Author Archives: Ed Pretty

About Ed Pretty

I am a professional woodturner, specializing in gallery work, commercial work, teaching and demonstrating. I have been turning since 1958, so... a long time. I use this site to present my work to the public at large and to let people know that I am available for teaching private lessons in woodturning. Wood turning is one of my passions (the other is motorcycle touring). It is my desire to pass on everything that I have learned over the years to others so that the craft of woodturning will grow.

Yarn Bowls

Last but not least today is our Yarn Bowls. They come in three different sizes, small, medium and large. Yarn bowls are made from a variety of woods including, but not limited to, Big Leaf Maple, Cherry, Oak or Black … Continue reading

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Ring Distaves and Nostepinnes

Tools no spinner should be without. Ring Distaves and Nostepinnes. There is a great post by Kim McKenna about Nostepinnes on her site. Check it out here! While you’re there, have a look around. There is a ton of stuff … Continue reading

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Drop Spindles and Cups

Now, moving on to the Supported Spindles. Like the drop spindles, the whorls are all balanced prior to assembly and the finish is a friction polish. The “nub” or point that supports the spindle is typically the end grain of … Continue reading

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Spinning Tools

We have listed below descriptions and photos of all the tools that Ed is currently making. There will be more to come. For example, the niddy noddy and dizzes are on the way. If you see something you like give … Continue reading

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Drop Spindles

As promised the new spinning tools! Lets start with the Drop Spindles. Wood is not a homogenous material, so by nature it has varying densities throughout. The handmade hooks are fashioned from stainless steel with the ends deburred after cutting … Continue reading

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Tools for Fiber Artists

Recently I was asked by a fiber artist to make drop spindles. I had never heard of them before, so a little research was in order. My first impression – from photos – was that it was no more than … Continue reading

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A Journey Through Time

When teaching new turners I always try to instill in them the need to honour the wood, to always give it their best effort. In the past, wood was so prevalent that it was considered – and still is by … Continue reading

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New IRD dates for 2021

We have posted the new dates for 2021 IRD (Interactive Remote Demonstrations). Don’t miss out! Book early. Here they are: Beyond ABC – 26 January 2021 – 3:00 – 5:00 pm PST Butterfly Crack Repair – 10 Feb 2021 – … Continue reading

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Sharpening Woodturning Tools

This demo covers sharpening equipment requirements and options including grinder/belt types and wheel types and accessory grinding jigs. Basic tool steel pros and cons are explained. Considerations when sharpening all types of tools (including vee vs. parabolic fluted bowl gouges), … Continue reading

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Sharpening Your Woodturning Tools Properly

Even if you are an experienced woodworker, sharpening woodturning tools is counter-intuitive to sharpening flat woodworking tools. Understanding the difference makes your woodturning experience enjoyable rather than frustrating. Continue reading

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