about segmented woodturning

In segmented woodturning, the object is first constructed in rough form by gluing together many segments of wood, then turned to its final shape on the lathe. This allows the use of different species, control of grain orientation, and the addition of geometric figure to the piece. I often use veneer of contrasting color between segments or between rings.

: The segments are cut out on the bandsaw and sanded to fit.

: Then they’re glued into rings

: Then the rings are glued together into a stack.

: The final “rough” form is mounted on the lathe for final turning.

This method of preparing the segmented form is different from the more common use of a table saw or miter saw. I learned this technique from Paul Weinberger, of Weston, WV. Paul was a patternmaker in the glass industry that once flourished in West Virginia, and this method is essentially the same as the one by which he (and his father before him) made glass moulds and mould patterns. Paul was my mentor and friend. He passed from this life in 2013.