Project Idea: Turning a Pencil
by Curtis Turner
Round Rock, Texas

Woodturning a pencil is a great summer time project for children. I have found that my kids are always excited to help make something they can actually use. This is also a fun way to introduce them to the lathe, safety and tools.

Turning Learnings: Where Do You Get Your Wood?
by John Freeman
Atlanta, GA

Once in awhile I'm asked where I get the wood I use for turning projects. The fact is there are a number of sources. Turning wood (known as turning blanks) can often be bought from woodworking stores and catalogs, but I've never made such a purchase myself because of the ready availability of free wood.