A large portion of passion combined with the versatile knowledge of the raw material wood and its properties is part of the basic equipment in the craft of woodturning. Depending on the intended use and size of the wood, a certain method is used for processing. It is therefore imperative to understand the wood and work with it, rather than against it.

Cembran pine, ash, beech, walnut or cherry - these and the apple tree wood, which is also native to South Tyrol, are ideal for woodturning. The imagination and creativity is often stimulated by the colours and shapes of the wood. Thus, in addition to bowls and vases, jewellery or wooden fruits are also created, as well as other decorative objects.

Good things take time

In addition to the traditional processing techniques of woodturning, such as long or cross wood turning, wet wood turning is also popular. This method is often a real challenge. Here, freshly cut wood is turned on the lathe. The wet wood cuts much more easily than dry wood. As a result, compact and heavy bowls can be created, preserving the bark and thus the rustic look. Turning extremely thin bowls is particularly appealing. However, it takes time until the individual piece is finished, because after the production the bowl moves into the drying room for about three months. During this time it remains extremely exciting, because one does not know how the object will behave during drying. Does it just warp or does it crack?

Again and again, new methods are tried out on the farms in South Tyrol to make the turning work unique. For example, the wood can be burned to achieve a black look or woodturning is combined with other techniques, such as carving. To achieve natural marbling on the wood surface, the wood is specially stored so that the desired marbling effect is achieved.

By now you have already realized, woodturning is not easy and the result can often look different than you imagine. But that is precisely what makes this rural craft so mysterious and unique.