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Finding Your Own Niche
How do you find your own personal niche in the woodturning world? Maybe you will have more than one specialty. But how do you know? These questions will help.
Have you have made enough of these to understand this item well (that is usually 30-50 or even 100 if the pieces are on the small side)? i.e. bottle stoppers, spinning tops, pepper mills, acorn boxes, etc. ? Do other folks like what you make? Do you never get tire of making another one? If you sell what you make, does this item sell well at a fair price? If you give away what you make, folks are always eager to receive it? When you think of turning, do you usually think about making these items? Have you have already figured out how to improve your favorite kind of item? Have You purchased specialty tools, jigs or fixtures in order to make more of this kind of item? Do other types of items just seem like a distraction?
My friend Chris Stott from Spain by way of England told me that I wouldn’t be a good lidded box maker until sometime after I had made a couple of hundred boxes. He said the first 200 were just practice. After I had made the first 200, I discovered that he was right after all. And I still love making small turned lidded boxes especially acorns.
Thanks in large part to my time on The Woodworking Show Circuit, I’ve now made in excess of 10,000 textured spinning tops. I never tire of making them and each new texture and color combination still intrigues me. I’ve only made 400-500 Acorn lidded boxes but I love them as well.
I’ve compiled a short list of popular items turners make. If you have only tried a few and have already found your specialty, good for you! I would like to recommend that you try several other items on the list just to see if any of them have a special appeal for you. I will tell you again that the two most popular turned items worldwide are bowls and pens. They are popular for a reason – just saying.
BOWLS ● PLATES ● PLATTERS ● HOLLOW FORMS ● CALABASH STYLE BOWLS ● VASES ● WOODEN PENS ● ACRYLIC PENS ● BOTTLE STOPPERS ● SALT/PEPPER MILLS ● SALT/PEPPER SHAKERS ● TURNED LIDDED BOXES ● ACORNS ● MUSHROOMS ● CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS ● FINIALS ● BELLS ● MINIATURE BIRD HOUSES ● HONEY DIPPERS ● GARDEN DIBBLES ● CANDLESTICKS ● VOTIVE CANDLE HOLDERS ● SPURTLES ● SCOOPS ● LADLES ● BASKET WEAVE ILLUSIONS ● HYBRID RESIN PROJECTS ● INLACE ● TABLE LEGS ● LAZY SUSAN DISKS ● PYROGRAPHY EFFECTS ● ICE CREAM SCOOPS ● LETTER OPENERS ● MASON JAR LIDS ● TIPPLE TOPS ● MORTAR AND PESTLE SETS ● POTPOURRI BOWLS ● LIDDED TORTILLA BOWLS ● NATURAL EDGE BOWLS ● THREE-SIDED CUBES ● BANANA WINGED BOWLS ● HOLLOW FORMS WITH LARGE VOIDS ● OFF-CENTER TURNING BOTH SPINDLE AND FACEPLATE ● FULL-SIZED BASEBALL BATS ● MINIATURE BASEBALL BATS ● SPHERES ● SPHERICAL BOXES ● SEGMENTED TURNING ● OPEN SEGMENTED TURNING ● SUPER-THIN TURNING AND PIERCING ● INSIDE-OUT TURNING ● GREENWOOD BOWLS ● SPALTED WOOD ITEMS ● STABILIZED WOOD ● ALABASTER ● OBJECTS EMBEDDED IN CLEAR RESIN
That is not all the turned items there are but this list should get you started. Just for fun, why don’t you print the list then take a yellow highlighter and see how many types of items you have made at least a few of. Then pick a different color and highlight the ones you have made a lot of 30, 50, 100 or more. Ask yourself why? Then pick a few new types of items and have some fun. Always remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this week’s message:
Exodus 35:35 NIV He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.
Exodus 31:5 NIV to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.
Romans 12:6 NIV We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
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Clubs: Get an additional 5% (15% total) for orders of 5 pieces or more mix and match ok. Call the office for details:
(770) 962-3821
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Tis the season!
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Laser Cut Christmas Ornament Season
Is Here Again!
Introducing 4 Brand New Designs for 2019
There are numerous offerings for different combinations of kits on the website. There are only two which will offer you the correct pricing.
If you have decided what you want and can't find it, include a note in the comments section of your order and I'll make sure to include your choices at the discounted prices. Or, just call the office at (770)312-9087 Eastern or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We are offering Flat Rate USA Shipping of $9.99 Per Laser Cut Kit Order for this special.
Merry Christmas!
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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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