​Woodturning History in Ireland

Woodturning is an ancient craft with roots stretching back thousands of years—possibly even further. But since cavemen didn’t have Facebook, Instagram or smartphones to document their latest bowl or spindle, we may never know for sure!

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I can imagine that the earliest woodworkers made platters or shallow bowls by carving out logs before someone figured out they needed a better way of doing it. This would have evolved out of necessity rather than by design I would think.

 

Woodturnings earliest known or recorded origins date to around 1300 BC in ancient Egypt, where artisans developed a simple lathe. This early machine required two people—one turning the wood with a cord while the other used a sharp tool to carve shapes. Through time, trial and error, craftsmen refined their techniques, gradually improving efficiency. Over the passage of time, the skill spread across the Mediterranean and into Europe, where the Greeks and Romans introduced foot-powered treadle lathes and made further advancements in tool design. As woodturning traveled through Europe, it evolved alongside developments in materials and craftsmanship. The introduction of Iron Tools and then steel would have greatly speeded up the process. By the medieval period, turners were producing bowls, spindles, and furniture components with increasing precision.

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The craft made its way to Ireland through trade and migration, where local artisans adapted it to suit native woods like ash, oak, and beech. Given Ireland’s rich forestry resources going back several thousand years, early Irish woodturners likely experimented with their own methods, refining the craft through centuries of practice.

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While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment woodturning arrived in Ireland, evidence suggests the craft was introduced over 2,000 years ago as knowledge spread across Europe and the Middle East. By the 17th and 18th centuries, woodturning had become a recognized trade across Europe. Skilled turners were in high demand, producing everything from ship components to decorative architectural details. The 19th century brought powered lathes and, later, copier lathes, making production even faster and more consistent.

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However, as the need for wooden ship parts and handcrafted architectural elements declined, so did the traditional woodturning trade. Despite this shift, dedicated artisans continued to preserve and pass down their skills in private, keeping the craft alive. While there are still some spindle production woodturners in other countries, Ireland has largely moved to CNC copier machines for producing spindles and furniture components, making hand-turned production work a rarity.

 

It wasn’t until the 1970s that woodturning experienced a revival in its new form as a craft hobby, allowing enthusiasts to explore their creativity and produce everything from functional objects to intricate works of art. Today, the fusion of tradition and modern technology ensures that woodturning remains an exciting and evolving craft.

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If you've ever been curious about woodturning, there's no better way to experience it than hands-on. Whether you want to create something unique, work with Irish wood, or simply try a new skill, my workshops offer the perfect introduction. You’ll learn the fundamentals of turning, handle the tools yourself, and take home your very own handcrafted piece. Why not give it a go and see what you can create? Read on and follow one of the links below!

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So How Do I Give it a Go?

Now that you've read a little bit about the background of the craft, maybe you're thinking it's time to roll up your sleeves and give it a shot yourself. Great decision—woodturning is incredibly rewarding, but like anything worthwhile, it takes a bit of patience, the right mindset, and a solid foundation.

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There are a few different routes you can take depending on where you live. If you're lucky enough to have a local woodturning club or community college nearby, that's a great place to start. Many clubs offer beginner evenings or short courses where you can get hands-on experience with proper tools and guidance from experienced turners. If you're in Ireland, well—you're in luck—I offer Woodturning Tuition myself, and it's tailored for absolute beginners all the way to those looking to refine their skills. Check out information on my classes here.

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You could also explore online courses, YouTube tutorials, or forums if in-person options aren’t available to you. But be careful—there’s a lot of questionable advice out there. Whatever path you choose, make sure it’s based on good practice and safe technique. Don't go half-assing it expecting miracles or instant masterpieces (take it from someone who's been there!). Start slow, learn the basics properly, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills will grow.

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How Do I find Woodturning Near Me?

Word of mouth is a good one to go by. Someone always seems to know when there is a Woodturner in the vicinity. Google search is your next go to although many groups or individuals don't have websites or great skills when it come to onlining their presence. Check out the following paragraphs which should give you the search names to ry for.

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Woodturning Guild Ireland

Getting started on your Woodturning Journey, your first option is probably joining the nearest Woodturning Guild (IWG founded in 1983) where you will meet other Woodturners of various abilities. You will learn new things this way albeit a little slower. You will also have a monthly project to complete if you don't mind doing some homework. With 18 chapters across the country, members can participate in live demonstrations and monthly projects, gaining insights from experienced woodturners and engaging with fellow enthusiasts. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and helps you learn new techniques at a comfortable pace.

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Local Men's Shed

If you don’t have access to a Woodturning Guild nearby, consider exploring your local Men’s Shed. These community spaces encourage social interaction and skill-sharing among members, though not all will have access to lathes or experienced woodturners. The available equipment can vary widely from one Men’s Shed to another, so it’s worth checking to see if they have the resources you need to start your woodturning journey. You can still join and learn something about working with wood that will help you.

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Learning from a Friend or Neighbour

This is one of the most common ways that Woodturner's learn the ropes early on. Finding out that someone in your town owns a Lathe and some Tools is normally an exciting event in itself. Get in contact with them and see if they are willing to show you some Turning or let you try a bit. Most people are more than willing to show off their Lathe, Tools and Techniques and it can be a great way to get started initially. Learning from someone with experience can provide you with invaluable insights and practical tips that will serve you well as you develop your craft. Be careful though as sometimes bad habits of others can become your bad habits!

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Schools & Colleges

Some educational institutions in Ireland, including technical colleges and adult education centers, offer courses in woodworking, often featuring guest instructors with expertise in Woodworking or Woodturning. These courses typically provide hands-on experience with quality equipment, making them an excellent option for those seeking structured learning. These schools or colleges are normally kitted out with fairly decent woodworking equipment and sometimes Lathes. If you come across any local classes that include woodturning, be sure to consider enrolling.

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Techniques and Skills in Woodturning

Woodturning is not just about shaping wood; it encompasses a variety of techniques that can enhance your skills and creativity. One of the foundational techniques is understanding the different types of cuts, including roughing cuts, finishing cuts, detail cuts and even the wood itself which can have a life of its own. Each serves a specific purpose in the turning process, allowing you to create everything from basic bowls to intricate decorative pieces.

 

As you progress, you might explore advanced techniques like hollowing, which involves creating vessels with hollow interiors, and the art of creating segmented turning, where different pieces of wood are glued together to form a larger, visually striking item.

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The beauty of Woodturning lies in its versatility. You can work with a range of woods, each offering unique characteristics and challenges. For instance, hardwoods like oak, ash and maple are often preferred for their durability and rich grain patterns, while softer woods such as pine, poplar or beech can be easier to work with for beginners. Understanding the properties of different woods can significantly enhance your woodturning experience, allowing you to select the right material for each project. FYI: I sell a range of Blanks for Woodturners if you looking for wood to work with.

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Safety First: Essential Practices for Woodturners

Safety is paramount in any woodworking endeavor, and woodturning is no exception. Before you begin Turning, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with safety practices to prevent injuries. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses at a minimum, a face shield, a dust mask and hearing protection.

 

Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain a clean and organized workspace to minimize hazards like trip hazards and falling objects. Learning proper techniques for handling tools and equipment is equally important; understanding how to safely use a lathe and its accessories can greatly reduce the risk of accidents. They can and do happen! I have written a new Blog post From Dust to Disaster; Common Workshop Hazards and how you can prevent them you might like to check out after reading this page.

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To all beginners, I emphasize the importance of safety in my classes. I provide hands-on demonstrations on how to set up your lathe correctly and how to securely mount your wood pieces. By cultivating a strong safety mindset from the outset, you can enjoy your woodturning journey while minimizing risks.

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The Joy of Creating Handmade Gifts

One of the most rewarding aspects of woodturning is the ability to create unique, handmade gifts for friends and family. Imagine giving a beautifully crafted wooden bowl or a personalized bottlestopper as a gift; items that are not only functional but also carry the personal touch of craftsmanship. Handmade gifts are cherished for their uniqueness and thoughtfulness, making them perfect for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and holidays.

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This joy and satisfaction is one of the hardest things to explain to new Woodturners as it will be some time before they make their first real piece and sometime beyond that when they make a piece that they are truly proud of. You will make plenty of pieces in the interim but they will be progressions as you hone your skills and knowledge.

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As you develop your skills, you may find joy in customizing your creations to reflect the personality and interests of the recipient. For example, you could incorporate decorative elements or engravings, adding an extra layer of significance to your work. The satisfaction of seeing someone appreciate your handcrafted gift is a rewarding experience that many woodturners cherish.

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Connecting with the Woodturning Community

Engaging with the Woodturning community can enhance your learning experience and inspire your creativity. Whether through local guilds, online forums, or social media groups, connecting with fellow woodturners allows you to share experiences, seek advice, and showcase your work. Many Woodturning communities host events, competitions, and exhibitions that provide opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals and meet other enthusiasts.

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Additionally, attending workshops or demonstrations by expert Woodturners can offer valuable insights into advanced techniques and innovative designs. The camaraderie found in these communities fosters an environment of support and encouragement, helping you to grow as a woodturner and motivating you to continue honing your craft.

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Embracing Sustainability in Woodturning

As awareness of environmental issues grows, many woodturners are embracing sustainable practices in their craft. This includes sourcing wood from sustainable suppliers, repurposing offcuts and scraps, and using eco-friendly finishes. By being mindful of your material choices, you can contribute to the conservation of natural resources while creating beautiful, functional items.

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In my classes, I emphasize the importance of sustainability and offer tips on how to minimize waste and utilize every piece of wood to its fullest potential. Not only does this approach benefit the environment, but it also encourages creativity as you find innovative ways to incorporate leftover materials into your projects.

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As well as trying to use all of the Fallen Wood I cut, I also donate to Hometree.ie which plants trees in the West of Ireland. Sustainability is very important to me and I have to date planted about 40 hardwood trees. Basically far more wood that I could use or have used in my lifetime.​

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