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.

Vacuum Chucking on the Lathe

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Ed Pretty

Originally written for Craftsy by Ed, titled: “Working Under Pressure: Vacuum Chucking on the Lathe.” Chucks are commonly regarded in the woodworking world as the go-to method of holding work on a lathe when creating a bowl or platter. Typically … Continue reading →

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Creating Beautiful Art From Junk Wood

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Ed Pretty

Originally written for Craftsy by Ed, titled “How to Make Amazing Scrap Art: Turning a Multi Axis Vessel” Typically things turned on a lathe are round because they are shaped while they rotate around a single center. While I always … Continue reading →

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How do I sign into a demonstration?

Posted on September 3, 2020 by Ed Pretty

It’s safe to say that all woodturning Interactive Remote Demonstrations (IRD) are carried out using  Zoom “Meeting” or “Webinar” formats (see www.zoom.us). When presenting my demonstrations, I do so via Zoom in their Meeting format. When I schedule a Zoom … Continue reading →

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Butterfly Crack Repair – IRD

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Ed Pretty

This type of repair is also referred to as a “Dutchman”, “Bow Tie”, “Dovetail” or “Pewa”. The method demonstrated involves using a router to make both the recess and the patch but also includes an alternate method of creating patches … Continue reading →

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Replication Made Simple – IRD

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Ed Pretty

This demo focuses on turning between centres, showing traditional techniques that make replication much easier than most turners believe. I presented this demo at the AAW 2018 symposium in Portland, Oregon. My woodturning roots are in spindle turning, learned from … Continue reading →

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Colouring Wood – IRD

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Ed Pretty

I’ve applied colour in various forms to my work since the early 1990’s.  I discuss surface preparation, use of wood-compatible dyes, ebonizing, bleaching, ebonizing, fuming, liming – using both traditional lime wax and acrylic paint – and faux painting techniques. … Continue reading →

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Beyond ABC – IRD

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Ed Pretty

The focus of this demo is on improving tool control in bowl turning, however is relevant to most between-center techniques. In anything, I believe that to know the “how” you must understand the “why”. It is an in-depth explanation of … Continue reading →

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Making handles for your turning tools 2

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Ed Pretty

Here is the second in a three part series showing how to make inexpensive, high quality turning handles. Again, there are a few random tips unrelated to turning handles because the video is part of a “tips” presentation to the … Continue reading →

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Making handles for your turning tools 1

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Ed Pretty

It’s been a while since I have posted here but it’s so hard to turn and type at the same time. 🙂 I recently had been asked to produce a video on “tips and tricks” for one of r the … Continue reading →

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Hollow Turning With a Twist.

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Ed Pretty

I thought I would share a project I have been working on recently that is different than many and uses a hollowing technique I haven’t used until now. The size of this project is a bit nuts but the concept … Continue reading →

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