My work is turned on a wood lathe from a solid piece of wood, segmented pieces, or a burl cap. The wood is
mounted to the lathe, and turning tools are used to shape the spinning wood. Special tools are used to hollow out the interior of my vessels. Hollowing is a very time consuming process of working by feel, checking frequently with calipers, and removing all of the wood chips out of a small opening.

After the piece of wood is turned to its basic shape, I dry it until all of the moisture has evaporated. The wood must be dried slowly to ensure no cracking or splitting.

When the wood is completely dry, I remount the piece on the lathe and turn it to its final shape. I then sand the wood piece until smooth. Most of my work is sprayed with lacquer. Useable pieces are finished with a food safe finish.

Wood remains a living material with its own personality. Each piece may move or change colors as it ages, but this is the nature of the medium.

Thanks again for stopping by.

Charles Beams
"One & Only Wood Turnings"

Some of the woods and materilas used:
BURL, MAPLE, WENGE, MAHOGANY, OAK, BEECH, BLOODWOOD, EBONY, YELLOW HEART, PURPLE HEART, LACE WOOD, ASH, ROSEWOOD, COCOBOLO, ZEBRA WOOD, WALNUT, TULIP WOOD, MANZANITA, SEQUOIA BURL, RED WOOD, PADAUK, OLIVE WOOD, TURQUOISE, NORFOLK ISLAND PINE, HACKBERRY, SALMON GUM, OSAGE ORANGE, BUBINGA, RED MALLEE, JARRAH, BLACK HEART, SASAFRAS, PECAN, CARRUGATA BURL, BLACKWOOD

Vessels made:
BOWLS, URNS, WINGED PLATES, PLATES, BOTTLES, CHARGERS, VASE