From Teen Bowls to Championship Titles: My Transformative Wood Turning Journey by David Naylor

Wood turning is an art that combines patience, skill, and creativity. My journey began simply, with a couple of basic bowls made as a teenager at school. Years later, that early spark reignited into a passionate pursuit that has taken me from humble beginnings to winning championships and becoming a qualified tutor. This story is about growth, challenges, and the joy of shaping wood into beautiful, functional pieces.

Early Beginnings: The First Turnings

As a teenager, I was introduced to wood turning during school workshops. The projects were simple—mostly basic bowls that taught me the fundamentals of using a lathe and shaping wood. Those early experiences were exciting but limited by the tools and knowledge available at the time.

After school, life took me in different directions, and wood turning was put on hold. However, the memory of those first bowls stayed with me, and I always knew I wanted to return to the craft.

Restarting the Craft in 2020

In early 2020, I decided to pick up wood turning again. I purchased a lathe and a set of tools and gathered some wood to practice on. That same week, the lockdown began, which made in-person learning impossible. I joined the Lincoln Association of Wood Turners to connect with others, but the only tutorials available were on YouTube.

Learning through videos was challenging but rewarding. I quickly moved past the basics and started producing simple items like bowls and small containers. The progress was encouraging and motivated me to explore more complex techniques.

Exploring Laminated and Segmented Wood Turning

Once I was comfortable with basic turning, I began experimenting with laminated wood. Laminating involves gluing together different types of wood to create unique patterns and colours. This technique added a new dimension to my work and allowed me to create pieces with striking visual appeal.

From laminating, I moved on to segmenting. Segmenting is a more technical process where wood is cut into precise pieces and assembled into patterns before turning. This opened up many creative possibilities and let me produce complex designs that require careful planning and execution.

Mastering Wood Finishing Techniques

Turning wood is only part of the process. Finishing the pieces is a science in itself. I learned to apply various finishes, from simple oil and wax coatings to high-gloss lacquers that enhance the wood’s natural beauty and protect it.

Each finish has its own challenges. For example:

• Oiled finishes bring out the grain and feel natural but require regular maintenance.

• Wax finishes add a soft sheen and smooth texture.

• Lacquer finishes provide a durable, glossy surface but need careful application to avoid imperfections.

  
  

Experimenting with these finishes helped me understand how to best present each piece and meet customer preferences.

Achieving Recognition and Becoming a Tutor

My dedication paid off when I won the open championship at my local wood turning club in both 2024 and 2025. These achievements were milestones that reflected years of practice and learning.

Recently, I became a qualified tutor with the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB). Teaching others is a new challenge that pushes me to deepen my knowledge and share techniques with beginners and experienced turners alike.

Commitment to Local Wood and Sustainability

I believe in using locally sourced wood whenever possible. Lincolnshire provides a rich variety of wood in different shapes and sizes, which forms the foundation of most of my turned items. Using local wood supports sustainable practices and connects my work to the community.

Each piece of wood has its own story, and working with local materials adds meaning to my creations. It also encourages me to experiment with lesser-known species and unique grain patterns.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Wood Turners

For those interested in starting or improving their wood turning skills, here are some practical tips from my experience:

• Start simple: Begin with basic shapes and gradually try more complex projects.

• Invest in good tools: Quality tools make a big difference in control and finish.

• Learn from others: Join clubs or online communities to share knowledge and get feedback.

• Experiment with wood types: Different woods behave differently on the lathe.

• Practice finishing techniques: The right finish can transform a piece.

• Be patient: Mastery takes time and repeated practice.

  
  

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

Wood turning is a craft that constantly evolves. I plan to keep exploring new techniques, pushing the limits of design, and sharing my passion through teaching and commissions. Each project is an opportunity to learn and create something unique.

If you are curious about wood turning, I encourage you to try it. The satisfaction of shaping raw wood into a beautiful object is deeply rewarding and offers endless creative possibilities.

David is our June Artisan Maker of the Month and will be selling his items at Champagne & Ginger's shop every Saturday from 10-2. So if you want a closer look at the stunning detail please feel free to pop in .