Woodturning is a great way to create something new and beautiful from a piece of wood that may have been considered unusable. In this article, we will explore some of the more practical and useful wood turning projects that you can do yourself for your home.
Practical and Useful Wood Turning Projects for Home
Here are some projects you can do on a wood lathe that will be useful around the house or can be a gift.
Rolling Pins
A rolling pin is a simple but useful object that can be turned from a piece of wood. The first step is to select a piece of wood that is the correct size and shape for the rolling pin. The wood should be relatively straight, without any twists or bends. The overall design is simple and there is not a lot of customization but it is a very useful item in the kitchen.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Salt and pepper shakers are small containers that are used to hold salt and pepper, respectively. They are often made from ceramic or glass, but can also be made from wood. They are not only functional but can also be decorative.
There are a few different ways to make salt and pepper shakers. The most common method is to use two pieces of wood, one for the top and one for the bottom.
Round Wooden Boxes/Containers With Lids
Woodturners use a variety of tools to create bowls, boxes, and other objects from wood. Round wooden boxes are a popular woodturning project. Boxes can be made with or without lids. Lidded boxes are more challenging to make, but they are very attractive and can be used to store valuable items.
Wooden Pens
Wooden pens are one popular project that can be made with a lathe. They are not easy to make but can be customized to fit the user’s preferences. The best part is that you can have a totally functional pen that is representative of your style.
Wooden Thread Spools and Bobbins
Thread spools and bobbins are small, often overlooked items that are used in sewing. They are typically made of wood or plastic and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are a useful wood turning project for someone that is into sewing or can be a great gift.
Seed Dibber
One of the most useful items to make on a woodturning lathe is a seed dibber. A seed dibber is a tool used to make planting holes in the ground. It is essentially a pointed stick with a handle. The pointed end is inserted into the soil and then twisted to create a hole.
Candlesticks
Candlesticks are a classic piece of decor, used in homes for centuries. They come in many different shapes and sizes, but one of the most popular types is the wooden candlestick.
Yarn Bowl
A yarn bowl is a bowl-shaped container that is used to store yarn. It has a small hole in the bottom so that the yarn can easily be pulled out. A yarn bowl is used to keep your yarn from getting tangled while you are knitting or crocheting. This is a great project for beginners, as it does not require any complicated techniques or tools.
Honey Dipper
Woodturning a honey dipper is a great way to use up small pieces of wood and to practice your turning skills. Honey dippers are used to extract honey from a jar or container. They are typically made from a wooden stick and it is quite easy to turn one.
Bottle Coasters
Bottle coasters are a popular woodturning project because they are easy to make, look great, and can be used to protect your furniture from drips and condensation.
Read: 9 Unique Wood Turning Projects and How to Make Them
Pestle and Mortar
Woodturning pestle and mortar sets are a popular woodworking project. They can be made from a variety of hardwoods, and make a great addition to any kitchen. The pestle is used to grind spices and herbs, while the mortar is used to mix them together. There are many different ways to make a pestle and mortar set, but overall the process is quite similar.
Vase
Woodturning a vase is a popular project for woodturners of all skill levels. The process is simple, but the results can be stunning especially if you experiment with epoxy or different types of wood and finishes. Your vase doesn’t have to be boring.
Tool handles
The handles of woodturning tools are one of the most important parts of the tool. The wrong handle can make a tool difficult to use and can cause fatigue. The right handle can make a tool easy to use and can help reduce fatigue.
Read: 10 Easy Woodturning Projects for Craft Fairs
Toothpick Holder
The toothpick holder is a small, simple project that can be completed in a short amount of time. It is a great project for beginners, as it requires a few tools and skills. The finished product is a small, cylindrical holder that can be used to store toothpicks.
Final Thoughts
Woodturning can be a fun and useful hobby. There are many different and useful wood turning projects that can be completed with a little bit of practice. Whether you are looking to create something practical for your home or simply want to try a new hobby, woodturning is a great option.
Get started today and you will be amazed at what you can create!