The video “I’m Getting Started in Woodturning | Lathe Setup and Wood Turning Project” is by Newton Makes. In this engaging episode, Newton takes viewers through his exciting journey of setting up a lathe and crafting his very own salt and pepper shakers.
Newton kicks off the project by humorously reflecting on the convenience of buying salt and pepper shakers for a couple of dollars. However, he believes that creating his own is a far more rewarding experience. He starts by ensuring that his lathe is securely mounted to prevent it from bouncing around during use.
After some trial and error with bolts, Newton finds an old bolt from his TV wall mount hardware, showcasing the importance of keeping useful items around the shop. He mounts the lathe on a piece of red oak, ready to dive into the woodturning process.
As he navigates through the setup, Newton admits to feeling a bit lost, but his enthusiasm shines through. He discovers online resources from the Woodworkers Guild of America, which provide him with valuable instructional videos to help him along the way.
With newfound knowledge, Newton begins his first test on the lathe, successfully creating a cylinder. He expresses satisfaction with the smoothness of his creation, indicating that he’s on the right track.
Moving on to the main project, Newton selects a piece of figured, air-dried walnut for the shakers. He carefully cuts the wood into angles to prepare it for turning. His excitement is palpable as he prepares to transform the wood into functional art.
Using carbide cutters, he skillfully shapes the walnut into a cylinder, demonstrating his commitment to learning and improving his turning skills. After shaping, he heads over to the drill press to create holes for the salt and pepper.
To ensure the shakers are practical, Newton meticulously drills holes for salt and caps them off, embracing the technical aspects of the project. He emphasizes that he’s not trying to reinvent the wheel but rather learning from existing designs.
Next, Newton applies a food-safe finish using shellac and walnut oil, enhancing the natural beauty of the walnut. He admires the final product, noting the subtle figure in the wood that makes the shakers stand out.
With a gradual taper and rounded ends, the shakers exhibit a simple yet elegant profile. Newton wraps up the video by thanking his supporters and encouraging viewers to get into their shops and create something awesome.
Newton’s journey into woodturning is both inspiring and educational, showcasing the joy of creating custom pieces that are not only functional but also beautiful. It’s a fantastic reminder that with a little creativity and effort, anyone can embark on their own woodworking adventure.