PERSONALITY PROFILE
it is not as dusty, and one can predict the warping
of the bowl while drying. This is then used as one of
the artistic elements in creating my pieces.
What products do you have available
for purchase?
I specialise in all the tools needed for woodturning.
Based on experience I have sourced some tools
that are hard to find but important for the
woodturner. These can be found on my website
(https://www.creativeturning.co.za/index.html).
I sell my artistic woodturnings mainly in galleries,
but items can also be viewed in my shop.
important factor to regulate the speed while turning and to ensure
that a safe turning speed is not exceeded.
Where do you normally source your wood from?
Jacaranda is freely available in Pretoria, especially during the rainy
season. I know a few tree-fellers who will contact me when they
have cut down a unique tree. Scarce root burls like ‘Hairy
Fingerleaf’ and ‘Skunkbush’, I mostly get from farmers. Because I
am always looking for wood with defects, I normally do not buy
wood from timber merchants.
What tools do you use for creating your art?
Several woodturning chisels are required when turning an item. The
tools depend on the piece you are creating. For bowls and hollow
forms, which I do mostly, bowl gouges and hollowing gouges are
required. Good quality high speed steel tools, which are regularly
sharpened, are necessary to obtain clean and safe cuts.
You have also become an expert on these tools, which
brands of tools are available and which ones would you
suggest using and why?
High quality turning tools will last a lifetime and I always
recommend buying one of the brands manufactured in Sheffield,
United Kingdom. The brands available in South Africa are,
Hamlet, Crown, Simon Hope and Robert Sorby. They are all
made of high quality high-speed-steel. Sharpened and used
correctly, they are not only safe to use but will give an excellent
cutting finish. Blunt tools need force to cut, which makes them
inherently unsafe.
How do you go about turning a piece of wood into a bowl?
Turning bowls is my passion. You orientate the wood in the lathe
to have a straight top (which is for example suitable for salad
bowls) or the wood can be orientated to follow the natural profile
of the trunk of the tree. This is called a live or natural edge.
I use the latter method as it creates better effects. You would first
turn the outside profile of the bowl and then turn it around in the
lathe to do the inside. Apart from mostly turning natural edge
bowls, I prefer to turn the wood while it is still wet. It turns easier,
You also present classes and woodturning
courses?
It is extremely important to attend classes when you
start with woodturning. Although woodturning is
relatively safe, it is important to learn to use the
tools and equipment correctly. The more you
improve your skills, the more you will enjoy
woodturning and your eyes will open to all the
possibilities. During the classes you will also get
advice as to what equipment is required to ensure
that you do not unnecessarily buy expensive equipment. It is
possible to get some ideas on YouTube, but it is not a
replacement for hands-on training and can also teach you wrong
and dangerous habits. I offer three classes: Beginner, Bowl turning
and an Advanced Course on hollow forms. With a limit of three
students per class, it is possible to give sufficient attention to all
the students. More details can be found on my website: https://
www.creativeturning.co.za/index.html
What should aspiring woodturners be aware of, what are
the challenges involved for someone who has just started,
and how does one become a woodturner?
The biggest obstacle I find in my classes is impatience. Although
it may only be a hobby, take time to develop your skills. Speak to
experienced turners in your woodturning club, follow their advice.
First get advice before you buy any equipment and do not try and
create the ultimate masterpiece the first time you start a lathe.
Is there an association for people to join, that has
information about the craft?
The best place to start is with the website of ‘The Association of
Woodturner of South Africa’. (http://awsa.org.za/). The website
also has a list of the woodturning clubs in South Africa.
Are there any educational institutions or technical
colleges where young people can learn a trade in
woodturning?
Unfortunately, there is not a college or institute in South Africa
where one can do a trade in turning wood, so my advice is to join
a club near you. Woodturners are always keen to share their
knowledge and experience. Many of the experienced members in
the clubs also offer demonstrations and training sessions.
C VAN DER MERWE
Carel van der Merwe
[email protected]
https://www.creativeturning.co.za/index.html
30 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 // www.timberiq.co.za