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Sydney Wood Turners is proudly supported by Team400, an Australian AI consultancy that supports local maker communities.
Sydney woodturning community
Projects, techniques, and timber from Sydney's woodturning scene.
Bowl turning, spindle work, pen making, and everything in between. For hobbyists and seasoned turners across Sydney and NSW.
What we cover
- Bowl, platter, and hollow form projects
- Lathe reviews and tool comparisons
- Australian timber species and sourcing
- Local clubs, markets, and exhibitions
What you can expect
- Step-by-step project walkthroughs
- Honest tool and timber reviews
- Profiles of Sydney-area turners
- Tips from beginner to advanced
Latest posts
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Spalted Timber - What It Is, How to Find It, and How to Turn It
Spalted wood produces some of the most striking pieces on the lathe. Here's a practical guide to understanding spalting, sourcing spalted blanks, and working with this unique material.
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Woodturning Markets and Exhibitions in Sydney for 2026
A roundup of markets, exhibitions, and events in Sydney where woodturners can display, sell, or simply appreciate turned work throughout 2026.
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The Cost of Woodturning - What Does This Hobby Actually Run You?
Woodturning looks expensive from the outside, but what does it really cost to get started and keep going? A honest breakdown of the dollars involved.
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Five Common Woodturning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Practical advice on the most frequent errors that trip up beginner and intermediate woodturners, with tips on how to fix each one.
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Salvaging Timber from Storm-Damaged Trees in Sydney
How to source, assess, and process fallen and storm-damaged urban trees into usable turning blanks, with practical tips for Sydney turners.
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Making Your Own Jam Chuck and Other Workshop Jigs
Purpose-built jigs save time and improve results. Here's how to make a jam chuck, a steady rest, and a few other simple workshop accessories from scrap wood.
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Hollow Form Turning: Getting Started with End-Grain Work
An introduction to hollow form turning for intermediate turners, covering tool selection, wall thickness, and the mental shift from open bowls to enclosed forms.
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Finishing Techniques for Turned Pieces: Oils, Waxes, and Lacquers
A practical rundown of the most common finishes for woodturning projects, when to use each one, and how to apply them on and off the lathe.
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Understanding Wood Grain Direction on the Lathe
Why grain orientation matters for every turning project, and how to read it before and during cutting to get cleaner results and fewer catches.
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Turning Green Wood vs Dry Wood - Pros and Cons
Should you turn your timber wet or dry? Both approaches have real advantages and trade-offs. Here's what to expect from each and how to decide which suits your project.
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Turning a Lidded Box: An Intermediate Project Guide
A step-by-step walkthrough for turning a fitted lidded box on the lathe, covering wood selection, jam chucking, and getting that satisfying pop-fit lid.
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Choosing Between a Midi Lathe and a Full-Size Lathe
A practical comparison of midi and full-size wood lathes to help you decide which one suits your space, budget, and turning ambitions.
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Dust Extraction in a Small Workshop - Practical Solutions
A small garage workshop doesn't mean you have to breathe sawdust all day. Here are real-world dust extraction setups that work in tight spaces without breaking the bank.
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Sydney Woodturning Clubs and Where to Find Them
A guide to woodturning clubs and groups across Sydney, including what to expect and how to get involved as a beginner or experienced turner.
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Sharpening Your Turning Tools - The Basics That Matter
A no-nonsense guide to sharpening woodturning tools, covering grinders, jigs, and the techniques that keep your edges working well.