Woodturning - Finials - A Basic Introduction #1

A video showing MY method of producing a basic finial.
John Heisz - I Build It.CA:
Cindy Drozda:
Guitar by Michael Berk:

[JohnHeisz]

Looking sharp, Mike! Thanks for the support and the kind words, it means a lot to me :)
Great rundown on the fine turning, too.

[naorshachar]

thanks mike for passing your knowledge to all of us.
you are a great teacher and everyone seems to appreciate it.
all the best
shachar

[jean-marclabonte]

I have always been a bit leery of making very small finials. I see now that it requires the proper technique and the proper tools to get excellent results. I think I can tackle these small finials, after seeing your post. Thank you for demonstrating this method.

[donaustin]

Well you made that look easy. You are a talented gentleman and good teacher too. If it wasn't for you turners on You tube the industry wouldn't be where it is today, this is a good thing. Thank You very much for all your videos and effort it takes to produce these gems for us out here in Video Land. The music is excellent too! From Texas to England? have great day.

[merlinbuddy]

First class video, Beautiful result, very well filmed.

[walshjp]

Well done, Mike.  Simple design for a basic tutorial.  Brilliant!

[billhaniszew]

only have a cheap craftsman lathe but I have turned small bowls, boxes and even a goblet. love learning from you.
Haven't watched so little TV in years, can't keep away from the lathe.

[blackhorse]

Thank you for this demonstration, I have finished an Urn and wanting to add a finial..

[paulweis]

As always, very instructive Mike!. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers.
Paul

[andyrowley]

very informative never done one before i will have a go we moveing house on saturday thats open plan so i can get round in my wheelchair so the lathe all packed away also thes new house comes with a brand new 8x10 work shop so will be lovely for my turning keep up the good work i get alot out of your channel thanks mike

[colinchalmers]

Good job as always Mike,
cheers Colin.

[theElderberryFarmer]

Another gem of a video, Mike. Thanks very much for that!

[mikefricker]

Hi Mike
Capt Eddie's idea of grinding an old spanner down to cut tenons works really well. I tried it with a 10 mm spanner in conjunction with a 10 mm forstner and it makes for a fantastic fit. A very satisfying plop when pulling apart! I think a brilliant idea for finials. Thanks for all the vids. Mike

[martinboyle]

Hi Mike,
Another good video as always. I recently turned a few finials for a box I was making. I used the skew for any I have turned so far. Looks like the small spindle gouge might be easier for defining details on the finial.
Thanks for sharing.

Martin.

[kevinnewman]

Another great video Mike, make it look so easy. Can't wait to get started.

[wildwoodturns]

Nice video Mike.  I have not tried any finials yet, but this basic tutorial has given me a good place to start if I do.  I look forward to part 2.  Thanks for taking the time to share this!

[CarlJacobson]

Great job as always Mike, I can't believe you got that soft wood so thin.
Take care,
Carl

[stephenmcfadyen]

Mike as usual a very practical video, I have shied away from finials as I am afraid of mucking up a good piece. Your idea of practicing on a bit of scrap is a good one, someone once told me the three words to becoming a master turner, practice, practice, practice. I think you are there.

[baconsoda]

That's very good Mike.  The turning club Alan and I go to has access to lots of pallet wood which we use to make Christmas trees, ducks, snowmen etc for the childrens' hospital.  The wood is crap but it makes you work hard to get a good finish from the tool and you demonstrated that it is possible to do so.  And, as you said, mistakes mean only that you learned something with no financial or stock loss.
Nice t-shirt, it's just a pity you will never look as elegant and sophisticated as me.
Best Wishes, Brendan.

[RJBWoodTurner]

Wonderful video Mike,
  Great suggestion for using packing crate timber as practice wood. I've only turned a few finials but with the recent purchase of a larger lathe, I hope to turn some bigger projects and some finials to finish them off.

Regards,
Bob