Welcome to Padstow Woodturning
Don't you just love wooden objects? There's something about the variation in grain and colour and about the feel and smell of wood that other materials just don't have. I've been wood-turning now for a couple of years and it never loses its interest. I'm lucky enough to have my own workshop in St. Merryn, surrounded by beautiful countryside, just a few miles from the coast and the small fishing harbour of Padstow. `
My main lathe is a record CL4 with a 1hp motor and variable speed system. The lathe is fitted with a bowl turning attachment for greater bowl turning capacity. My second lathe is a Axminster AWVSL with a 1/2hp motor for pen making. I use a very useful tool called a Decorating Elf. It makes small cuts so you can make spirals and pattens in the wood. Another favourite tool allows me to make up to four bowls from a single block of wood (see image above). This allows natural pattern and colour to link all the bowls in the set.
I make boxes, bowls, candle holders, pens, light pulls, letter openers and platters - but am always up for a challenge!
I'm lucky to have a friend in the Padstow area who can supply me with wood of all types and have used yew, oak, spalted oak, spalted beech, cherry, tulip and sycamore, although I can use almost any wood that comes my way.
All my bowls have a 'food safe' finish on the inside, so can be used for foodstuffs, although they are not dishwasher-safe. No wooden objects should every be put in a dishwasher! To clean, simply wipe with a damp cloth and apply some vegetable oil every now and then. Don't use olive oil which can stain. Make sure too you keep any wooden objects away from heat and sunshine.
To achieve a high sheen, objects are sanded and two coats of sander sealant applied. Then I use 0000 wire wool to de-nib the surface. One coat of Liberon fine paste wax is applied and buffed and then a second coat applied. finally the object is put back on the lathe and turned at 2000 rpm allowing the heat from friction to enhance the sheen.
Have a look at my gallery to see the full range of objects and woods. The prices are guide prices only. Many of these objects have already been sold, but I am always ready to work to order and produce exactly what you want. Please ring me to discuss your requirements.