Whether you’re a beginner woodturner or a seasoned pro, you’re probably always on the lookout for new projects to try turning on your lathe. While there really are no limits to what you can experiment with, having some woodturning kits for practice and inspiration is always helpful. No matter your skill level, there are an overwhelming amount of options out there: pens, pepper grinders, bottle stoppers, jewelry…the list goes on. Some of these are great for everyone to try, while others are a little more advanced. Here’s a quick rundown of suggested projects for different levels of woodturning, along with some tips and tricks to keep you inspired.
The best woodturning projects for beginners
When you’re brand new to turning, you might be tempted to try everything at once. With so many interesting exotic wood blanks to choose from, it’s pretty exciting to imagine all the things you can create. And one day you can! However, to save your money and your sanity, it’s best to start with something simple. Starting simple will ease you into the process at a reasonable learning speed and keep you from taking on something too complicated or frustrating. It will also build your confidence.
The best woodturning projects for beginners are basic, inexpensive handmade pens paired with forgiving, softer wood. The easier the wood is to turn, the less likely you’ll have discouraging problems like blowout or chipping.
Try:
- Soft curly maple, walnut or redwood.
- Simple, affordable 7mm pen kits such as Slimline, Cigar and Easyline.
- Small projects like memory pendants or keychains.
Avoid:
- Difficult to turn acrylic and poly-resin blanks, which are brittle and prone to chipping.
- Unstabilized burl due to its inconsistency, and splintery woods like wenge or black palm.
- Complex projects that involve extra steps like turning tenons or creating accurate recesses.
Woodturning projects for intermediate skill level
Once you’ve mastered the basic pen kit, you’ll be ready for something a little more challenging. Intermediate projects sometimes involve extra tools, tricky blank materials and larger finished products. You’ve probably already found yourself venturing into the world of new tools and options beyond pens.
Try:
- More challenging blanks such as stabilized burl which is infused with resin to make it stronger or hybrid/fusion blanks, which are a combination of stabilized burl and resin.
- Kits that require larger pieces of wood like salt and pepper shakers, special tooling as with rings or projects that include details like threading such as bottle stoppers and openers.
- Midrange-priced pens, such as the Luxor, Wilfred or Dynasty.
Tip: Double-check instructions! Some of these kits require different tooling, like mandrels for rings, a drill and tap set for making threads or multiple drill bits for some pen kits. There’s nothing more frustrating than settling into the shop to turn and realizing you’re missing an important tool.
Advanced woodturning projects
The great thing about being an advanced woodturner is that you’re ready for almost anything at this point, and now you get to bring in your own creative elements to match your skill. With your technique on point, you can fully lean into the artistry that attracts so many craftspeople to woodturning.
Try:
- Making wooden bowls with bowl blanks or stabilized bowl blanks
- Complex lathe projects like the Heirloom pepper grinders or high-end pen kits like the Majestic Junior, which has 22k gold details.
- Challenging blanks made of unstabilized burl, spindles, acrylic and inlay materials.
- Segmented pieces.
Tip: Just because you’re experienced doesn’t mean you have to stick to expensive pen kits. After all, you have the skills to dress up the simple ones! Consider trying segmenting your own blanks, including an inlay or even making your own resin pen blanks.
Sanding and polishing handmade pens
One of the most important things, no matter your skill level, is the patience and effort you put into your finish. If you rush, it will show no matter how long you’ve been at it. Certain materials are helpful for all skill levels:
- Sanding and mesh rolls, which include all the grits you need in one box.
- Abranet for a uniform sanding pattern.
- Micromesh, which sands up to 12000 grit for the smoothest possible finish, and can be used on wood or for wet sanding acrylic and resin.
- Abrasive pastes, which combine fine grit with oils and waxes to bring out the grain and beauty of your wood while creating a smooth surface.
- Hut polish for a glassy top coat.
- Doctor’s Woodshop products for a range of oil, wax or shellac finishes that enhance and beautify wood grain.
Pen blanks and kits for every skill level
Visit the William Wood-Write website for materials, video tutorials and resources to inspire you in your woodturning. Our Canadian family business has the largest selection of exotic wood pen blanks, pen kits, project kits and woodturning lathe materials. We have something for every kind of woodturner, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for weekly deals and inspiring ideas!
