Skill Centre At Home | How To Make A German Smoker
If you are looking for an interesting woodturning project look no further than this German Smoker how to. Although traditionally a Christmas incense burner, it can be adapted to be equally at home all year round. In this two-part video demonstration, Skill Centre Tutor, Colwin Way, makes a woodturning German Smoker.
What you'll need
German Smoker Project
A traditional German Smoker has to be one of the most interesting projects you can make on a woodturning lathe. Skill Centre Tutor, Colwin Way, shows us how to make a German Smoker from start to finish. He offers helpful tips and techniques throughout, whilst answering commonly asked questions
What is a German Smoker?
A traditional smoker is far more than a Christmas toy or an ornament. They are incense burners that symbolise the gift of incense from the Three Wise Men to Jesus. The earliest smokers were made from dough and paper mache, before being carved from wood in the 1600s. They are still very popular and are mostly made and seen in the Erzgebirge area of Germany.
What materials to use
This really is up to you, however, Colwin recommends pale woods with a tighter grain. Lime, Sycamore, and Maple are perfect examples. The pale wood is far more receptive to the final painting. The tighter grain means you will not see the grain once painting is complete. Oak and Ash are darker woods with a heavier grain and a paint finish is less effective. This really is a personal choice, the best way to decide is to make more than one and see which finish you like best!
German Smoker dimensions
Let’s get started…
Part 1 –
Part 2 –
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