Wood Turning
Integral to Furniture
Woodturning is integral to furniture making. A wide variety of turning techniques are employed in the restoration and conservation of antique furniture, ranging from the tiniest ivory knobs to the large, heavy legs of tables and beds. This craft encompasses shapes and sizes of all kinds, making it essential knowledge for anyone working with antique furniture.
Background
Frank started woodturning at the age of 12 and, by 14, had his own wood lathe. Over the years, Frank has continually refined his woodturning skills, which are crucial for restoring and conserving antique furniture. Historically, woodturning was used to create small household items such as bowls, containers, and cups. These items are generically referred to as "treen," which literally translates to "of a tree". While the art and craft of woodturning has a deep and fascinating history, Frank’s approach is primarily technical and focused on furniture. However, he has experience with all types of turning.
Frank has often seen poorly repaired turnings. It is critical, both aesthetically and structurally, that they are properly repaired. The photo above illustrates the correct way to repair a turned leg.
These are the legs from a set of 12 Silky Oak dining chairs that Frank made. The smaller turnings are from the carver chairs. Frank was commissioned to replicate an existing set of chairs exactly.
Process techniques
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Turned items that are damaged need to be properly repaired, centred and aligned. Countless times Frank has seen repairs poorly done with dowels and screws from Bunnings.
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Frank can replicate small Ivory and Ebony knobs that often have become lost. Faux Ivory is a polycarbonate that is an excellent substitute to real Ivory. It turns nicely and can be sanded and burnished to a nice sheen.
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Frank creates turned and fluted legs on a lathe. Once the leg is turned a special jig is used to cut the groves.
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Jacobean or barley twists are also created in a lathe. The basic shape is turned and then the carved twist is done while still in the lathe.
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Wooden threads and screws can be made on a lathe. Frank can make large wooden screws which are used in bench vices and book presses as well as thread chasing, which uses special chisels to cut thread in small objects.
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Turned components of antique furniture often need to be put back in the lathe to be cleaned, the old finish removed and re-French polished.
This photo shows the process of turning cedar legs. Four nice chunks of Australian cedar were used to create four reeded legs.
The photo above shows the finished legs. These legs were entirely made on the wood lathe, and the French polishing was also done on the lathe.
An unusual commission made from walnut. It serves as the base for a trophy that features a silver cup. This project demonstrates the versatility of woodworking, as Frank often takes on unique projects.
Special Finishes: This is a shellac-based black Japanned finish. Heavily pigmented black shellac is built up, and then it is French polished with clear shellac to give it depth.
Frank can create virtually any shape or style of woodturning. The shape and design are first drawn on paper. Then, templates and patterns are made to produce exact multiple copies of the same shape.
Outcome
Having the ability to do all his own wood turning means Frank can retain maximum control over the quality of this aspect of his work.