Segmented woodturners who use the stack ring lamination technique, must precisely calculate the cutting angles used in the process. The rings, which will eventually be stacked and glued one atop the other, are cut as concentric circles from a flat piece of turning stock. In theory, any thickness and size of stock can be used. The method of cutting can vary, but the calculations involved are always the same.

You don’t need to be a mathematician to determine the correct angle — just some graph paper, a pen, and a ruler. A protractor comes in handy too. In this video segment, woodturner Mark Damron shows how to quickly and easily determine the correct angle for any project. You’ll learn how to balance ring thickness and board thickness with cutting angle options so that you can achieve your desired design. Don’t let the numbers scare you. I can assure you — Mark makes it easy. (6.5 Minute Video)

Open any book on segmented turning and you’re likely to see at least one chapter filled with numbers, angles, and formulas. But you don’t have to be a mathematician to calculate the angles, lengths, widths and depths of the building blocks that make up a segmented glue-up. Some simple multiplication or division is all that’s needed. In this clip, I’m pleased to present segmented woodturner, Don Leman, who demonstrates the easy way to figure out how to calculate the dimensions of each individual segment, no matter how complicated your project may be. It all comes down to some very simple rules. It’s easier than you think. (4.5 Minute Video)