Woodturning | Woodworking Activity

Woodturning is a fascinating and rewarding woodworking activity that has captivated enthusiasts for generations. It involves shaping wood on a lathe to create beautiful and functional objects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, woodturning offers endless possibilities for creativity and craftsmanship.
Woodturning Tools
Woodturning requires a lathe, which is a machine that holds and rotates the wood while you shape it with various tools. The process begins with selecting a suitable piece of wood, known as a blank. The blank is then mounted on the lathe. You can use chisels, gouges, and other hand tools to shape the wood as it spins. The key to successful woodturning is mastering the techniques of tool control, speed, and pressure.
Axminster Tools offers a wide range of woodturning tools, perfect for both beginners and experienced woodturners. These tools are highly recommended for their quality and functionality, making them great additions to any woodturner's collection.
Here's some of our best sellers
Axminster Woodturning Essential Tool Set: This set includes six essential tools for woodturning, ideal for anyone starting woodturning as a new craft. The tools come with smooth, well-shaped beech handles and arrive ready sharpened, representing excellent value for money.
Axminster Woodturning Discovery Chucks: These chucks are designed to help you discover woodturning without limits. They are highly recommended for their versatility and ease of use.
Key Ring Kit – 10KT Gold: This kit allows you to create customised key rings, available in 10kt gold or chrome plated. It's a popular item for craft shows and makes a perfect gift.
Axminster Workshop Diamond Sharpener: This tool is perfect for refreshing your blades, transforming them from dull to sharp with ease.
Axminster Workshop 7-piece Forstner Bit Set: Ideal for cutting clean and accurate holes in both soft and hard wood, this set has been tested and approved by Axminster Tools experts.
Shop by brand
Axminster Tools offer a wide range of tools from various brands including Axminster Woodturning, Easy Wood Tools, Woodcut Tools, Crown Tools, Henry Taylor, and many many more! We're certain you'll find the tools you need when you shop with us.
Woodturning Projects
One of the most popular How To projects for woodturners is creating bowls. Turning a bowl involves hollowing out the centre of the wood blank and shaping the exterior to achieve the desired form. Other common projects include making pens, vases, and decorative items. Woodturning also allows for intricate designs and patterns, adding a unique touch to each piece.
To help develop your skills and nurture your creativity, Axminster Tools offer a range of online courses and project plans.
Health & Safety
Finally, health and safety is paramount in woodturning. Always wear protective gear, such as safety glasses and a face shield, to protect yourself from flying wood chips and dust. Additionally, ensure that your lathe is properly maintained and that you follow all safety guidelines.
Health & Safety
Finally, health and safety is paramount in woodturning. Always wear protective gear, such as safety glasses and a face shield, to protect yourself from flying wood chips and dust. Additionally, ensure that your lathe is properly maintained and that you follow all safety guidelines.

In summary, woodturning is a versatile and enjoyable woodworking activity that offers endless opportunities for creativity. Whether you're crafting a simple bowl or an intricate decorative piece, the satisfaction of transforming a piece of wood into a work of art is unparalleled. With practice and dedication, anyone can become a skilled woodturner and create beautiful, handcrafted items.