Some segmented turners use a technique called stack ring lamination to “extrude” larger wood turning blanks from pieces of flat wood stock. Cutting the precisely angled rings that make up this glued-up stack is part of the process. There are many ways to cut rings, but up-and-coming artisan woodturner, Mark Damron, has created his own custom tool designed to accurately and repeatably cut large rings at the correct angle and wall thickness with control and ease. This tool is essential to Mark’s large-scale work.

Mark is a toolmaker by training, so creating custom tools comes naturally to him. His custom ring cutting tool is accurate, easy to handle, and safe when used correctly. In this video, Mark explains the basic design of this tool and how he does the set-up. He then shows how each ring is cut. Watching Mark in action is a great lesson in creative tool design and use. Be inspired to create your own custom tools for your work. (3 Minute Woodworking Video)

Woodturner and artisan, Mark Damron, explains how he uses CA (cyanoacrylate) glue to repair cracks, inclusions, voids, and knots during the turning process. CA glue is marketed under a variety of names including Krazy Glue and Super Glue. But don’t let this common household status convince you this glue isn’t for serious work. It is.

Mark explains how and when he turns to super-fast drying CA glue to solve problems before they become disasters. He uses CA to stabilize knots and loose bark and natural edges on his work. Mark specializes in lathe turning large and difficult pieces with lots of figure, exactly the kind of wood challenge that demands the use of CA. Mark’s technique includes the use of a CA aerosol spray accelerator, which minimizes drying time and down-time. (2 Minute Video)

Segmented turning projects are comprised of many, many small pieces cut to exacting angles. It’s all about precision, because each degree of error compounds into a much larger problem down the road that often cannot be fixed. The solution is to make sure that each cut is the exact, pre-calculated angle and length. Award winning segmented woodturner, Don Leman, demonstrates his tried and true method for getting perfect results every time. The secret is using the right equipment and technique. You’ll learn how the use of a micrometer and accurate miter gauge is essential to getting repeatable results again and again. Follow these steps and you can’t fail. (4 Minute Video)