Demos and Instruction

Demonstration Topics:

• Exploration in Multi-Axis Turning – introduction of several projects with a focus on the fundamental aspects
• Miniature Hollow Forms – turning and hollowing small vessels.
• Three-Sided Multi Axis Form – learn to turn something that isn’t round.
• Not Your Average Spinning Tops – unique takes on this classic project.
• Miniature Teapots – turning and texturing a mini teapot.
• Ploc! Multi-Axis Drop – turning and carving a drop.
• The Sphere – Turning and hollowing of a sphere.
• Spiral Carving – Carving and texturing a spiral pattern.
• Texturing with a Woodburner – everything you need to get started.
• Escoulen Chuck N°3 – learn to use this multi-axis chuck. (remote only)

Exploration in Multi-Axis Turning

In this demo I will talk about the two main principals of multi-axis turning. I will introduce a variety of shapes and ways to cut the material to create different designs and achieve unique forms. These techniques can be applied to a plethora of projects, such as boxes, vases, furniture, and sculptural forms. LEVEL: something for everybody

Miniature Hollow Forms

In this demo, we will be turning and hollowing several miniature hollow forms (varying in size and shape) using my signature Niclot Mini Hollowers. I will use different tools for the outside shape focusing on getting a nice cut. We will talk about how to gauge the thickness and I will give the audience the opportunity to choose from a variety of textures to add another element to the form. LEVEL: something for everybody

Three-Sided Multi-Axis Form

Impress all of your friends by learning to turn something that isn’t actually round. In this demo I will use multi-axis techniques to make a three-sided form. I will discuss the basic principals of multi-axis turning and then create a small form that instead of being round has three sides. I will discuss how this technique and this form can then be hollowed, or used as a starting point for hollowing, texturing, carving, etc. LEVEL: something for everybody

Not Your Average Spinning Tops

In this demo, I will turn a variety of different spinning tops, but not just any spinning top, instead I will share unique takes on this classic project. Projects might include a spinning top box, a multi-axis spinning top, a top with a brass point, and more! For fun, we will also see how small we can make a spinning top, ensuring that it still spins. In addition to tool technique and clean cutting, this demo will also include a plethora of surface and texturing techniques. LEVEL: Something for everybody

Miniature Teapots

In this demo, I will share with you how to turn a truly miniature teapot (approx. 1″), these teapots are a part of my signature drop pieces and Teatree’s. The demo will include turning technique, including the use of a French bedan, and hollowing of the teapot with miniature hollowing tools. I will then turn the lid and the spout (magnifiers not included) and share how I color using Indian ink and gilding wax to create a Damascus steel effect. LEVEL: something for everybody

Ploc! Multi- Axis Drop:

In this demo, I will share with you how to turn a multi-axis drop form that can be used in a variety of different ways. I use them to make my signature piece the Ploc! with a teapot mounted on the point. I will discuss tool technique, clean cutting and how to use a spindle gouge and a skew to get the perfect form. After removing some material by turning off-center, I will also carve the top of the drop using gouges and rasps to make it thinner and give it an illusion of movement. I will also share tips and tricks for carving something round, so everything blends together to make a beautiful form. LEVEL: something for everybody

The Sphere :

In this demo, I will share my technique for roughing and turning a perfect sphere form. We will start by mounting the piece between centers, and then remounting it for the finishing using a jam chuck made out of green wood. I will also share how to hollow the sphere using small hollowing tools in a homemade chuck for a precise and safe method of hollowing. The sphere is a very pure shape but is also one of the most complicated. It is a great canvas for carving and texturing as well as a pleasant shape that will put forward the beauty of the wood grain. LEVEL: something for everybody

Spiral Carving :

In this demo, I will use a previously turned form, to create a spiral design. We will start out by drawing a spiral design, then I will show you how to carve it using power tools to make the design both concave and convex. I will also share ways to use rotary tools and the woodburner to texture the flutes and beads. If desired, I can also show how to color the form with ink and gilding wax. The techniques used in the presentation can be applied on a multitude of forms. The texturing  possibilities presented will open the participants minds and encourage them to try these techniques with whatever tools they have available, without having to procure specific burrs. LEVEL: Something for everybody

Texturing with a Woodburner

In this demonstration I will texture a piece of wood using the woodburner to carve and create an illusion of a different material. I will show you how to create a steampunk design (metal plates, gears, screws…) but also show rapidly how to make the wood look like stone, eggshell, leather… This demonstration is about showing the possibility of the woodburner used to carve and not just draw on the wood, and then how to use acrylic paints and the dry brushing to color the pattern created to make the illusion as close to reality as it can get. LEVEL: something for everybody

Escoulen chuck N°3

*Remote demos only

In this demonstration I will be showing you how to use the Escoulen chuck N°3 with two little projects :

-Using the bedan and a parting tool, to create a foot for another piece or a masterpiece in itself.

-Turning of a three sided piece for a box or a vase using the roughing gouge.

This demonstration will focus on how to use the chuck safely, how to offset a piece of wood and create steps on a single offset circle. For that I will use a whiteboard to explain the process of eccentric and to allow the audience to understand how to measure, draw and figure out how to set up the chuck to create what they can imagine. LEVEL: advanced techniques.