tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60892045347178218412024-09-26T14:57:20.898-07:00Woodworking blog with a focus on discussing and teaching wood turning techniques. Exotic hardwoods are the main focus.Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-20734950283762005962011-06-19T18:35:00.000-07:002011-06-19T18:55:12.131-07:00

The seasons are changing again and maybe it's time to think about changes in the wood shop.As artists and crafts people, we walk a fine line between doing what we love and creating a product that people want. Also, in this business particularly, exotic wood supplies dictate what we can or cannot build. We need to think outside the box.What was it that drew us into the world of woodworking?

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-11311454410425364632010-12-01T17:33:00.000-08:002010-12-01T18:04:10.193-08:00

The holiday season means being busy. Luckily we left our woodshops clean over the long vacation and all the machines are lubricated and ready to go. If you're having trouble getting motivated, start with some of these tips. First hook up with your friends, teachers or agents. These are the folks that have inspired you in the past. They will have ideas and information for you. Next, you will

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-28128833319964071462010-09-26T13:59:00.000-07:002010-09-26T14:10:15.232-07:00

For some of us, Autumn means the end of the Art Festival Season. Now is the time to follow a few maintenance and organizational proceedures.In the Shop: Unplug machines to save energy. Sharpen and oil all blades that require it. Blow out the dust from inside all the machines and hand held power tools. Sweep or wipe all the surfaces including windows and light fixtures. In the Office: Follow

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-25457832294410191182010-06-03T08:34:00.000-07:002010-06-03T08:47:03.685-07:00

With an art festival coming in September, I figured it was time to leave all the gardening behind and get back in the shop. Ive been concentrating on having a varied selection of colorful woods. Next time you see me there will be all the colors of the rainbow accounted for in my booth. Oldest graduated college last week, youngest graduated high school this week. So I can concentrate on working

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-61234814813210857862010-04-21T20:02:00.000-07:002010-04-21T20:56:54.676-07:00

I started looking into art festivals in the 1990s. I found many books and magazines that rate art festivals using different descriptions and criteria needed to make a decision on whether or not to apply.I decided to apply to shows in my area that had a good reputation but also some fringe benefits such as musical entertainment, and great food. I was also sure to find events that showcased

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-44317737925444657492010-02-26T07:50:00.000-08:002010-02-26T08:26:11.073-08:00

The weather has been gloomy lately. Too muddy to work on the landscaping and so I decided to go shopping for wood. I started in Berkeley thinking I could also grab lunch at one of my favorite jaunts right across the street fro Mac Beath. After an uneventful drive I found a whole lot of nothing there. There was one beautiful piece of wenge. The problem was that I drove the truck that day and

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-11324000893688620992010-02-11T18:56:00.000-08:002010-02-11T19:28:58.197-08:00

I have received some great questions on my web-site lately. So let's address some of them.Q: How do you get glue joints so tight?A: Sharp saw blades are a must. I also check the fit of each joint before gluing them up. If something seems off, use a sander (any standing sander) to work out any gaps.Q: What kind of glue do you use?A: I use Titebond II. Plenty of working time before drying.

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-56935004484925340382010-02-02T14:47:00.000-08:002010-02-02T15:23:43.584-08:00

Every woodwooker has their favorite finishes. Today I will discuss my most recent techniques. I think it is a good idea to have at least 2 levels of glossiness in my inventory. Lately, collectors seem to like a natural low-gloss finish. But there are always some clients who want something very shiny or a finish with extra UV protection. I prefer using finishes that are non-toxic (such as

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-18719161692689884842010-01-20T15:40:00.000-08:002010-02-01T15:33:11.134-08:00

Today I will discuss some of my favorite and least favorite woods.Let's start with the infamous Cocobolo.Cocobolo is a beautiful wood from Africa. It is often streaked with an amazing array of colors ranging from black to white and many colors in between. Even hints of blue have been seen in the grain, which ranges from wide to narrow grain. I have a few reservations about this important wood

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089204534717821841.post-8724222621926433392010-01-12T14:54:00.000-08:002010-01-12T15:34:40.835-08:00

My name is Robert Gauthier and I am pleased to announce the launch of my Exotic Woodworking Blog. I have developed some interesting techniques over the years that I will share with all of you. My current work is a collection of segmented vessels made of the most beautiful hardwoods in the world. Using a large Canadian lathe from the Oneway Co. I am able to make vases as long as 6ft.,

Robert Gauthierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17545539431951219795noreply@blogger.com0