Ellsworth on Woodturning: How a Master Creates Bowls, Pots, and Vessels

by David Ellsworth

Overview

Learn how to bring out the beauty in wood from the grandfather of woodturning, David Ellsworth. He shares masterful techniques for his signature eggshell-thin hollow designs in three projects for a hollow bowl, natural-edge vessel, and pot. A gallery of his work and the pieces in his collection will inspire both new and advanced turners.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781565233775
Publisher:	Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Incorporated
Publication date:	11/01/2008
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 10.78(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Over the last three decades, David Ellsworth has earned a reputation as a premier designer of turned wooden vessels and is credited with being the first person to develop practical methods for creating eggshell-thin hollow forms.

Ellsworth used his previous experience at the potter's wheel to revolutionize the craft of woodturning, and introduced a new contemporary art form to the world. His work is included in numerous private collections and museums throughout the United States. He is a Fellow of the American Craft Council, and has received fellowship awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts, and the PEW Fellowship for the Arts. Ellsworth is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Woodturners and the Collectors of Wood Art. He travels the country teaching his signature turning methods, and runs a private woodturning school at his home and studio in Bucks County, PA.

Table of Contents

Introduction - The Creative Process...2
Chapter 1 - Working with Green Wood & Dry Wood...6
Chapter 2 - Managing Materials...12
Chapter 3 - Why Turning Tools Work...22
Chapter 4 - Making Tools & Tools Handles...36
Chapter 5 - Sharpening...48
Chapter 6 - Chucks, Glue Blocks & Faceplates...66
Chapter 7 - Design...78
Chapter 8 - The Body...98
Chapter 9 - Turning an Open Bowl with a Cut Rim...108
Chapter 10 - Turning an Open Bowl with a Natural Edge...136
Chapter 11 - Turning the Exterior of a Hollow Form...144
Chapter 12 - Turning the Interior of a Hollow Form...156
Chapter 13 - Turning Spirit Forms...182
Chapter 14 - Jam Chucks & Vacuum Chucks...190
Chapter 15 - Sanding...204
Chapter 16 - Finishing...218
Chapter 17 - Drying Green Wood Vessels...230
Appendix - Teaching...240
Glossary...244
Resources...246

Editorial Reviews

"From the grandfather of contemporary wood-art movement. David Ellsworth provides step-by-step directions for three projects—an open bowel, a natural edged bowl, and a hollow vessel." —"Canadian Woodworking Magazine"
 

David clearly speaks for himself in this book, so if you want to get to know the man, his life, and his work, be sure to buy a copy. - American Woodturner
 
A gallery of David 's turnings and those in his personal collection will really stimulate your turning design juices! We highly recommend this book to all people interested in wood turning!! - Woodturning Design
 
Renowned for creating thin-walled bowls and vases, Ellsworth, a first-time author but a recognized artisan and woodworker, authoritatively here reveals the secrets behind his signature style and offers sound advice. The section on stretching and posture, where he addresses muscle strain or back injury during wood turning, is worthy of major praise. Much of what is covered in this book is very advanced stuff but with results of ethereal beauty. Highly recommended for advanced woodworking collections. - Library Journal
 
The book is beautifully illustrated with signature pieces and is not only incredibly comprehensive but also highly visually engaging.  - Woodturning Magazine
 
Written in a refreshingly clear, direct style and abundantly illustrated with photos of his (and others’) work, Ellsworth’s book would make a useful addition to any serious woodturner’s library.  - Fine Woodworking
 
Best of all, stunning color photographs of Ellsworth’s work will inspire artists to unlock the natural beauty hidden below the surface of the wood and themselves. - The Crafts Report
 
A crucial read for a wood-turner and an enlightening read for a woodworker. - Canadian Woodworking
 

From the Publisher

David clearly speaks for himself in this book, so if you want to get to know the man, his life, and his work, be sure to buy a copy.

American Woodturner Magazine

Best of all, stunning color photographs of Ellsworth's work will inspire artists to unlock the natural beauty hidden below the surface of the wood and themselves.

The Crafts Report

How can you pass up a book with a whole chapter on proper exercises before beginning work?

Wood News Online/Highland Hardware E-Newsletter

Written in a refreshingly clear, direct style and abundantly illustrated with photos of his (and others' work, Ellsworth's book would make a useful addition to any serious woodturner's library.

Fine Woodworking.com

In addition to tools, techniques, and materials, the book discusses the creative process, design, and teaching. All techniques and projects are illustrated with color photos, and a photo gallery of Ellsworth's work provides further inspiration.

Book News

It would be hard to imagine a woodturner who would not benefit in some way from this carefully written book by one of the great masters of modern woodturning.

Australian Woodworker

A gallery of David's turnings and those in his personal collection will really stimulate your turning design juices! We highly recommend this book to all people interested in wood turning!

Woodturning Design

From the grandfather of contemporary wood-art movement. David Ellsworth provides step-by-step directions for three projects—an open bowel, a natural edged bowl, and a hollow vessel.

Canadian Woodworking Magazine

Renowned for creating thin-walled bowls and vases, Ellsworth, a first-time author but a recognized artisan and woodworker, authoritatively here reveals the secrets behind his signature style and offers sound advice. The section on stretching and posture, where he addresses muscle strain or back injury during wood turning, is worthy of major praise. Much of what is covered in this book is very advanced stuff but with results of ethereal beauty. Highly recommended for advanced woodworking collections.

—Karen Ellis

Library Journal