Turning a Mini Disk
By Curtis Turner
Round Rock, TX

This project is an excellent way to take a break from turning the same old pens and bowls. This easy project can be accomplished on a mini lathe, and requires only a small block of wood. A mini disk is a good way to display an interesting wood and show off your turning skills.

CLICK HERE to learn how to
make your own mini disk:

How to Inlay Stone Into Wood
By Tim Carter
Delray Beach, FL

Want to take a plain project and make it really spectacular? One way to do it is to inlay semi-precious stone into the wood! The inlay can create an amazing contrast of colors and shapes that will draw people to it!

I’m a woodturner and use this process a lot on bowls, platters, hollow forms and Lazy Susans that I turn. However, the process can be used on any type of wood working project.

CLICK HERE to learn Tim's process for inlaying stone into wood:

This month's column features a wide variety of creative and beautiful woodturnings made by Richard Mialki.

Take a closer look at this adorable duck family and many more!

A Phil's Tips Classic: A Time-Saving
Turning Tip

If necessity is the mother of invention, laziness is most likely the father.

I was in my shop one evening roughing out bowls. After roughing out the first bowl, with the chuck still on the lathe, I thought "Why not just put the #2 drive center in the chuck and tighten it up and save some time?"

I did it and turned the lathe on to see how well it centered.

How did it all work out?