How I Started E.F. Woodturning:
Many years ago, my parents bought me a miniature lathe for my birthday from a toy catalog. It was a few months before COVID I started playing with it more, using screws and the bent tips of sparklers as chisels. Eventually, when I went into distance learning in the 6th grade, I bought a larger lathe from Harbor Freight that could turn wood 10 inches in diameter. That was when I started turning much more and when I started making bowls. A bit over a year after I got that lathe, I started selling, but on the roadside. I later sold at my first craft fair and eventually saved enough to purchase a larger, full-size lathe. Most of the wood that I turn I try to source from local trees that were either cut down or had died; other wood comes from local sawmills where I can buy slabs to cut into bowl blanks.
What is Woodturning?
Woodturning is the art and craft of shaping and carving wood while it is rotating or spinning on a lathe. This is achieved by mounting the piece of wood on a lathe, a specialized machine that spins the wood at varying speeds, and as the wood spins, tools are applied to its surface to remove material, resulting in symmetrical and possibly intricate designs.
About Me
Eli Finkelstein
I’m currently a high school student and a self-taught woodturner. I began woodturning in the sixth grade, and have learned both by trial and error and various Youtube videos. Another hobby of mine is beekeeping, something I love to do when not turning. I usually sell my honey online, and sometimes at fairs with my turnings. Aside from woodturning, I also love to make art, whether that be drawing in pencil, or painting in oils and watercolor. I especially enjoy drawing and painting still life, as well as animal portraits. Additionally, I enjoy playing ice hockey, and I play on a travel team in my area.