough to a standard shape then quickly modify the vessel only slightly to make the other shapes. Subtle differences in shape alter the appearance so it is perceived as a completely different design.
When finishing an acrylic turned item, pens, ice cream scoop handles, razor handles or any Alumilite resin type vessel, Micromesh offers 9 different grits ending with 12,000 grit. These are intended to be used after first sanding with paper up through 800 grit. Then you use a cream scratch remover just before buffing. Barry Gross, Mr. Pen Turner, uses three grits, scratch remover then buffs the pen to a high luster. This is an excellent example of Occum’s Razor in action in our world.
On most domestic wood, anything above 320 grit is a waste of time. For very hard dense exotic wood like ebony, African blackwood and cocobolo, I stop at 800 grit then buff and wax.
When I turn plates, platters and most smaller bowls (up to 12-14”) I use a recessed tenon. Why? I can make it in two steps rather than three steps. I don’t have to remove the tenon. This method is much faster and very safe on smaller items. Extra steps creep into our methodology over time and are usually only necessary for special circumstances; not for every project from now on.
I’m saying eliminate steps in your turning when you can and make a conscious effort to keep things as simple as possible. The more steps you add the longer each project will take and you will end up “fixing” your turning right into the trash. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Prov 10:19 When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise.
Proverbs 3:6 NIV in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Colossians 1:26 NIV the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.
*Copied from an Internet Dictionary
This Week's Sale
Sweet Janice & I will celebrate our 51st wedding anniversary shortly. So. . .
Longworth Special
Buy One Item at Regular Price and get 51% Off the second item.
Select Items Only!
12" Longworth Chuck Combo Type 2 - Regular Price $259.99. Add Ladle Chuck or an Off-Center Chuck for only $88.20 (Save 51%) Total for both is only $348.18
16" Longworth Chuck Combo Type 2 - Regular Price $279.99. Add Lathe Chuck or an Off-Center Chuck for only 88.20 (save 51%) Total for both is only $368.19
12" Full Sized Steady Rest Type 2 - Regular Price is $189.99. Add a Mini-Steady Rest and save 51%. Total for both is only $226.73.
16" Full Sized Steady Rest Type 2 - Regular Price is $249.99. Add a Mini-Steady Rest and save 51%. Total for both is only $294.18.
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Extended by popular demand for one more week.
Sharp Tools Are The Key!
Without sharp tools nothing else works the way it is supposed to. You have to force the cut, the wood tears rather than shears off. It is difficult to roll a bead or scoop out a cove cleanly. You will sand forever on a bowl with torn grain.
Properly sharpened tools are a joy. They cut easily, cleanly and with little effort. The Quick Sharpening Package contains everything you need to properly sharpen every HSS lathe chisel you own. Use the Quad Setting Jig to quickly set the platform to the proper angle for Scrapers, Skews, Roughing Gouges and Parting Tools.
Use the Set Up Blocks to set your VariGrind 1 or 2 in seconds for reteatable Bowl Gouge grinds including Standard, Ellsworth Style and Bottom Feeder type. Quickly set your jig for fingernail grinds on your spindle gouges.
If you have a favorite non-standard grind on some of your gouges, use the Universal Setting Jig to duplicate it exactly every time.
Retail Value $104.96
Sale Price $49.99
More Cool Stuff!
You Can make 5 different sized ladles. Includes 5 templates for perfect spheres. Available to fit 1x8 or 1-1/4 x 8 spindles
Free means Free. These downloads are available for immediate download. 1) You must be registered on the website, 2) You must be logged in, 3) You must follow the instructions to the letter, 4) You must click on each file individually to download it.
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Including Bottle Stopper Designs - 50 Plus classic designs. Free PDF.
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Instructions
ProGrind Instructions
We have bundled several of the most popular documents into one down-loadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.
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