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.

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 →

Posted in General, Lathes and Tools, Woodturning Tech Talk | 2 Comments

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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AAW Symposium 2014

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Ed Pretty

Thought I would take a minute to show everyone the pieces I will be taking down to the AAW Symposium in Phoenix this year. This is my first time in the Instant Gallery at a symposium. These won’t be for … Continue reading →

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Collaboration with Steve Smith, Native Artist

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Ed Pretty

Over the last couple of years I have had the good fortune to be collaborating with Steve Smith, Native Artist. Steve paints traditional images however he imparts his own distinctive style in his work. I am beyond fortunate – more … Continue reading →

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The New Carbide Scrapers: an opinion

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Ed Pretty

“New” carbide scrapers is a bit of a stretch since they’ve been on the market for a couple of years at least. It’s just that they’re newer than traditional cutting tools. I thought I would enter this post because I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Opinion Pieces | 1 Comment

Why I Haven’t Been Posting

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Ed Pretty

It’s been a long time since I’ve been posting steadily.  Lots of stuff has been going on and I have been turning my brains out but nothing has appeared here. Last November I mounted my first solo gallery show. It … Continue reading →

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