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On “October 9, 2026, 6:51 am EDT” there are 252 posts in Carl’s blog.
- New Mohawk No-Blush Plus Retarder - September 9, 2026 [1 of 252]
Mohawk "No Blush Plus Retarder - MS103-0475" can save the day! Or, it can really screw things up if you spray it on to heavy! - Updated Lapping Tool Sander - September 5, 2026 [2 of 252] (Original: September 6, 2026)
Carl recently purchased a Lapping Tool. It works great for sanding fine details. He sands with 80, 120, and 240 grit Emory Boards. - Updated Ram Board Workbench Cover - August 26, 2026 [3 of 252] (Original: February 27, 2015)
Carl uses "Ram Board" cardboard to cover his work benches. Its tough. It works great! Comes in 38" by 50' rolls. Sold at big box hardware stores. - Updated Automatic Center Punch – Heavy Duty - August 25, 2026 [4 of 252] (Original: August 26, 2026)
Carl likes the "iGaging Heavy Duty Automatic Center Punch 36-S302". It really is heavy duty. It can make a nice hole in the end grain of hard maple wood. - Updated Insulated Woodburning Handles - May 30, 2026 [5 of 252] (Original: May 31, 2026)
Carl likes to keep his Woodburning Handles cool by insulating them with a layer of "Self Self Adhesive Bandage Wrap" over a layer of "McMaster Blue Mesh Sleeve". - Oneway 2436 Lathe Headstock Spindle - April 2, 2026 [6 of 252]
Photos showing the Spindle Assembly, that is normally hidden inside the Headstock of a Oneway 2436 Lathe. - Updated Power Carving Textures - March 21, 2026 [7 of 252] (Original: January 8, 2017)
Carl's take on carving textures with Reciprocating and Rotary Power Carving Tools. Recommended Burrs, Gouges, Layout, Cleaning up with Bristle Discs, etc. - Updated Turning Smocks & Low Cost Alternatives - March 13, 2026 [8 of 252] (Original: February 28, 2019)
Carl reviews Turning Smocks and suggests some low cost alternatives. Get one before nature calls or "She Who Must be Obeyed" outlaws woodturning due to shavings in the house. - Updated D-Way Negative Rake Scraper - February 24, 2026 [9 of 252] (Original: April 23, 2022)
Carl likes and recommends D-Way Tools (brand) 1" Long & Strong Curved NEG Rake Scraper BM-NRS-34-LSC. - Air Duster (Mini Blower) for Shop Cleanup - February 22, 2026 [10 of 252]
Carl uses his NEW Mini Blower (Air Duster) for small clean up jobs in his shop. It is just the right size and power. Better than a big blower or air hose gun. Why? Less dust in the air! - Updated More Bosch Stabilizer Holes – SendCutSend - February 20, 2026 [11 of 252] (Original: February 23, 2026)
Carl added 9 more fulcrum pin holes to his Trent Bosch Hollowing Tool Stabilizer. Now there is always a hole in the right location! This really saves time and makes hollowing a lot more fun! His new version can be ordered from SendCutSend.Carl's Blueprints, Carl's DXF Files, Carl's Tools, Great Ideas, Tools Hollowing, Turning Tools
- Updated Harvey T60 2448 Lathe with Servo Motor Review - February 16, 2026 [12 of 252] (Original: April 4, 2025)
Carl tests and reviews the Harvey T60 2448 Lathe and compares it to a Powermatic 3520C Lathe. He really likes the Harvey T60. - Updated SC1 & SC2 Mini 4 Jaw Scroll Chucks - February 13, 2026 [13 of 252] (Original: March 10, 2023)
Carl really likes the new Record Power (brand) Mini SC1 & SC2 4 Jaw Scroll Chucks. They are high quality chucks that work great on small things. - Updated Carl’s Tool Rest Design - February 6, 2026 [14 of 252] (Original: May 29, 2020)
Carl prefers, woodturning tools rests with a 1/2" wide, almost flat area on top of the tool rest. Like his VB36 tool rests. Photos and plan PDF.Carl's Blueprints, Carl's DXF Files, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools
- Updated Oneway Jaw Jigs - February 4, 2026 [15 of 252] (Original: September 29, 2021)
Carl's Tenon Size and Hole Size jigs for the Oneway Stronghold Chuck with #2 or #3 profiled jaws.Carl's Blueprints, Carl's DXF Files, Carl's For Students, Carl's Jigs, Tools Chucks
- SendCutSend for Custom Low Cost Parts - January 31, 2026 [16 of 252]
Carl uses SendCutSend for Custom Low Cost Aluminum and Steel parts. He sends them a 2D drawing and they send back 3D parts in roughly a week. The third dimension is the thickness of the metal part manufactured by SendCutSend. - Labels for SendCutSend Parts - January 31, 2026 [17 of 252]
Carl prints his own Glossy Waterproof Labels for his SendCutSend parts. He draws them on his PC and prints them on blank label sheets from OnlineLabels.com Product# OL5125WI. - OpenOffice Draw to DXF File for SendCutSend - January 30, 2026 [18 of 252]
Carl uses this WACKY process to draw CUSTOM parts in OpenOffice Draw and then create DXF (.dxf) files for SendCutSend. - How To Order a Part from SendCutSend - January 30, 2026 [19 of 252]
The Step by Step process that Carl uses to order custom parts from SendCutSend on the web. How to send DXF files to SendCutSend. - Updated Carl’s Carving Stand - January 29, 2026 [20 of 252] (Original: December 27, 2021)
Carl's Carving Stand is bare bones simple and works good! You can make your own. It allows you to easily carve any piece of work attached to a wood lathe chuck or faceplate.Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools, Tools Carving
- Drawing Complex Shapes for SendCutSend - January 23, 2026 [21 of 252]
Carl shows how to draw MULTIPLE shapes (rectangles, circles, etc.) and then merge them to create a single complex shape that he can send to SendCutSend. - Updated Silky Landscape Saw - December 23, 2025 [22 of 252] (Original: May 10, 2022)
Quick Tip: Carl recommends a Silky Gomboy 210 Landscape Saw for woodturning. He uses it to cut off the tenon on woodturnings. - Battery Powered Chainsaw - December 13, 2025 [23 of 252]
Carl really likes his new Battery powered Chain Saw! It is an Echo (brand) model DCS-5000 with an 18" bar. It is the perfect saw for a couple of quick cuts or on Sunday mornings when you do not want to disturb the neighbors. - Downspout Guard Catches Errant Sandpaper - December 1, 2025 [24 of 252]
Carl uses a plastic "Downspout Guard" to catch sandpaper before it gets sucked through his dust collector chute. - Updated Blue Flex Sanding Disks - November 22, 2025 [25 of 252] (Original: November 20, 2014)
Carl likes the “Blue Flex” sanding disk sold by Vince’s Wooden Wonders. He has been using them for the last 4-5 years and is am very happy. - Updated Hang Up your Power Sanding Drills - November 22, 2025 [26 of 252] (Original: October 28, 2017)
Quick Tip: Carl keeps his Power Sanding Drills handy by hanging them on the front of his lathe. Photos and how to. - Updated 5 Inch Sanding Disks - November 22, 2025 [27 of 252] (Original: October 20, 2025)
Carl now uses 5 inch Sanding Disks on the outside of bowls and hollow forms. 5" disks can easily handle jobs that 3" disks struggle with. - Angle Drills for Sanding - November 22, 2025 [28 of 252]
Carl recommends a standard "TruePower" 3/8" Angle Drill for 2 and 3 inch sanding disks. Purchase from Amazon. He recommends a heavy duty "Makita DA3010F" 3/8" Angle Drill for 5 and 6 inch sanding disks. - Aluminum Backup Pads for Sanding Disks - November 17, 2025 [29 of 252]
Aluminum Sanding Backup Pads are the Rolls-Royce of Backup Pads. Carl likes them, because the extra weight of an Aluminum Backup Pad acts sort of like a fly wheel that makes things run smoother. - Updated Carl’s Sanding Backup Pads - November 16, 2025 [30 of 252] (Original: January 31, 2023)
Carl likes Sanding Backup Pads (mandrels) that are thin, low profile and HARD. He makes his own out of 1/4" plywood and 1/4" flat head bolts. He attaches firm and soft foam interface pads to make his hard backup pad softer as needed.Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools, Tools Sanding
- Updated Woodburners & Pyrography - October 30, 2025 [31 of 252] (Original: April 28, 2013)
Carl's take on the best Woodburners, Tips, & Books for woodturners. What he recommends for his students. - Hot Knife Wood Burner - October 29, 2025 [32 of 252]
Carl has discovered that a RoMech (brand) Hot Knife makes a Great Wood Burner. It is light weight and easy to use. He really likes the Triangle Knife Tip. - Battery Charger Wood Vaporizer (Burner) is NO LONGER Feasible - October 25, 2025 [33 of 252]
You can NOT make a Graeme Priddle style Wood Vaporizer (Wood Burner) out of a MODERN automotive battery charger. Carl, suggests some alternatives. - Nichrome Wire for DIY Woodburning Tips - October 25, 2025 [34 of 252]
Carl purchased Nichrome Wire for DIY Woodburning Tips a long time ago from McMaster-Carr. Purchasing it from Amazon may now be cheaper. He has found that 17 BNC (0.045" or 1.2mm or 17 AWG) size wire is the most useful. - Updated RG45 Gas Welding Rod - October 24, 2025 [35 of 252] (Original: November 12, 2021)
Quick Tip: Carl keeps a good supply of RG45 Gas Welding Rod on hand. He uses it to hang things up and lots of other things. - Wire Hanger Holds Work While Finishing - October 18, 2025 [36 of 252]
Carl likes to hang things up while I spraying on a clear finish. He use a pieceof stiff clothes hanger wire or RG45 gas welding rod. - Updated Hand Exercisers for Mere Mortals - September 29, 2025 [37 of 252] (Original: January 20, 2019)
Carl recommends Zon (brand) hand exercisers for woodturners who need to improve their hand strength. The Zon ones are good for mere mortals. - Updated Green Wood Sealer - September 23, 2025 [38 of 252] (Original: August 7, 2022)
Carl recommends "AnchorSeal CLASSIC" when people ask me about Green Wood Sealer! - Stout Extensions for Forstner Drill Bits - August 18, 2025 [39 of 252]
Carl likes the nice heavy duty Forstner Drill Bit Extensions make by Swozzto (brand). $19 for two on 8/2025. - Laser Safety Glasses & Goggles - June 22, 2025 [40 of 252]
Carl found that expensive MCWlaser Laser Safety Goggles rather than Glasses are the way to go. You only get one pair of eyes! - Fixed Calipers Improve Accuracy - June 20, 2025 [41 of 252]
Carl likes to use home made fixed calipers made out of 1/4" plywood. They are more accurate than pointed metal calipers. - Reverse The Bosch Stabilizer - June 7, 2025 [42 of 252]
Carl reverses the lathe banjo and his Trent Bosch Stabilizer when hollowing with the lathe in reverse. The arms on his Stabilizer are then free to move almost completely unimpeded. - Grease Chuck Jaw Screws - June 4, 2025 [43 of 252]
Carl likes to grease the jaw screws on his woodturning chucks. It makes the screws easier to remove latter. - Updated Wolverine Grinder Jig Setup - June 2, 2025 [44 of 252] (Original: April 8, 2020)
Carl recommends the Wolverine Grinder Jig. It is the de facto standard! Here is how Carl recommends setting up your Wolverine. - Gloves for Woodturners - May 24, 2025 [45 of 252]
Carl recommends good thin "High Dexterity Performance Work Gloves" for male woodturners with big and medium sized hands. He recommends similar Gardening Gloves for women with small hands. You MUST cut the finger and thumb tips off of gloves for SAFETY! - Faceplate Set Up for Woodturning - May 18, 2025 [46 of 252]
Carl modifies his woodturning faceplates. He countersinks the screw holes and center of the faceplate. He also adds set screws. - Updated Lathe Shower Curtains - May 14, 2025 [47 of 252] (Original: March 26, 2015)
Tip: CLOTH Shower Curtains are great for quick clean up. Make your own hooks and track (EMT pipe) to minimize the cost. Cloth! No plastic! - Updated Cleaning Power Carving Burs - May 12, 2025 [48 of 252] (Original: May 1, 2023)
Carl uses CMT Formula 2050 Blade and Bit Cleaner to clean his power carving burs. It works good! - Updated Round Ball Carving Burs - May 12, 2025 [49 of 252] (Original: November 22, 2020)
Good, but not great, round ball carving burs from Rio Grande. 3/16" and bigger. - Updated Bosch Stabilizer Storage – Bungee Cords - May 5, 2025 [50 of 252] (Original: August 4, 2024)
Carl now uses Bungee Cords to secure his Trent Bosch Stabilizer when storing it. Thus, it is easy to handle. It does NOT unfold and flop around. - Updated Carl’s Modern Hollowing Tools 2024 - May 4, 2025 [51 of 252] (Original: October 13, 2024)
Carl's hollowing tools for Woodturners. Start small. Consider the "Simple Hollowing System". Go with Trent Bosch "3/4" Hollowing Tool Stabilizer" with Visualizer.Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools, Tools Hollowing, Turning Tools
- Handle Added to Simple Hollower - May 4, 2025 [52 of 252]
Carl added a handle to his "Simple Hollower". This is how he did it. Now he can use his whole body to make nice hollow form shapes. The way he does, when he is using a bowl gouge with a handle. - Round Chuck Jaw Corners for Safety - April 28, 2025 [53 of 252]
Quick Tip: Carl likes to round over the sharp corners on his Woodturning Chuck Jaws for Safety. He only does this when it does not interfere with the holding power of the chuck. - Carl’s Vertical Chainsaw Bench - April 21, 2025 [54 of 252]
Carl's Vertical Chainsaw Bench is like a big C-Clamp. He uses it to make things sort of round (octagon shape) before he mounts them on the lathe. He uses it to cut the corners off of his bowl blanks and hollow form blanks. - Leave Flap on Turners Tape - April 16, 2025 [55 of 252]
Carl likes to leave a flat on his roll of double sided Turners Tape. This makes it easier to use the next time around. - Air Dryer Rotator - April 13, 2025 [56 of 252]
Carl has developed a forced air drying method that uses fans and the "Air Dryer Rotator" shown here. It allows him to sand hollow forms and bowls ON THE LATHE while they are still round. - Wood Chip Fork for Clean Up - April 9, 2025 [57 of 252]
Quick Tip: Carl uses a 11" wide Wood Chip Fork (aka Ensilage Fork) with a 30" handle for easy clean up. Using a fork is a lot easier than using a shovel. - PVC Cutting Tip Covers - February 17, 2025 [58 of 252]
Carl likes to cover the cutting tips of his turning tools when not in use for safety reasons. He makes covers out of PVC pipe. - Updated CBN Grinder Wheels - February 8, 2025 [59 of 252] (Original: March 19, 2020)
Carl recommends CBN wheels for newbies. They really simplify things because the size of the wheel never changes. What grit? Get a wide wheel? - UF-Sharp CBN Grinder Wheels - February 8, 2025 [60 of 252]
Carl NOW recommend purchasing CBN Grinder Wheels from "UF-SHARP" brand on Amazon. He no longer recommends doing business with "WoodTurnersWonders”. - Updated Carl’s Slip On Custom Centering Cones - January 31, 2025 [61 of 252] (Original: April 14, 2023)
Carl now uses "slip on" custom UHMW cones. Slip on cones are better! They are easier to make and they are easier to use. Why? Because, they just slip on!Carl's Articles, Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools
- Spindle Extender for Sanding - December 16, 2024 [62 of 252]
Carl uses a Spindle Extender on his wood lathe to make sanding a lot easier. - Updated Carl’s Hand Held Laser Depth Gauge - November 7, 2024 [63 of 252] (Original: December 26, 2022)
Carl uses his DIY Hand Held Laser Depth Gauge to show the depth of the inside bottom on the outside of vases, hollow forms and bowls. Am I deep enough? Can I go deeper? Have I gone to deep? - Carl’s DIY Scraper Burnisher - November 6, 2024 [64 of 252]
Carl created his own "Scraper Burnisher for Turners" with a 10 degree pin. Why? Because, the well known Veritas one sells for to much money. - Updated Gouge Sharpening Templates - October 22, 2024 [65 of 252] (Original: May 17, 2013)
Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "Sharpening Templates". For Ellsworth, Stirt, Jordan, and Hosaluk gouge grinds. Use with Wolverine and Ellsworth jigs. - Multiple Drill Chucks - October 21, 2024 [66 of 252]
Carl purchased Multiple Drill Chucks to improve his efficiency. Drill chucks have become ubiquitous and cheap on Amazon. - Updated Carl’s Modern Woodturning Tool Set 2018 - October 13, 2024 [67 of 252] (Original: February 13, 2015)
Carl's suggestions for a MODERN set of woodturning tools for new turners. A set for mostly bowls, hollow forms, and whimsy. With a little spindle turning here and there. - Carl’s Modern Woodturning Tool Set 2024 - October 13, 2024 [68 of 252]
Carl's suggestions for a MODERN set of woodturning tools for new turners. Updated 10/2024. A set for mostly bowls, hollow forms, and whimsy. With a little spindle turning here and there. - Carl’s Woodturning Tool Handles 2024 - October 13, 2024 [69 of 252]
Carl's handles for Woodturners. Carl discusses Handles he likes and does not like on his Woodturning Tools. - Updated Carl’s “MM to Inches” for Woodturners - October 5, 2024 [70 of 252] (Original: May 28, 2021)
Carl often see Woodturners get all twisted up by 1" = 25.4mm. His advice is to forget about the 0.4mm! Carl does the MM to inches conversion in his head using this method. - Updated Carl’s Travel Woodturning Tool Set - September 23, 2024 [71 of 252] (Original: December 2, 2018)
Carl's Travel Woodturning Tool Set. A set that can be EASILY take to demos, club meetings and symposiums. Carl also recommends this set for new turners.Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools, Great Ideas, Popular, Turning Tools
- Updated Get A Grip – Add Elastic Mesh To Handles - September 11, 2024 [72 of 252] (Original: November 7, 2018)
Link to Carl's "Get A Grip" AAW magazine "tips section" PDF. Adding a layer of elastic mesh sleeve to a tool handle is a cheap and easy way to get a better grip. - Woodturning Tools – Food For Thought - August 24, 2024 [73 of 252]
Carl waxes philosophical about how tool trends are impacted by the limited number of woodturners in the woodturning world. - Fluid Film - August 10, 2024 [74 of 252]
Carl uses "Fluid Film" to prevent rust on the bed ways of his lathe, band saw, drill press, and other shop machines. - Updated Roman Carbide Forstner Drill Bits - August 6, 2024 [75 of 252] (Original: September 8, 2023)
Carl really likes the new fangled Carbide Forstner bits made by "Roman Carbide" (brand). They drill into end grain EASY and FAST. The big wide openings in the bit easily clear the shavings. The shavings almost jump out of the hole. - Updated Nylon Mesh Sanding Rolls (aka Synthetic Steel Wool) - August 6, 2024 [76 of 252] (Original: September 11, 2019)
Carl's take on Steel Wool. Carl uses Nylon Mesh Rolls from McMaster-Carr. Part numbers for "Carl Ford" Course, Medium and Fine. - Updated Drop-on Chainsaw Scabbard - August 5, 2024 [77 of 252] (Original: August 15, 2024)
Carl made a "Drop-on" scabbard for his chainsaw that is easy to install. Thus he always uses it, for safety, when his chainsaw is not in use. - Updated Bosch Stabilizer Improvements - August 4, 2024 [78 of 252] (Original: May 3, 2021)
Three small quick and easy improvements to Trent Bosch Hollowing Tool Stabilizer. - Quick Tip: Nuts & Bolts Boxes - July 29, 2024 [79 of 252]
The recent trend of selling nuts and bolts in plastic bags rather than boxes really frustrates Carl. He purchases little boxes on Amazon for his nuts and bolts to make things easy to find and store. - Updated Essential Books & DVDs for Students - May 31, 2024 [80 of 252] (Original: March 13, 2015)
Carl's recommended and Must Have Woodturning Books and DVDs. By topic: Spindle Turning, Bowl Turning, Project Books, Picture Books, Hollow Forms, etc. - Updated Carl’s New Powermatic 3520C Lathe verses My Old Powermatic 3520B - May 31, 2024 [81 of 252] (Original: March 13, 2018)
Carl's Powermatic 3520C Lathe setup and review. Photos, experience, opinion and measurements, for people interested in purchasing a PM 3520C lathe. - Updated Custom Tool Handles - May 1, 2024 [82 of 252] (Original: May 10, 2015)
Link to Carl's "Custom Tool Handles" AAW magazine article PDF. How to make your own Custom Tool Handles from PVC Pipe and Heat Shrinkable Fabric or Elastic Mesh Sleeve. - Updated New Ring Tool - April 28, 2024 [83 of 252] (Original: December 20, 2018)
Photos of Cedar Vases made by Carl with his new Sorby Ring Tool. Turned out of green Cedar logs. What you see is what came off the tool. NO sanding. - Led Flashlight for Hollowing - April 19, 2024 [84 of 252]
Carl has discovered that the "NextLED NT-7647 20-Inch Gooseneck Flashlight" makes a great light for looking inside of vases and hollow forms. - Updated Martel 4 Way Caliper - April 14, 2024 [85 of 252] (Original: October 25, 2020)
Carl recommends the Martel 4 Way Caliper. Expensive and worth every penny! The unique shape of the Martel calipers makes them really useful for measuring the depth of things (plates, bowls and hollow forms) while they are still on the chuck! - Updated Large Carving Gouge for Log Nib Removal - April 12, 2024 [86 of 252] (Original: April 25, 2024)
Carl likes to use a big 5/35 Carving Gouge to remove the nib left over on a log after turning it between centers. Carving gouges work better than old fashioned flat wood chisels. - Use Blog Search Box - April 12, 2024 [87 of 252]
Carl' recommends using the "Search Box" on his blog or "All Posts by Category" blog page to find things on his blog or Google. - Updated Circle Center Finder - April 11, 2024 [88 of 252] (Original: March 21, 2020)
Carl uses a see thru plastic Circle Center Finder to quickly find the center of his wood turning blanks. It works good. Quick and easy. - Updated More Bosch Stabilizer Holes – Old – Before SendCutSend - April 6, 2024 [89 of 252] (Original: May 9, 2021)
Carl added 10 more fulcrum pin holes to his Trent Bosch Hollowing Tool Stabilizer. Now there is always a hole in the right location! This really saves time and makes hollowing a lot more fun! This OLD version can NOT ordered from SendCutSend. He also has a new version that CAN be order from SendCutSend. - Updated Use Metalworking Steel Wool - April 5, 2024 [90 of 252] (Original: April 12, 2024)
Carl likes to us "Silicon Carbide - Metalworking Steel Wool" on Woodturning projects. "Woodworking Steel Wool" is Aluminum Oxide. AO melts to easily if you apply too much pressure with the lathe running fast. - Corner Code Your Sandpaper - April 4, 2024 [91 of 252]
Carl likes to "Corner Code" his sandpaper to avoid mistakes. On 220-grit sandpaper, he cuts off two corners; on 180 grit, he cuts off one corner; etc. - Color Code Your Faceplate Screws - February 10, 2024 [92 of 252]
Carl likes to use faceplates. He color codes his faceplate screws to avoid mistakes. 1‐1/2" screws are pink. 1-3/4" screws are green. Carl likes number 14, high thread, stainless steel Sheet Metal screws purchased from McMaster.com. - Storage Baskets - January 28, 2024 [93 of 252]
Carl uses two different sizes of storage baskets in his studio. They are good for storing all kinds of things. Acrylic paints, sanding supplies, spray cans, etc. - Updated A Modern Lamp for any Table - December 31, 2023 [94 of 252] (Original: August 1, 2021)
Link to Carl's "A Modern Lamp for any Table" AAW magazine article PDF. How to turn a wooden lamp that looks great! A skill building project.Carl's Articles, Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Projects
- Hollow Concave Cup for Live Center - December 30, 2023 [95 of 252]
Carl made a custom Concave Cup Center with a Hole in the middle. It allows him to easily turn finials or Christmas ornaments with out leaving any unwanted impressions on his work. - Solid Wood Christmas Ornaments - December 19, 2023 [96 of 252]
Carl recently discovered that turning Christmas Tree Ornaments out of solid wood is a lot of fun. You don't need to waste time and effort hollowing them out. - Screw Eyes for Christmas Ornaments - December 16, 2023 [97 of 252]
Carl likes to make his own custom screw eyes for my Christmas Tree Ornaments out of 20 gauge brass wire. His wire screw eyes are small and elegant! - Fancy “S” Hooks for Christmas Ornaments - December 16, 2023 [98 of 252]
Carl likes to use Fancy Decorative "S" Hooks on his turned wooden Christmas Tree Ornaments. They add a little something extra to his ornaments. - Updated Carl’s Downdraft Paint Booth - December 15, 2023 [99 of 252] (Original: August 7, 2020)
Carl's downdraft paint booth has eliminated most paint fumes in his studio They all go outside! Paint is sucked down onto Carl's work. - Updated Linear Actuator Blast Gate (12v DC) - November 29, 2023 [100 of 252] (Original: September 6, 2021)
Looking for a cheaper alternative to iVAC Blast Gates? Simple, reliable, easy to install, lowcost? 12 volt DC Linear Actuators are the answer! - Carl’s Overhead Light Bar (and Camera Bar) - November 21, 2023 [101 of 252]
Carl has discovered that an Overhead Light Bar with magnetically attached LED lights is the best lathe lighting solution. Why? 1. Let there be light anywhere! 2. EASY to REPOSITION lights! 3. Never in the way! 4. No shake! 5. Low cost DIY solution.Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Tools Lathes, Tools Misc, Tools Studio
- DIY Magnetic Light Base - November 11, 2023 [102 of 252]
Carl likes to add his own magnetic bases to his IKEA Jansjo or QUANS gooseneck LED lights. He has LED lights on magnetic bases all over his studio. On his lathes, bandsaws, drill press, and grinders. On the dust hood in his carving area, etc. - QUANS Led Lamp replacement for IKEA Jansjo Led Lamp - November 1, 2023 [103 of 252]
Carl has found a good replacement for the discontinued IKEA Jansjo LED Lamp. It is the "QUANS 5W COB LED Gooseneck Light". The Amazon price is $17 on 10/11/2023. - Updated Mounting Plates and Shallow Bowls - September 8, 2023 [104 of 252] (Original: November 16, 2019)
Link to Carl's "Drilled Chucking Recess" AAW magazine "tips section" PDF. A 2-1/2″ diameter hole is an easy and secure way to mount blanks for plates and shallow bowls on the lathe.Carl's Articles, Carl's For Students, Great Ideas, Tools Chucks
- Add V-Arm Shaft Collar - August 26, 2023 [105 of 252]
Carl has added a two-piece shaft collar to the V-Arm on his Oneway Wolverine grinding jig. It allows him to quickly and easily install the V-Arm with out fusing around. - Updated 1/4″ Die Grinders - August 20, 2023 [106 of 252] (Original: April 19, 2023)
1/4" Die Grinders that Carl owns and recommends. Big 1/4" shaft carving burs work best in an electric die grinder. - Longer Oneway Chuck Wrench Handle - August 20, 2023 [107 of 252]
Carl likes to install a longer bar in his Oneway Chuck Wrench Handles to make them easier to use. The short bar slips out of his hand, hurts his hand or he can’t get enough leverage. - Rotary V-Cutter (V-Tool Carving Chisel) - August 13, 2023 [108 of 252]
Carl's new Rotary Carbide V-Cutter is a real game changer. It is like 10 times faster than a good old hand held V-tool or a V-tool in a reciprocating power carver. It is easy to use and control. - Rotating T-Square - August 5, 2023 [109 of 252]
Carl's Rotating “T-square.” Unlike a traditional T-square, whose head registers on a straightedge, this one features a circle that registers in the bowl he has turned. This T-square allows Carl to draw evenly spaced lines and replicate patterns easily. - Mallet and Awl Marking Kit - May 6, 2023 [110 of 252]
Carl uses a shop made mallet and awl to mark the center of things. As he gets older, he tries to be more careful with his hands. He does not want to develop arthritis, - Updated Awesome Big Carving Burs - April 22, 2023 [111 of 252] (Original: September 3, 2022)
Carl highly recommends BIG 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" diameter head burs made and sold by McMaster-Carr for surface decoration of woodturnings. They run absolutely dead true at high speed and they do not create a lot of tear out. - Updated New Power Carving Burs 2021 - April 22, 2023 [112 of 252] (Original: November 21, 2021)
Carl discovers and reviews Manpa Concave Eye Cutters, Manpa Mini Triangle & Round Cutters, Rotary Chisels, and Maillefer Concave Cutter Burrs. - Updated Bowl Gouge Cleaning Wheel - April 17, 2023 [113 of 252] (Original: October 17, 2022)
Carl cleans his bowl gouges with a 3" nylon wheel attached to the side if his grinder when turning green wood. It is quick and easy!Carl's Articles, Carl's For Students, Great Ideas, Tools Machines
- Updated Carl’s Thread On Custom Centering Cones - April 14, 2023 [114 of 252] (Original: January 1, 2008)
Link to Carl's "Custom Centering Cones" AAW magazine article PDF. What they are. Why live center cones are useful. How to make your own out of UHMW. - Updated Blue & Purple Masking Tape - April 7, 2023 [115 of 252] (Original: July 26, 2020)
Carl recently started using the new 3M Scotch "Delicate Surface Painter's Tape #2080" Purple masking tape. He likes it. It works good on top of a layer of sealer. - Updated Carl’s Cactus Plate Bowl - March 9, 2023 [116 of 252] (Original: January 26, 2019)
Carl shows the inspiration for his Ric Rac Orchid Cactus Plate/Bowl and how he created it using the sgraffito process he learned from Al Stirt. - Montana Acrylic Markers - March 4, 2023 [117 of 252]
Carl uses a 15mm wide Montana Acrylic Marker to paint the edge of his plates and shallow bowls black. - Makeup Sponges for Chroma-Guilt - March 4, 2023 [118 of 252]
Makeup Sponges can be used to apply a thin layer of Chroma-Guilt with out getting it into your carved or burned pattern! They work great! - 64ths of an Inch Ruler / Table - March 3, 2023 [119 of 252]
This 64ths of an inch ruler/table makes finding the right drill bit easy. You need a drill bit that is a little bigger than 3/4". What size do you need? 49/64" Right? - Updated Carl’s Studio July 2015 - March 2, 2023 [120 of 252] (Original: August 2, 2015)
Photos of Carl's Woodturning Studio. A picture is worth a thousand words. - Updated Mirka Autonet Sandpaper - February 6, 2023 [121 of 252] (Original: March 31, 2020)
Carl recommends Mirka Autonet Sandpaper rather than Abranet. Autonet is virtually the same and cheaper. Autonet makes sanding WET wood possible! - Carl’s Jam Chucks - January 22, 2023 [122 of 252]
Carl likes jam chucks made out of 3/4" plywood and PVC pipe couplings. Carl's jam chucks are Drum Chucks that you can be used with or with out vacuum. How to make your own.Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools, Tools Chucks
- Good Quality Plywood - December 30, 2022 [123 of 252]
Finding good quality plywood at a reasonable price is not impossible. I use 3/4" "Radiata Pine" plywood in the Northeastern USA. - Updated Carl’s New Powermatic 2014 Lathe Stand - December 29, 2022 [124 of 252] (Original: April 18, 2021)
How Carl beefed up a Harbor Freight Workbench to create a GOOD Stand (Bench) with drawers for his new Powermatic 2014 Lathe. Step by step photos. - Magnets Capture Metal Grinding Dust - December 17, 2022 [125 of 252]
Quick Tip: Super Magnets (Rare Earth Magnets) attached to the wheel guards on my grinder captures the powdery metal grinding dust that is created when I grind my turning tools. - Updated Face Shields - December 10, 2022 [126 of 252] (Original: April 22, 2019)
Carl reviews face shields. Face shields are HIGHLY PERSONAL. Therefore you should try before you buy. What are your options? Powered vs non powered. Etc. - Banjo-Mounted Hair Dryer - December 9, 2022 [127 of 252]
When I paint turned items on the lathe, I like to dry the paint faster with a hair dryer. Hand-holding the hair dryer would be tedious, so I made a tool post that holds the hair dryer for me. - Maple Log Delivery 12/2022 - December 2, 2022 [128 of 252]
Now this is the way you should have your logs delivered! - Carl’s 4x7x2 Sharpening Jigs - November 27, 2022 [129 of 252]
Carl's "Set It and Forget It" 4x7x2 Sharpening Jigs System makes sharpening woodturning gouges QUICK and EASY! 3 Vari-Grind jigs are converted to 3 CUSTOM sharpening jigs.Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Jigs, Popular, Tools Jigs
- Woodturning Mugs - November 13, 2022 [130 of 252]
Time to think about a new Woodturning Mug for Christmas. - Vevor vs Easy Grind vs Oneway Vari-Grind Jig - October 30, 2022 [131 of 252]
Carl compares and reviews Vari-Grind sharpening jigs. Vevor Vari-Grind Jig vs Easy Grind Gouge Sharpening Jig vs Oneway Wolverine Vari-Grind Jig. Carl recommends the Oneway jig. - Finger Cots Protect Skin - October 30, 2022 [132 of 252]
Finger cots are like a disposable glove for one finger. I like to use them when a five-finger glove would be overkill—like when spreading cyanoacrylate (CA) glue with my finger. - Happy Students Winter 2022 - October 13, 2022 [133 of 252]
Photos of GREAT projects recently completed by the students in my Winter 2022 class in my studio on Thursdays. - Carl’s Index Wheels – How To Use - September 19, 2022 [134 of 252]
Carl shows how he sketches a pattern and replicates it using his Al Stirt style index wheels. Al Stirt's idea and method. Carl's enhanced index wheels. - Carl’s Index Wheels – How to Make - September 19, 2022 [135 of 252]
How to print and make Carl's enhanced Al Stirt style index wheels. Carl's index wheels have lots of markings that make them easy to use. Red dots on every other division, etc. Red, green, blue, etc highlights on 8", 9", 10", etc diameter circles. - Plate Display Stands - September 5, 2022 [136 of 252]
Carl reviews low cost metal plate display stands for 10" diameter plates and low wide rim bowls. - Drill Brush - August 10, 2022 [137 of 252]
Carl is now using a "Drill Brush" to clean up my power carvings. To remove wood fuzz, etc. It is a good cheap alternative to a "3M Roloc Bristle Disc". - Carl’s Kiln Dried Wood Process - August 8, 2022 [138 of 252]
Carl documents the blank cutting process he uses to get the most out of hardwood kiln dried boards for woodturning. - Updated Red Box Heater & Blue Blower - July 23, 2022 [139 of 252] (Original: February 8, 2013)
Carl's take on heat for your workshop or studio. Is it time to think about investing in a heater? Are you tired of standing in a cold studio or work shop? - Magnet Bars for Tools - July 1, 2022 [140 of 252]
Carl purchased the magnetic tool holders in the photos of his studio from Amazon. They are Master Magnetics brand. - Website & Blog Moved to SiteGround - May 8, 2022 [141 of 252]
On 5/6/2022, Carl moved his www.carlford.us Website & Blog from GoDaddy to SiteGround. He will be deleting www.carlford.info. Use www.carlford.us. - Updated Blog Moved from Quick Blogcast to WordPress - May 6, 2022 [142 of 252] (Original: June 23, 2014)
GoDaddy is discontinued Quick Blogcast on June 25, 2014. I moved my blog to Wordpress at www.carlford.us. This turned out to a blessing in disguise. I like Wordpress a lot better. - Updated Carl’s Website & Blog Merged - May 6, 2022 [143 of 252] (Original: September 18, 2020)
Carl merged his Woodturning Website and Blog on On 9/15/2020. They now use the same Wordpress Blog platform hosted by GoDaddy. - Updated Leaner, Meaner & Faster - May 6, 2022 [144 of 252] (Original: January 22, 2022)
Carl's Website and Blog are now Leaner and Faster. New faster web server. Downsized and moved all photos to be inside of Wordpress. - Inside Bottom Sanding Stick - May 1, 2022 [145 of 252]
Quick Tip: Carl makes sanding sticks out of styrofoam rather than wood. Why? It hurts a lot less if the lathe rips the sanding stick out of my hands and it hits me! - 2×4 Harbor Freight Airbrush Holder - April 30, 2022 [146 of 252]
Quick Tip: 2x4 airbrush holder for cheap Harbor Freight Airbrushes. Works great. You can easily move it around and store it on a shelf. - Updated Golden Ratio Calipers - April 1, 2022 [147 of 252] (Original: March 13, 2022)
Carl made a set of "Golden Ratio Calipers". He likes to use the "Golden Ratio" (1.618…) when turning hollow forms and wide rim plates. It allows him to create things with pleasing proportions found in nature. - Live Demos at 2022 Totally Turning - March 18, 2022 [148 of 252]
Carl will be demonstrating live at 2022 Totally Turning Symposium in Saratoga Springs, NY on Saturday and Sunday, March 26 & 27, 2022. - Updated Paint Brushes & Acrylic Paint - March 17, 2022 [149 of 252] (Original: October 9, 2021)
Carl recommends paint brushes and acrylic paint for painting on the wood lathe with the lathe running. - New Pinterest Gallery of Carl’s Wood Art - March 9, 2022 [150 of 252]
Check out Carl's new Pinterest Photo Gallery of his Wood Art. Over 300 items with a user friendly front end interface to Pinterest. - Updated Crown Verses Sorby Spiraling & Texturing Tool - February 27, 2022 [151 of 252] (Original: April 13, 2020)
Carl likes the Crown Spiraling tool better than the Sorby. Why? Wheel comparison chart. How to add a knob to improve the Crown or Sorby tool. - Burnishing Tool for Wood Lathe - February 27, 2022 [152 of 252]
Carl uses a home made burnisher to burnish the textures that he creates with his Sorby Spiraling and Texture Tool. Making a burnisher is easy and cheap. - Sharpening & Buffing Lathe Attachment - February 25, 2022 [153 of 252]
Carl created a "Sharpening and Buffing Attachment" for his wood lathe. It is cheap and easy to make. He uses it to sharpen his wood carving gouges and to buff his metal spinning tools. - Center Drill Set - February 14, 2022 [154 of 252]
Carl uses a "Center Drill" to create a starting hole for twist drills when he wants to drill a precise hole. Everyone should own a set of center drills. - Carl’s Turntable for Finishing - January 1, 2022 [155 of 252]
Carl made his own turntable. He often uses it when painting and finishing things. It really helps him get a nice even finish on things with out finger prints. - Updated Foam Cole Jaws - December 27, 2021 [156 of 252] (Original: April 8, 2019)
Link to Carl's "Foam Cole Jaws" AAW magazine "tips section" PDF. Sticky-back craft foam on my Jumbo Jaws helps protect a bowl’s rim when reverse-chucked to finish the bottom. - Updated Octagon Template Cuts Corners - December 27, 2021 [157 of 252] (Original: December 28, 2021)
Link to Carl's "Octagon Template & Jig" AAW magazine "tips section" PDF. Carl uses a simple Octagon Template and Jig to cut the corners off of plate or shallow bowl blanks. - Handy Rod for Oneway Live Center - November 12, 2021 [158 of 252]
Quick Tip: Carl installs or remove cones on his Oneway Live Center with a HANDY rod attached to his lathe tailstock. - Updated Carl’s Photo Studio 2018 - October 6, 2021 [159 of 252] (Original: February 11, 2019)
Carl's photo studio setup. He started using it in 2018 and he is very happy with it. He uses big soft box lights with easy to stow graduated black to white background. - Good Cheap Masking Tape - September 17, 2021 [160 of 252]
Carl recommends Blick brand masking tape from Dick Blick on the web. It is a bit on the thin side but it works good and the price is reasonable. - Updated Short Quick Release Tool Handle - September 8, 2021 [161 of 252] (Original: May 15, 2021)
Carl's 10" long Quick Release Tool Handle. A 10" version of the 16" long 5/8" Quick Release Tool Handle made by Jimmy Clewes. Step by step photos. - Updated Featured in AAW Members’ Gallery - September 4, 2021 [162 of 252] (Original: December 2, 2014)
Link to Carl's "Members' Gallery" section of AAW magazine PDF. Carl's artwork was featured in the August 2014 issue of "American Woodturner" the Journal of the American Association of Woodturners. - Updated Shopmade Collet Chuck - September 4, 2021 [163 of 252] (Original: November 19, 2018)
Link to Carl's "Shopmade Collet Chuck" AAW magazine article PDF. How to make your own custom collet chucks out of UHMW plastic. - Updated McMaster-Carr - June 28, 2021 [164 of 252] (Original: February 22, 2013)
People are always asking me where did you get that? And, my answer is always “Mcmaster”. Mcmaster-Carr is an old time industrial supply company with a very efficient modern business model. - Better Blast Gate Micro Switch - June 19, 2021 [165 of 252]
Carl has replaced the micro switches on his dust gates with better micro switches from Digi-Key part number LS0851506F045S1A-ND. - Better Floor Sweep - June 12, 2021 [166 of 252]
Carl likes the Powertec model #70282 floor sweep. Because the handle is EASILY adjustable! No more disagreements with tall students. - Carl’s Grinder Stand - May 18, 2021 [167 of 252]
Carl likes having the center of his grinder wheel 46" off the floor on a stand that he can easily move around his studio. - Updated Turning Tools Bag - May 17, 2021 [168 of 252] (Original: October 2, 2014)
Carl recommends "Pie Iron" storage bag for turning tools. They are the right size for transporting turning tools to club meetings, etc. - Updated Morse Taper Drills on Ebay - April 18, 2021 [169 of 252] (Original: March 5, 2014)
Carl likes to use Morse Taper drills in the tailstock of his lathe to drill holes. Ebay is a good place to purchase large Morse Taper drills cheap. - 1st Hollow Form on New Powermatic 2014 Lathe - April 18, 2021 [170 of 252]
The third thing Carl turned on his new Powermatic 2014 Lathe was a Hollow Form Vase. No big problems. Step by step photos. Hollow forms put a lot of stress on the lathe headstock when you are hollowing them out. - 1st Plate on New Powermatic 2014 Lathe - April 18, 2021 [171 of 252]
The first thing Carl turned on his new Powermatic 2014 Lathe was a plate. It was a pleasure. Step by step photos. - 1st Bowl on New Powermatic 2014 Lathe - April 18, 2021 [172 of 252]
The second thing Carl turned on his new Powermatic 2014 Lathe was a Live Edge Bowl. No problems. Step by step photos. Live edge bowls put a lot of stress on a lathe because they are out of balance from start to finish. - Carl’s New Powermatic 2014 Lathe - April 18, 2021 [173 of 252]
Carl's Powermatic 2014 Lathe setup and REAL WORLD review. Photos, experience, opinion and measurements, for people interested in purchasing a PM 2014 Lathe. - Updated Revolutionary New 110 Volt Lathes - April 15, 2021 [174 of 252] (Original: August 15, 2020)
Carl is really interested in 2 new 110 volt lathes. Carl's thoughts on the new Laguna Revo 15/24 Lathe and Powermatic 2014 Lathe - Guitar String Wire Burners - January 13, 2021 [175 of 252]
Quick Tip: If you use Acoustic Guitar Wire Burners to friction burn lines with the lathe running they work better than Piano Wire. What size wire? How to make your own. - Updated Carl’s Artwork – Fall 2020 - December 16, 2020 [176 of 252] (Original: November 14, 2020)
Photos of artwork made by Carl in the Fall of 2020. Star Bowls, Maple Leaf Plate & Sunset Wide Rim Bowl. - Updated Done In One Day Vases - November 28, 2020 [177 of 252] (Original: February 16, 2020)
A quick summary of Carl's techniqe that allows him to turn a wooden vase (hollow form vessel) in one day. - Updated Sanding Wheel Brush - October 30, 2020 [178 of 252] (Original: November 9, 2019)
Carl recommends “Sanding Wheel Brushes” from McMaster-Carr. They are a good alternative to the “3M Radial Bristle Discs”. Cheaper & last longer. - 3M Roloc Bristle Disc - October 30, 2020 [179 of 252]
Carl is now using "3M ROLOC Bristle Discs" to clean up my carvings on almost FLAT things. You can really go at it and scrub a piece with a Roloc disc. - Updated 60 Covid-19 Hollow Forms - October 12, 2020 [180 of 252] (Original: July 7, 2020)
Carl turned 60 hollow forms in the first 3 months of 2020, Covid-19 lock down. So far so good. They have kept the doctor away. - Updated Covid-19 Hollow Forms - October 12, 2020 [181 of 252] (Original: April 9, 2020)
Photos of the 60 hollow forms that Carl turned in the first 3 months of the Covid-19 lock down. Carl turned one hollow form a day to keep the Covid-19 doctor away. - Narrow & Parting Tools in General - October 2, 2020 [182 of 252]
Carl's take on Woodturning Narrow Parting Tools and Parting Tools in general. There are better alternatives to the standard narrow woodturning parting tools generally available in the US. - Pistol Style Airbrush - September 12, 2020 [183 of 252]
Carl recommends a Pistol Style Airbrush for people who have trouble with a trigger on top style airbrush. - Updated A Great Little Lathe Review - September 10, 2020 [184 of 252] (Original: May 12, 2010)
Carl's review and recommendation of the 10" Turncrafter Lathe made and sold by Penn State Industries. - Updated So you want to buy a lathe? A real lathe? - September 10, 2020 [185 of 252] (Original: July 31, 2015)
Carl's unbiased comparison, review and recommendation of Woodturning Lathes for people who are interested in purchasing a real lathe. Powermatic, Oneway, Vicmarc, Robust, Laguna, Jet, and Nova lathes. 110 vs 220 volts. Lathes that Carl does not recommend. - Gojo Supro Max - September 9, 2020 [186 of 252]
Carl recommends Gojo Supro Max. It removes almost all of the paint and stains from his hands. It leaves his hands feeling good. Better than Gojo Citrus Orange. - Updated Carl’s TV Hollowing Rig - September 4, 2020 [187 of 252] (Original: November 20, 2019)
Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "TV Hollowing" demo. Carl uses a Trent Bosch Hollowing Stabilizer rig with a Rolly Munro cutter head. - Updated Munro Hollower Demo - September 4, 2020 [188 of 252] (Original: April 26, 2018)
Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "Munro Hollower" demo. The Munro Hollower2 is a great tool for making vases and hollow forms. Tips and tricks that will allow you to hit the ground running. - Updated Small Vases & Hollow Forms Demo - September 4, 2020 [189 of 252] (Original: June 8, 2011)
Link to Carl's PDF handout for "Small Vases & Hollow Forms" demo. Turning small vases is a great low stress way to learn how to create hollow forms and to experiment with shapes and surface decorations. - Updated Vacuum Chucks Demo - September 4, 2020 [190 of 252] (Original: January 1, 2006)
Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "Vacuum Chucks" demo. What are they? What are they good for? What do I need to set up my own Vacuum Chuck System? How can I keep the cost down? - West System 5 Minute Epoxy - September 4, 2020 [191 of 252]
Carl uses West System 5 minute epoxy. He is saving money and he likes the West System stuff a lot better than the ubiquitous 2 part syringes from local hardware store. - Wall Art – Summer 2020 - August 29, 2020 [192 of 252]
Photos of Nick Agar style Square Wall Art made by Carl during the summer of 2020. Square woodturnings with, spiral tool and airbrushed decorations. - Woodworker II Table Saw Blade - August 3, 2020 [193 of 252]
Carl recommends a "Forrest Woodworker II" saw blade. It goes thru 2" or 3" thick maple like a hot knife thru butter. It makes cutting up plate and shallow bowl blanks a real joy. - Updated Low Cost Industrial Bench Grinder - July 2, 2020 [194 of 252] (Original: January 27, 2013)
Carl recommends a "Best Buy" industrial quality bench grinder. A Dayton 2LKR9. Why this grinder? Must be 8", Make your own grinder stand. Tool rests & grinding wheels. - Steel By The Numbers - June 28, 2020 [195 of 252]
Quick Tip: Check out the "About Steel" page on McMaster-Carr website to find the right steel for your next project! What is 4140 steel? Etc. - Carl’s Chainsaw Bench (Horizontal) - June 19, 2020 [196 of 252]
Carl's chainsaw bench is built like a tank. For woodturners. It was designed to make things safer. Photos & plan PDF. - Updated Collet Chucks - June 5, 2020 [197 of 252] (Original: March 19, 2013)
Carl finds collet chucks convenient for holding small work. It is very easy to mount a chunk of dowel as a turning blank. Carl reviews 2 poplar brands of collet chucks. - Collet Chuck Revisited - June 5, 2020 [198 of 252]
A metal working "Straight Shank ER32 Collet Holder" on Amazon is a cheaper alternative to the pricey Apprentice or Beall Collet Chucks available in the woodturning world. - Metal Cutting Bandsaw - May 22, 2020 [199 of 252]
Carl shows an affordable metal cutting bandsaw alternative. A "Portband Table" from "Swag Offroad" with a Milwaukee Portaband saw works good. - Small Wood Bandsaw - May 16, 2020 [200 of 252]
Carl recommends a "WEN 3939T 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw" for small things. When you don't want to cut off your fingers on your big bandsaw with a 3 TPI blade. - Updated Best Drive Center - May 8, 2020 [201 of 252] (Original: November 14, 2014)
The “Nova Jumbo Spur Center” use to be the best 2 or 4 prong drive center in Carl's not so humble opinion. However, he now likes the “Oneway Big Bite Spur” better. - Oneway Big Bite Spur Center - May 8, 2020 [202 of 252]
Carl recommends the “Oneway Big Bite Spur” center for driving big things. Big blanks for bowls or logs for hollow forms. It only costs around $20 on 5/5/2020. - Sanding Cheat Sheet - April 1, 2020 [203 of 252]
Carl's "Sanding Cheat Sheet" ties all of his sanding blog entries together. Wet Wood? Then use ... Already Finished? Spindle Turning? Bowl or Hollow Form? - Drill and Pads for Sanding - March 31, 2020 [204 of 252]
Carl recommends a Drill, Backer Pads, and Interface Pads for power sanding. See his “Blue Flex Sanding Disks” blog entry. - Abralon Sanding Pads - March 31, 2020 [205 of 252]
Carl uses Abralon Sanding Pads to sand polyurethane, acrylic and lacquer when finishing things. Nothing else works like Abralon! Accept no substitutes! - Red Siasoft Sandpaper - March 31, 2020 [206 of 252]
Carl recommends "Siasoft Red Foam Backed" sandpaper. It is tougher than nails and works great on spindle turnings and wet wood. You can wash it out with water. Then reuse it over and over. - Sanding Wet Wood - March 31, 2020 [207 of 252]
Carl has developed a method that allows him to defy old school wisdom and sand wet wood. He friction dries with Siasoft then sands with Autonet. - Winter 2020 Studio Class - January 17, 2020 [208 of 252]
My Winter 2020 Studio Classes got off to a great start his week. Here are some photos of Tom Gorbutt decorating the top of his cake stand with spin art. - Floor Mats - December 18, 2019 [209 of 252]
Carl recommends “Rubber-Cal Dura-Chef" floor mats. Good tough Anti-Fatigue mats that stay put. Not to soft or hard. Affordable with Amazon Prime free shipping. - Updated Stikit Sandpaper - December 16, 2019 [210 of 252] (Original: November 20, 2014)
Carl has changed to use sandpaper rolls from Klingspor for all of his hand sanding. Rather than “Porter Cable Stikit Sandpaper”
See my new "Klingspor Sandpaper Rolls" blog entry. - Klingspor Sandpaper Rolls - December 3, 2019 [211 of 252]
Carl is now using sandpaper rolls from Klingspor for all of his hand sanding. Rather than "Porter Cable Stikit Sandpaper". - Updated Great Polyurethane Finishes - November 29, 2019 [212 of 252] (Original: January 10, 2013)
Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "Great Polyurethane Finishes" demo. Do you want to learn how to get a great tough “Baby Bottom Smooth” finish with only 2 coats of Polyurethane? - 8” Buffing Wheel, 4” Bowl Buff, and 8” Long Buffing Adapter - November 29, 2019 [213 of 252]
Carl's new source for the buffing wheels he recommends in his “Great Polyurethane Finishes" handout. - Carl Ford’s Etsy Shop Grand Opening - November 27, 2019 [214 of 252]
Carl just opened his new "CarlFordWoodturner" shop on etsy! Please shop early and often! - Carl’s Woodturning Workshop Class - October 9, 2019 [215 of 252]
“Class Information, Suggested Projects for Beginners and the Fine Print” for Carl's long running and very popular Woodturning Workshop Class. In Carl's Studio in Poughkeepsie NY. - Airbrushed Wood Dyes & Web Fx Paint Demo - September 9, 2019 [216 of 252]
Link to Carl's PDF handout for Nutmeg “Airbushed Wood Dyes and Web-FxPaint Demo” on 9/9/2019 - Agar Class at Arrowmont - July 2, 2019 [217 of 252]
Photos of the artwork that Carl created in June 2019 "WOW Factor" master class with Nick Agar at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts - AAW Turning of the Week - March 6, 2019 [218 of 252]
Carl's Pennsylvania Dutch Cake Stand was just selected as the "AAW Turning of the Week" on 3/6/2019. - Lathe Accessories for a New Turner - February 5, 2019 [219 of 252]
Carl's suggestions for a new woodturner. Join the AAW, Take a Class, Turning Tools, Faceplates, Drill Chuck, 4 Jaw Chuck, and Turning Smocks. - Nutmeg 2×4 Challenge - December 29, 2018 [220 of 252]
Carl's bowl that he turned from a 2x4 for the January 2014 "Nutmeg 2x4 Challenge". Step by step photos and suggestions. - Viking Sunset Bowl - December 19, 2018 [221 of 252]
Photos of Nick Agar style Viking Sunset Bowl made by Carl. Quick intro to airbrushes and cheap airbrush advice. - Big, Bold & Fast Surface Decoration Demo - December 7, 2018 [222 of 252]
Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "Big, Bold & Fast Surface Decoration" demo. The surface decoration techniques that Carl learned from Clay Foster in a June 2018 class with John Jordan and Clay Foster. - Better Bolt for Munro Hollower II - November 25, 2018 [223 of 252]
Carl recommends a Low Head Socket Head Cap Screw from McMaster. It works better than the cap screw shipped with Munro Hollower II. - Workshop Blower for Cleanup - October 15, 2018 [224 of 252]
Quick Tip: A little blower is great for quick clean up. I just blow all the saw dust and shavings off of my lathes onto the floor and then sweep or vacuum them up.Carl's For Students, Dust Collection, Great Ideas, Popular, Tools Machines
- A Day in My “Winter 2018 Studio Class” - July 9, 2018 [225 of 252]
Feel good photos of students and their work in Carl Ford's Winter 2018 Studio Class. - Headstock Shelf for Powermatic 3520C Lathe - May 7, 2018 [226 of 252]
How Carl added a shelf to the Headstock of his new Powermatic 3520C lathe. A headstock shelf keeps everything VERY handy. A great place to store live centers, chucks, wrenches, etc. - Bottom Shelf for Powermatic 3520C Lathe - April 25, 2018 [227 of 252]
How Carl added a Bottom Shelf to his new Powermatic 3520C lathe with roughly 240 lbs of stone ballast. It is really a two level shelf. With stone on the bottom and a storage shelf above. - 1st Hollow Form on New Powermatic 3520C Lathe - April 20, 2018 [228 of 252]
The second thing Carl turned on his new Powermatic 3520C Lathe was a nice cherry hollow form. - 1st Plate Bowl on New Powermatic 3520C Lathe - March 22, 2018 [229 of 252]
The first thing Carl turned on his new Powermatic 3520C Lathe was a plate bowl. A plate with a little bowl in the center. Carl likes to turn this shape and then use it as a canvas that he can decorate. - Munro Carbide Cutter - November 8, 2017 [230 of 252]
Carl's recommends using low cost carbide cutters from "Az Carbide". Carbide cutters are a great investment because they speed up your learning process. - Drill Press Vise - October 30, 2017 [231 of 252]
Carl recommends a drill press vice (Dayton 31LZ65) he likes. Plus a trick that allows quick and easy vice install or removal. - Retired from IBM - August 31, 2016 [232 of 252]
Carl voluntarily retired from IBM after 33 years, 2 months and 19 days. He is looking forward to his 2nd career as a full time Studio Woodturner. - Hollow Forms Winter 2015/2016 - April 21, 2016 [233 of 252]
Group photo of hollow forms turned by Carl over the winter of 2015/2016. Turned from Cherry or Black Birch logs. - Hard Versus Soft Maple – The Wood Database - January 26, 2015 [234 of 252]
Quick Tip: Carl's rant on "Hard" vs "Soft" Maple. People often say they have hard maple when it is soft. Look up the difference in Wood Database. - Handy Sandpaper - January 7, 2015 [235 of 252]
Carl shows how he keeps his sandpaper handy and organized. With 1/8" plywood boards he can hang up and take over to the lathe. Sandpaper organization tips. - Hosaluk Woodturning DVD - December 5, 2014 [236 of 252]
Carl recommends "The Art of Hosaluk in Woodturning DVD" by Michael Hosaluk. It covers lots of good stuff. The $60 price is releasable for 2 very long DVDs. - Label Your Tools - October 2, 2014 [237 of 252]
Quick Tip: Add labels to the ferrules of your woodturning tools with the name of tool, and sharpening info. For example "Ellsworth - 2". - “Craters and Sun” for AAW Live Auction - May 23, 2014 [238 of 252]
Carl's "Craters and Sun" square bowl was 1 of 30 pieces featured in the 2014 AAW Symposium Saturday Night Banquet Live Action. - Lathe Disk Sander - March 16, 2014 [239 of 252]
A variable speed lathe makes a great VARIABLE speed disk sander. You can adjust the speed to avoid burning the end grain on woods like Cherry. - Antique Candlestick Demo - February 28, 2014 [240 of 252]
Link to Carl's PDF handout for "Antique Candlesticks" demo. Turning new Antique Candlesticks is a great way to improve your spindle turning skills and use up scraps of wood. - Big Gulp Dust Hood - February 2, 2014 [241 of 252]
Carl recommends the "Big Gulp Dust Hood" from PSI (Penn State Industries). Sold thru Amazon, Rockler, etc. I have tried others and I have made my own. I like the Big Gulp best. - C-Line Sheet Protectors - January 26, 2014 [242 of 252]
Carl uses a "C-Line Sheet Protector" to protect his reference papers while turning. The Neon Orange color makes it easy to find. It is made of tough clear plastic with a nice grommet that allows me to hang it up. - Craft in America on Create TV - December 22, 2013 [243 of 252]
Carl recommends "Craft in America" TV show. He really like the forge and potters episodes. Often things done by clay potters are easy to translate into Woodturning - Turning Bottle Stoppers - May 28, 2013 [244 of 252]
Carl turns a Bottle Stopper. Step by step photos. Turning Bottle Stoppers is a great way to improve your turning skills. It is also a great way to use up little scraps of wood or experiment with exotic woods. - Self Centering Vise (Pen Drilling Vise) - May 11, 2013 [245 of 252]
Carl recommends a "D4064 Self Centering Vise" made by Shop Fox for pen drilling. Rather than the wimpy and expensive vises they sell for pen drilling. - Cheap Big Drills - January 22, 2013 [246 of 252]
Quick Tip: Good price on "S&D Drill, 9/16" to 1" by 16ths" (8 drills) set from Victory Machinery in Brooklyn NY - Owl Plaque Demo or Class - November 6, 2010 [247 of 252]
Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "Owl Plaque" demo or class. How to turn a cute Owl Plaque just in time for Christmas. - Candle Dish Demo or Class - May 8, 2010 [248 of 252]
Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "Candle Dish" project demo. Turning a dish style candle stick holder is a great little project. - The Detail Gouge Demo or Class - January 25, 2010 [249 of 252]
Link to Carl's PDF handout for "Detail Gouge" demo. A detail gouge is the only tool you need for spindle turning. It is an easy to use. Easy to learn. It produces clean cuts like a spindle gouge or skew without the nasty catches. - Natural Edge Bowls Demo - July 16, 2009 [250 of 252]
Link to Carl's PDF handout for "Natural Edge Bowls" demo. How to turn natural edge bowls using the versatile David Ellsworth Signature Gouge. And Carl's step by step Bowl Turning Process (Cut Edge and Natural Edge). - Intro to Woodturning Public Demo - April 26, 2009 [251 of 252]
Link to Carl's PDF handout for his "Intro to Woodturning" demo. What is Woodturing? Why is it fun? What do I need to known to get into woodturning? - Painting On The Lathe For Dummies Demo - August 18, 2008 [252 of 252]
Link to Carl's PDF handout for "Painting On the Lathe" demo. Painting with the lathe running is easy! It is a great way to spice up and make beautiful artwork out of boring cheap wood.
Generated: October 9, 2026, 6:51 am EDT