Wood Turning in Bend Oregon based exclusively on local “Found Wood”.

Portfolio

(swipe to find the puppy)

  • Juniper Pot

  • Elm Hollow Form

  • Walnut Hollow Form

  • Juniper Live edge Winged Bowl

  • Elm Natural Edge Fruit Bowl

  • Aspen Pot

  • Walnut Live Edge Winged Bowl

  • Cherry Fruit Bowl

  • Mouse at 13 Weeks

  • Elm Live Edge Pot

  • Shaped Willow Fruit Bowl

  • Cherry Live Edge Winged Bowl

  • Elm pot

  • Juniper Cup

  • Walnut Stepped Bowl

  • Elm Large Hollow Form

  • Juniper Ring Bowl

  • Large Cherry Fruit Bowl

  • Aspen Hollow Form

  • Maple Live Edge Bowl

  • Walnut Round Tray

  • Juniper Charcuterie Board

  • Cherry Urn


T70 Wood Turning

January 2024 marked the beginning of my obsession with wood turning.  It started with the gift of a small 20-year-old bench-top wood lathe, a $70 set of Harbor Freight bowl gouges, and scraps from the local hardwood store. Today my shop has evolved to include an 800lb floor lathe, an 18” capacity re-saw band saw, a sharpening station, a large dust collection system, lots of sanding stuff, and the tools needed to turn “found wood” into interesting and occasionally artful creations -limited only by my imagination and slowly growing skill set

Found Wood

Is pretty much what it sounds like- wood from trees in Bend that has been given to me by homeowners and Arborists (whom I accost regularly when I spot them taking down an interesting tree).  Walnut, Cherry, Juniper, Elm, Aspen, Willow, and Ash are a few of the species I’ve gratefully gotten my hands on.  Unlike kiln dried wood, found wood changes “personality” over time after turning and finishing (i.e. shape, surface texture, color, and yes, cracks). Don’t expect that perfectly round, just off the lathe piece to remain that way. It’s going to change to a greater or lesser degree depending on the wood species. Don’t worry, I’m always glad to  fix annoying changes like “won’t sit flat on a table anymore” or the appearance of disfiguring cracks..

A big call out to the follow great Arborists that have contributed to my obsession. Please give these guys your business:

Arbor Tree Care - 541 389 8332. Let Willy and crew know I sent you!

Bend Tree Service - 458 256 0833. Let Denny know I sent you!

FAQs

Is this a Business or a Hobby?

As with most of my obsessions, my wood turning has gotten a bit out of hand.  In spite of giving pieces to friends and neighbors our house is now filled with more pieces than can be displayed and I’m under orders to do something about them.

Can you buy wood turnings on this web site?

Nope. You can, however, find a selection of pieces at Natural Kinships along with their amazing natural edge furniture and art from over 25 local artists that they support.

NATURAL KINSHIPS

750 NW Lava Rd Suite 120

Bend Oregon

Let Tamura and her family know I sent you!

What about Custom pieces ?

Yes! Depending on the project and wood availability. If you see something you are really interested in email me (tom@turning70.studio) and we will see what I have in stock or can make for you.

Are the bowls food safe?

Yes. All pieces are finished with food safe mineral oil that contains bees wax. You can buy the same product I use sold as Butcher Block re-Finisher from hardware stores.

Is Found Wood the same as Green Wood?

Pretty much. I seal and “dry” the wood I’ve obtained to minimize cracking and changes after turning but typically I’m not willing to wait the year or two to fully “dry” the wood.