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.

Supersized hollowform completed

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Ed Pretty

In an earlier post I discussed the construction of the tools I needed for turning large hollowforms. I had roughed out the form prior to drying which was to be the next step in the process. I feared the piece might crack. … Continue reading →

Posted in Colouring wood, Finishing | 5 Comments

Managing wood movement in a built-up piece

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Ed Pretty

The other day I received an email from a person who visited this blog then contacted me about possibly repairing a turning. She described the problem as a wooden band coming unglued at the top of the bowl and wondered if … Continue reading →

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A very satisfied customer

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Ed Pretty

Patti Houston of Fluff Rentals and Fluff for Keeps commissioned a piece a while ago and we delivered it to her office/warehouse last week. Several gals work for her there, interior designers all. Patti was very happy with  “Debutante” (by … Continue reading →

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Supersized hollow form

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Ed Pretty

Many years ago I watched a deep hollowing demonstration by the late Frank Sudol. Sudols’ forte was very large, very thin pierced hollow forms. I took a class using his boring tools and found it quite easy. I started down … Continue reading →

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Bee tea. My first tea pot.

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Ed Pretty

 Our guild president offered a challenge to turn a tea pot after Art Liestman did a demo on the pots made by woodturners. This is my effort. The body is birch burl, the spout and top/dipper are birch, the legs … Continue reading →

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It’s time to lime (but not your lawn)

Posted on January 1, 2011 by Ed Pretty

Recently I have received requests from a few other turners for tips on using lime wax. There’s not a lot of literature on the process that I am aware of except a book that I have myself; “Colouring Techniques for Woodturners” by … Continue reading →

Posted in Colouring wood, Finishing | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Art as utility

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Ed Pretty

Today a potter-friend posted some pictures of some pottery that he had fired in a campfire while he was on holidays. My first thought was how great the pieces looked and how they conveyed a message of ancient wonders. In … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 2 Comments

Turned box for surprise gift requires a profile gauge

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Ed Pretty

I won’t say what the surprise is going to be because the recipient might read this. All I’ll say is that the request came from someone wanting to have a turned box shaped like an egg to hold a very … Continue reading →

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A Day with Doug Fisher

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Ed Pretty

Recently our guild hosted Doug Fisher for a one day demo and one day workshop. For those of you who are not aware of Doug’s distinctive style, I have included a couple of pictures of his signature pieces. Typically he turns wall … Continue reading →

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Another “cover” shot!

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Ed Pretty

I guess I’m fluffing my own feathers here a bit, but then why have a blog if you can’t do that. 🙂 Recently I started posting shots of my work on the WoW site (Woodturners on the Web). I have been … Continue reading →

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