Dave Stovell – Demonstrating Green Woodworking.

Picture of Dave Stovell holding a Shrink Pot, garish pink lathe in the background
Credit C Griggs

We had the pleasure of a visit from Dave Stovell of https://www.stovelldesign.co.uk/ demonstrating some green woodturning, specifically how to create shrink pots.

Picture of shrink pots in progress
Credit C Griggs

Shrink pots are created by turning a small green log (section of branch) to remove some or all of the bark and then hollowing it out using incannel chisels and then using a small scorp cutting a groove at the base into which a seasoned disk of timber is inserted.

The reason for using green timber is that as the timber dries it then shrinks around the disc forming a tight seal. A lot of skill is needed to ensure both parts are just the right size to ensure a tight fit without splitting the wood.

Pic of three shrink pots
Credit D Stovell

The evening was enjoyed by all present and there were a lot of comments from people who were going to try it although they drew the line at painting their lathes pink (Dave did say that wasn’t essential)

I would recommend having a look at Dave’s website (click on any image)

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