Segmented & Natural Woodturnings

This collection brings together my segmented and natural woodturnings, from patterned bowls and vessels built piece by piece to simpler forms that let the wood speak for itself. I enjoy the contrast between the precision of segmented work and the organic character of natural wood, burl, grain, and live edges.

Each bowl, vase, and turned object is made by hand on the lathe, shaped to feel balanced and finished to highlight the wood without covering up what makes it unique.

Segmented & Natural Woodturnings

How a Segmented Turning Comes Together

The process starts by preparing straight, flat strips of wood. These strips are milled to a consistent thickness and width so each layer of the piece will fit together cleanly. Once the strips are prepared, they are cut into angled segments. Each segment has to be cut accurately so the pieces will form a tight ring when assembled. Even a small error in the angle can create gaps by the time the circle comes together. Depending on the design, each ring may have 8, 12, 16, or more individual pieces. The pieces are often numbered or laid out in order to keep the grain direction, color, and pattern consistent.
The process starts by preparing straight, flat strips of wood. These strips are milled to a consistent thickness and width so each layer of the piece will fit together cleanly. Once the strips are prepared, they are cut into angled segments. Each segment has to be cut accurately so the pieces will form a tight ring when assembled. Even a small error in the angle can create gaps by the time the circle comes together. Depending on the design, each ring may have 8, 12, 16, or more individual pieces. The pieces are often numbered or laid out in order to keep the grain direction, color, and pattern consistent.
After the segments are cut, they are dry-fit into rings to check the joints. Once the fit looks good, the pieces are glued together and clamped into a complete ring. When the glue has cured, each ring is flattened so it will sit tight against the next layer. This step is important because clean, flat rings create strong glue joints and a better-looking finished piece. The rings are then stacked one at a time to build the rough form. Smaller rings may be used for the base or neck, while wider rings create the body of the piece. At this stage, the piece still looks blocky and unfinished, but the overall shape is starting to appear.
After the segments are cut, they are dry-fit into rings to check the joints. Once the fit looks good, the pieces are glued together and clamped into a complete ring. When the glue has cured, each ring is flattened so it will sit tight against the next layer. This step is important because clean, flat rings create strong glue joints and a better-looking finished piece. The rings are then stacked one at a time to build the rough form. Smaller rings may be used for the base or neck, while wider rings create the body of the piece. At this stage, the piece still looks blocky and unfinished, but the overall shape is starting to appear.
Once the stacked blank is complete, it is mounted on the lathe. The outside is turned first, removing the corners of the segments and shaping the piece into its final form. As the piece is turned, the pattern of the segmented rings begins to show. The shape is refined by hand, whether it is a bowl, vase, bud vase, or decorative vessel. After the turning is complete, the piece is sanded through multiple grits until the surface is smooth. Then the finish is applied. Some pieces receive a soft satin finish, while others are polished to a high gloss.
Once the stacked blank is complete, it is mounted on the lathe. The outside is turned first, removing the corners of the segments and shaping the piece into its final form. As the piece is turned, the pattern of the segmented rings begins to show. The shape is refined by hand, whether it is a bowl, vase, bud vase, or decorative vessel. After the turning is complete, the piece is sanded through multiple grits until the surface is smooth. Then the finish is applied. Some pieces receive a soft satin finish, while others are polished to a high gloss.