Hugh Buttrum
Woodturner

I am basically a self-taught woodturner. Around 1990, I purchased my first lathe and started to turn wood on a regular basis. I have been turning wood ever since.

The wood I use for my woodturnings is all from “found wood”. Wood that someone does not want, or has been blown down in storms – most are local hardwoods – oak, bay, maple, walnut, etc. A chainsaw is used to cut the wood into a manageable size. The wood is then cut on a bandsaw and then mounted onto the lathe. Most of my bowls and vessels are turned while the wood is still wet. I have an idea of the desired shape, but the wood dictates the shape and the size of the bowl/vessel to some extent as I am always looking for interesting grain patterns, etc. I make most of my own hollowing tools. My vessels are hollowed out through a small opening down to a wall thickness of approximately 3/16” or so. I make some open bowls, but most of my work is hollow vessels.

Woodturning is very enjoyable and relaxing to me. Each piece of wood is different. Each cut changes the shape and exposes new grain. Each new piece of wood is a chance to make something that is pleasing to touch and feel and to look at. I am constantly trying to find that special wood and the shape of the vessel that enhances it. In the past few years I have been experimenting with different textures on the outside of the vessels and bowls to enhance their look. Methods used are: carving, woodburning, using a wire brush, painting, dyeing, fuming, bleaching, etc.

My first wood turning experience was when I was in high school many years ago. During a woodshop class I turned a set of flour and sugar canisters out of black walnut wood. My 96 year-old Mother is still using these.