November 02, 2026
Four-Jaw Chucking for Woodturning: Tenons, Recesses and Safer Grip
Learn how to form strong tenons and recesses, match wood to four-jaw chuck jaws, and check bowl and spindle blank mounting before turning.
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Practical tips, project ideas, and woodturning know-how from Got Wood? LLC. Explore our latest articles or choose a topic below.
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October 26, 2026
Finishing Oily Exotic Woods: Surface Prep and Reliable Results
Learn how to sand, clean, test and finish teak, bocote, olivewood and other extractive-rich turning blanks for better curing, adhesion and sheen.
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October 19, 2026
Twice-Turning Green Bowl Blanks: Rough Turning, Drying and Remounting
Learn how to rough-turn, dry, weigh, remount, and finish green bowl blanks while allowing for predictable shrinkage and distortion.
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October 12, 2026
Turning Figured Wood Without Tearout: Tools, Cuts, and Blank Selection
Turning Figured Wood Without Tearout: Tools, Cuts, and Blank Selection Highly figured wood can turn an ordinary bowl, handle, box, or peppermill into a showpiece....
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October 05, 2026
Natural-Edge Bowl Blanks: Selection, Orientation and Turning
Learn how to select and orient natural-edge bowl blanks, evaluate bark and pith, and plan mounting and interrupted cuts before turning.
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October 01, 2026
How to Turn and Carve a Wooden Jack-o'-Lantern
Follow a wooden jack-o'-lantern project through turning, hollowing, carving, and finishing, with a removable lid, contrasting stem, and LED light.
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Choose a topic to find guides, techniques, and inspiration for your next project.
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November 02, 2026
Four-Jaw Chucking for Woodturning: Tenons, Recesses and Safer Grip
Learn how to form strong tenons and recesses, match wood to four-jaw chuck jaws, and check bowl and spindle blank mounting before turning.
Read Article
October 26, 2026
Finishing Oily Exotic Woods: Surface Prep and Reliable Results
Learn how to sand, clean, test and finish teak, bocote, olivewood and other extractive-rich turning blanks for better curing, adhesion and sheen.
Read Article
October 19, 2026
Twice-Turning Green Bowl Blanks: Rough Turning, Drying and Remounting
Learn how to rough-turn, dry, weigh, remount, and finish green bowl blanks while allowing for predictable shrinkage and distortion.
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October 12, 2026
Turning Figured Wood Without Tearout: Tools, Cuts, and Blank Selection
Turning Figured Wood Without Tearout: Tools, Cuts, and Blank Selection Highly figured wood can turn an ordinary bowl, handle, box, or peppermill into a showpiece....
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October 05, 2026
Natural-Edge Bowl Blanks: Selection, Orientation and Turning
Learn how to select and orient natural-edge bowl blanks, evaluate bark and pith, and plan mounting and interrupted cuts before turning.
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October 01, 2026
How to Turn and Carve a Wooden Jack-o'-Lantern
Follow a wooden jack-o'-lantern project through turning, hollowing, carving, and finishing, with a removable lid, contrasting stem, and LED light.
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September 28, 2026
Choosing Spindle Blank Size: Diameter, Length and Mounting Waste
Choose spindle blank dimensions with room for finished diameter, length, hardware, drilling, and mounting waste before starting a turning project.
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September 21, 2026
End Checks in Turning Blanks: Causes and Usability
Learn why turning blanks develop end checks, how to evaluate cracks before mounting, and ways to manage drying to help reduce new checks.
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September 14, 2026
Preventing Woodturning Catches: Bevel Support and Tool Control
Learn how bevel support, tool rest position, cutting direction, and sharp tools can help reduce catches and improve control at the lathe.
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September 08, 2026
Woodturning Blank Orientation: Grain, Pith and Bowl Design
Learn how grain direction, growth rings, pith, sapwood, and blank orientation influence bowl design, cutting behavior, and wood movement.
Read ArticleAugust 24, 2026
Choosing a Woodturning Finish: Oils, Waxes and Film Finishes
Compare oils, waxes, and film finishes for turned projects, and choose a finish based on appearance, handling, and the piece's intended use.
Read ArticleAugust 18, 2026
Woodturning Sanding Guide: Grits, Speed and Technique
Improve your woodturning sanding process with guidance on starting grit, abrasive progression, lathe speed, scratch inspection, and end grain.
Read ArticleAugust 14, 2026
True Rosewoods: Dalbergia Species and Common Name Confusion
Learn which woods belong to the Dalbergia genus and how true rosewoods differ from other timbers sold under rosewood trade names.
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August 05, 2026
Janka Hardness and Woodturning: What the Rating Does—and Doesn't—Tell You
Learn what Janka hardness measures and why density, grain, moisture, and silica also matter when choosing and turning wood blanks.
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July 16, 2026
Mahogany Comparison: Genuine, African, Sipo and Sapele
Compare genuine mahogany with African mahogany, sipo, and other alternatives, including appearance, workability, and woodturning uses.
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July 09, 2026
Why Flame Box Elder Turns Red: Color and Wood Figure
Explore the red coloration of flame box elder, how it differs from ambrosia maple staining, and why its color can change over time.
Read ArticleJuly 08, 2026
Best Woods for Pyrography: Grain, Contrast and Wood Selection
Compare woods for pyrography, including basswood and maple, and learn how grain, color, and texture affect lines, shading, and contrast.
Read ArticleJuly 08, 2026
Best Woods for Dyeing: Grain, Absorption and Color
Compare woods for dyeing, including maple, ash, and other light-colored species, and learn how absorption and grain influence the final color.
Read ArticleJuly 08, 2026
Woods That Dull Turning Tools: Density, Silica and Tool Wear
Explore how density, silica, and grain affect turning tool wear, compare demanding wood species, and consider ways to maintain cutting edges.
Read ArticleJuly 08, 2026
Easy Woods to Turn: Species Guide for Beginners
Compare easy-turning woods and more challenging species, and learn how grain, tool sharpness, and material selection affect turning behavior.
Read ArticleJuly 08, 2026
Wood for Kitchen Projects: Species and Food-Contact Considerations
Review wood species discussed for kitchen projects, with considerations for choosing material, evaluating its condition, and intended food contact.
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July 08, 2026
Spalted Wood Guide: Zone Lines, Color and Turning Considerations
Explore how spalting creates zone lines and color changes in wood, with considerations for selecting and working with spalted turning blanks.
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June 30, 2026
Kiln-Dried Turning Blanks: Moisture Content and Wood Movement
Learn what to expect from kiln-dried turning blanks, how equilibrium moisture content works, and why dried wood still responds to humidity.
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June 30, 2026
Wood Equilibrium Moisture Content: State-by-State Overview
Explore a state-by-state overview of wood equilibrium moisture content and learn why climate, humidity, and storage conditions affect wood movement.
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June 24, 2026
Woodturning Parting Tools: Comparing Three Common Types
Compare three common woodturning parting tools, including their shapes, uses, and practical differences when separating and sizing turned work.
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June 17, 2026
Wood Dye and Liming Wax: Grain-Highlighting Techniques
Learn how dye and liming wax can highlight wood grain, which woods suit the technique, and how the two finishes work together.
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June 09, 2026
How to Ebonize Wood: Iron Acetate, Dye and Other Methods
Compare methods of ebonizing wood, including iron acetate and dyes, and learn how wood species and preparation influence a dark finish.
Read ArticleMay 22, 2026
Off-Center Woodturning: An Introduction to Multi-Axis Work
Explore off-center and multi-axis woodturning, including how shifting the turning axis changes the shape and character of a finished piece.
Read ArticleMay 21, 2026
Storing Woodturning Blanks: Moisture, End Sealing and Airflow
Learn how to store woodturning blanks, protect them from direct sun and ground moisture, and use end sealing to help manage drying and checking.
Read ArticleMay 13, 2026
Wood Lathe Maintenance: Cleaning, Rust Prevention and Checks
Keep your wood lathe in working condition with maintenance guidance covering cleaning, rust prevention, belts, and routine equipment checks.
Read ArticleMay 11, 2026
5 Useful Wood Lathe Accessories for Woodturners
Explore useful lathe accessories, including a four-jaw chuck, live center, and face shield, and consider which additions suit your turning setup.
Read ArticleMay 07, 2026
Spindle Turning vs. Bowl Turning: Grain, Tools and Techniques
Understand the differences between spindle and bowl turning, including grain orientation, mounting, tool selection, and cutting approach.
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April 30, 2026
Black Limba vs. White Limba: Grain and Woodturning Guide
Compare black and white limba, including color, grain, and turning characteristics, and explore what makes each useful for woodturning projects.
Read ArticleApril 28, 2026
Negative Rake Scrapers for Woodturning: Setup and Uses
Explore how negative rake scrapers work, how they differ from standard scrapers, and where their bevel geometry can help with difficult grain.
Read ArticleApril 28, 2026
Preventing Tear-Out in Woodturning: Tools and Grain Direction
Learn ways to reduce tear-out on difficult grain through sharp tools, lighter cuts, and improved tool presentation before sanding and finishing.
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April 22, 2026
Figured Maple Guide: Curly, Birdseye, Burl and Quilted
Compare curly, fiddleback, tiger, birdseye, burl, and quilted maple, and learn how these figures affect the appearance of woodturning projects.
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April 21, 2026
How to Turn a Wooden Pen: Step-by-Step Beginner Guide
Learn the pen turning workflow, from cutting and drilling a blank to gluing tubes, squaring ends, turning, sanding, and assembly.
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April 21, 2026
How to Turn Your First Wooden Bowl: Beginner Guide
Plan your first bowl turning project with guidance on wood selection, blank size, tools, mounting, shaping, hollowing, and finishing.
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April 21, 2026
How to Turn a Wooden Salt Cellar: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow a salt cellar turning project from blank selection and mounting to shaping and finishing, with guidance on the tools and materials required.
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April 21, 2026
10 Easy Woodturning Projects for the Kitchen
Find ten kitchen woodturning ideas, from honey dippers and bottle stoppers to pepper mills, and plan practical projects for your turning blanks.
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April 21, 2026
Sharpening Woodturning Tools: Wheels, Jigs and Technique
Learn the basics of sharpening woodturning tools, including grinder setups, wheel selection, jigs, and maintaining useful cutting edges.
Read ArticleApril 21, 2026
How to Bring Out Purpleheart's Purple Color
Learn why purpleheart changes color after cutting and explore ways to bring out its purple tones, including oxidation and finishing considerations.
Read ArticleApril 17, 2026
Epoxy Additives for Woodturning: Filling Cracks and Voids
Compare wood dust, pigments, and other epoxy additives for filling cracks and voids, and choose a filler that suits your woodturning project.
Read ArticleApril 16, 2026
Epoxy for Cracks in Turning Blanks: Filling and Repair
Learn how epoxy is used to fill larger cracks and voids in turning blanks, including resin selection and preparation. Evaluate defects before repair.
Read ArticleApril 16, 2026
CA Glue for Cracks in Bowl Blanks: Uses and Limitations
Explore how CA glue is used for small cracks in bowl blanks, including application and filling methods. Evaluate defects before choosing a repair.
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April 02, 2026
Spindle Blank Project Ideas: Handles, Mills, Pens and More
Find woodturning ideas for spindle blanks, including tool handles, pepper mills, pens, and bottle stoppers, with guidance on matching blanks to projects.
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April 02, 2026
Types of Woodturning Vessels: Bowls, Vases and Hollow Forms
Explore common turned vessel shapes, including bowls, natural-edge bowls, vases, and hollow forms, to find ideas for your next woodturning project.
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April 02, 2026
Carbide Turning Tools: Pros and Cons for Woodturners
Compare the benefits and limitations of carbide turning tools, including cutting behavior, convenience, and their role alongside traditional tools.
Read ArticleApril 01, 2026
Green vs. Kiln-Dried Wood for Woodturning
Compare green and kiln-dried turning blanks, including moisture, movement, rough turning, and how to choose material for your next project.
Read ArticleApril 01, 2026
Wood Lathe Speed Guide: Diameter, Balance and RPM
Learn how blank diameter, shape, and balance affect lathe speed, and why suggested RPM ranges must be adjusted to the workpiece and equipment.
Read ArticleApril 01, 2026
Woodturning Tools for Beginners: Gouges, Skews and Scrapers
Learn the roles of common woodturning tools, including gouges, skews, and scrapers, and choose a practical starter set for bowls and spindle work.
Read ArticleApril 01, 2026
Food-Safe Wood Finishes: Oils, Waxes and Curing
Compare finishes used on wooden kitchen projects, including oils and waxes, and understand why curing and intended use matter when choosing a finish.
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March 31, 2026
Best Woods for Beginner Woodturners—and Woods to Avoid
Compare beginner-friendly turning woods with more challenging species, and learn what to consider when choosing your first woodturning blanks.
Read ArticleMarch 31, 2026
10 Underrated Woods for Woodturning
Discover ten overlooked turning woods, their working characteristics, and project ideas that make the most of their grain, color, and texture.
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March 17, 2026
Wood Figure Explained: Curly, Burl, Birdseye and More
Explore common types of wood figure, including curly, birdseye, burl, and quilted grain, and learn how figure affects the look of turned projects.
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February 27, 2026
FSC-Certified Wood: What the Certification Means
Understand FSC certification, responsible forest management, and what certification labels mean when choosing wood for your projects.
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February 24, 2026
Rough Sawn Spindle Blanks: Preparation and Project Uses
Learn what rough sawn spindle blanks are, why turners choose them, and how to prepare rough stock for handles, mills, and other spindle projects.
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February 04, 2026
Torrefied Wood for Woodturning: Benefits and Limitations
Learn how torrefaction changes wood color, stability, and turning behavior, with practical considerations for working with heat-treated blanks.
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