Here are My Woodturnings!

by Jim Marx
St. Louis, MO

Note: click any picture to see a larger version.

I started out in woodworking many years ago, making rocking horses, cars and toys for my children, nieces and nephews. I then got hooked on woodturning after finding a small lathe for $100 and quickly found the right 'excuse' to upgrade to a full size Jet 1442. Lathe work must be in my blood, since my grandfather ran a metal lathe for over 50 years, but it's too bad he isn't around to show me the ropes. I've spent many hours on websites such as the AAW and World of Woodturners, learning techniques and skills that I might be able to master. I'm still working on it, though, as I continue to strive for the 'perfect form' in my vases and hollow forms. I've also made bowls, platters, bottle stoppers, teapots, and literally hundreds of pens for our overseas troops.

Inspiration comes in many forms. Wood grain has always intrigued me with its many colors and natural designs, especially in spalting. I admire the works of turners such as John Jordan, Malcolm Tibbetts and the beautiful sculptures of Ron Fleming and Jacques Vesery. I've also tried to study and apply design techniques based on ancient vessels and am amazed at how well-formed their works of art are.

I have so much to learn but am very fortunate that turners are great mentors. One day I will have the time to learn to carve so I can embellish and sculpt my vases and vessels (yes dear, my next hobby!)

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Submit your own woodturnings or woodturning shop to this column! Simply SEND US PHOTOS of your woodturning projects or shop along with captions and a brief history and description of your woodturning. (Email photos at 800x600 resolution.) Receive a $50 store credit if we show your turning in a future issue!