Ornamental Turning Center - Ornamental Turning

Ornamental turning (OT) is the centuries-old practice of decorating lathe-turned objects with complex patterns. The surface patterns that ornamental turning equipment is capable of producing are reminiscent of the patterns produced by the popular Spirograph toy (sold in the U.S.). OT differs from plain turning (the kind most people think of when they hear about lathe turning) in that the form and decoration of the turned material does not necessarily need to have a round cross-section. It is in some ways a form of carving with your lathe. OT requires a special, most advanced type of lathe, or special accessories for a plain lathe, to produce the repetitive patterns for which it is known. Ornamental lathes have been around since about 1600 AD. The history of ornamental turning is explored more fully in the History section.

OT depends more on mechanical ingenuity, mathematics, foresight and planning, and patience than does most plain turning. Ornamental turning results in sometimes quite stunning work, as shown in the Examples of Work section. On the other hand, not all ornamentally turned work is extreme in its ornamentation. Simpler patterns can add a lot to a piece, be relatively easy to achieve, and not take too long.

This web site is devoted to the wider dissemination of OT knowledge. Besides the categories of information already mentioned, you can find information about upcoming OT events, OT organizations worldwide (whose members maintain the greatest continuing body of OT knowledge), descriptions of the more common OT equipment, OT books and information resources for further exploration, and discussions of various materials in which to work your OT magic. In addition, for the more practical, an online want ad service for the sale and exchange of OT equipment and materials, and a question service with which you can ask questions about OT or inquire about the pedigree (history) of specific OT lathes. Click one of the OT Section navigation buttons to immerse yourself further in this fascinating world - but beware, for this is an addicting (and often expensive) pursuit!

I'd like to acknowledge the source for some of my pictures. They mostly came from the John Henry Evans book Ornamental Turning, but some came from the Holtzapffel volumes and others from T.D. Walshaw's book and Ted Crom's book Horological and Other Shop Tools 1700-1900.


Home What's New Want Ads Articles Search This Site Send Feedback OT AAW-Seattle OTI SOT CD Other Sites About This Site Site Map OT Section History SOT Bulletin Equipment Organizations Work Events Exchange Materials Bibliography Questions?	Ornamental Turning Ornamental turning (OT) is the centuries-old practice of decorating lathe-turned objects with complex patterns. The surface patterns that ornamental turning equipment is capable of producing are reminiscent of the patterns produced by the popular Spirograph toy (sold in the U.S.). OT differs from plain turning (the kind most people think of when they hear about lathe turning) in that the form and decoration of the turned material does not necessarily need to have a round cross-section. It is in some ways a form of carving with your lathe. OT requires a special, most advanced type of lathe, or special accessories for a plain lathe, to produce the repetitive patterns for which it is known. Ornamental lathes have been around since about 1600 AD. The history of ornamental turning is explored more fully in the History section. OT depends more on mechanical ingenuity, mathematics, foresight and planning, and patience than does most plain turning. Ornamental turning results in sometimes quite stunning work, as shown in the Examples of Work section. On the other hand, not all ornamentally turned work is extreme in its ornamentation. Simpler patterns can add a lot to a piece, be relatively easy to achieve, and not take too long. This web site is devoted to the wider dissemination of OT knowledge. Besides the categories of information already mentioned, you can find information about upcoming OT events, OT organizations worldwide (whose members maintain the greatest continuing body of OT knowledge), descriptions of the more common OT equipment, OT books and information resources for further exploration, and discussions of various materials in which to work your OT magic. In addition, for the more practical, an online want ad service for the sale and exchange of OT equipment and materials, and a question service with which you can ask questions about OT or inquire about the pedigree (history) of specific OT lathes. Click one of the OT Section navigation buttons to immerse yourself further in this fascinating world - but beware, for this is an addicting (and often expensive) pursuit! I'd like to acknowledge the source for some of my pictures. They mostly came from the John Henry Evans book Ornamental Turning, but some came from the Holtzapffel volumes and others from T.D. Walshaw's book and Ted Crom's book Horological and Other Shop Tools 1700-1900.
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