Rudolph Lopez is a professional woodturner in Tampa, Florida with over 40 years of experience in turning, furniture making, and cabinetmaking. Widely respected for his teaching skills, his easy-going energetic personality and his ability to explain woodturning techniques in a simple, understandable manner have allowed Rudolph to share his skills and enthusiasm for woodturning. He demonstrates at regional and national symposia, including those of the American Association of Woodturners, and teaches at clubs and schools across the country. Rudy also offers classes at his studio in Tampa Florida. Rudy’s work has been featured in juried exhibitions at AAW symposia and at their Gallery of Wood Art in St. Paul, MN. His website is rudolphlopez.com.
Thin Stem Natural Edge Goblet from a Limb
We will be turning a thin stem natural edge goblet from a green limb approximately 1½” – 2”dia. I will show attendees the simple techniques I use to easily turn a thin stem natural edge goblet from a green limb using mostly a 1/2″ or 5/8″ side ground bowl gouge. I will explain limb selection, pith orientation, different techniques used for stabilizing thin stems, the use and sharpening of Negative Rake scrapers and drying to help avoid cracking.
Twice Turned Vase or Bowl with Decorated Rim Detail from a Log
This is a somewhat challenging project which requires everything from basic spindle work to good tool control on interrupted cuts.
We will turn a vase from a log which is first turned long grain (spindle orientation) to put beads or cove decoration around the log. The log will then be repositioned to side grain orientation to shape the vase or bowl form. The bead/cove decoration now becomes a rim detail around the rim of the vase.
Natural Edge Wing Bowl from a Half log or crotch section
I will be turning a thin natural edge wing bowl from a green log or crotch section. Design and layout considerations regarding limb orientation, crotch figure etc. The basics of bevel-supported cuts along with two of the most important fundamentals of turning – sharp tools and good tool control will be emphasized. Turning thin allows the wood to warp and move which influences the final piece and helps avoid cracking. I will explain using and sharpening Negative Rake scrapers their benefits and how safe they are to use. Sanding wet wood both on and off of the lathe along with different finishing techniques will also be covered.
Square to round Bowls, Vases and Hollow Forms
I will explain and demonstrate the process I use to create a bowl or vase, which is square on top and tapers to round at the bottom. Starting with a square or rectangular blank that has been prepared on a bandsaw to taper the sides, the remaining exterior corners will be turned leaving the four tapered sides previously cut on the band saw. Then the interior of the bowl or vase will be turned into the square top. The basics of bevel-supported cuts along with two of the most important fundamentals of turning – sharp tools and good tool control will be emphasized.
