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Turning Green Wood
Contents of this SectionWoodBooks ReviewThis superbly produced and photographed book covers all aspects of turning green wood. Michael O'Donnell opens the subject with a chapter looking at the growth and structure of trees, stresses and shrinkage in timber, and the effect of ambient moisture levels in the atmosphere. He then goes on to look in detail at how to select bowls from a tree, covering cross- and end-grain bowls, different types of figure, burrs, spalting, .... He also considers whether to turn plain or natural-edge bowls, and the rim profiles that can be achieved. One of the most important topics with respect to green timber is drying, and this too is covered in some detail. O'Donnell looks at both natural air-drying and accelerated microwave drying. His is the best and most approachable treatment of the subject we have seen. Finally he talks about planning each piece, right through from tree to finished article. The second part of the book, a further seven chapters, is dedicated to the practical techniques of turning bowls and goblets. It is superbly illustrated with photographs and diagrams, and provides excellent guidance on how to produce the items shown. All in all, this book is highly recommended. Michael O'Donnell's
training as an engineer shows through in the thorough and systematic way he
approaches all aspects of the subject, the confident presentation and general
completeness of the book. Accompanying VideoMichael O'Donnell has also produced a video to accompany the book, though the video is complete in its own right. He demonstrates how to tackle 6 different projects, ranging from a beautiful translucent bowl to an elegant goblet. Starting with how to select and cut a blank from a log, through the turning process keeping the item damp at all times, to supporting and finishing the piece and truing up the base. The
video is well thought-out and clearly photographed, and is packed with
information on safety and technique. If you've been wondering about giving green
turning a try, this video will guide you through the process and help you
achieve success! About the AuthorMichael O'Donnell lives at the very northern tip of Scotland, where he worked as an engineer with Rolls Royce, before taking up woodturning in 1970. He was so enthused that within a year he had given up his job to pursue woodturning full-time. Initially he made traditional items such as stools and salad bowls, but after about 10 years became affected by the dust from tropical timbers. At around the same time, he heard of people turning green wood, and decided to make the switch. Michael O'Donnell now demonstrates regularly all over the world,
has written two books and numerous articles, and teaches green woodturning. Purchase 'Turning Green Wood'Click on one of the following to purchase 'Turning Green Wood':
Or click here to visit the author's website, where you can also find details of the companion video.
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