Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Turner’s Journey, Martin takes us through a packed week in the workshop. From shaping and finishing balloon projects for the book, to teaching beginners and reflecting on progress, this update is full of hands-on woodturning, community energy, and honest behind-the-scenes insights.
Buy the Woodturning Form and Formula Book:
Signed Copies: msabansmith.com
Your Local Amazon Store (from 24th October '25):
Softback: Search for ASIN 1068358106
Hardback: Search for ASIN 1068358114
⏱️ Key Moments
00:00 – Opening music
00:12 – Returning to the lathe after a club meeting
00:18 – Turning the balloon-shaped “Object D” for the book
00:25 – Photographing for instructions and reflecting on the process
00:36 – Workshop atmosphere: Jonathan on a lampstand, Les sorting tools with the work experience student
01:01 – Showing the finished balloon shape: hollowed, colored, and with a sycamore body and leadwood accents
01:38 – Preparing photos for the book and applying satin lacquer
01:56 – Wednesday progress: new book piece completed and instructions drafted
02:20 – Lots of lacquer and polish – sycamore body with leadwood top and base
02:33 – Workshop tidy-up and prep for upcoming October rearrangements
03:10 – Getting ready for a two-day beginners’ class
03:30 – Thursday: five students learning the basics of woodturning at a steady, unrushed pace
04:10 – Midday reflections and prep for the afternoon session
05:02 – Friday wrap-up: successful class with lots of laughs and great results
05:24 – Prepping for the one-day experience class and more weekend projects
05:36 – Re-doing a book project due to a photography issue
05:46 – Planning for bank holiday Monday: admin and more turning
05:55 – Heading home with a smile after a fantastic week
06:18 – Saturday morning: preparing for another one-day experience class and considering improvements
This episode highlights the balance of creating, teaching, and documenting that fuels the Turner’s Journey. You’ll see Martin’s balloon-shaped project come together, students building their first woodturning skills, and the workshop buzzing with collaboration.
Stay tuned for more progress on the book, behind-the-scenes workshop life, and inspiration for your own creative journey.
📍 Workshop Location: Four Marks, Hampshire (next to South Downs National Park)
🔔 Subscribe for weekly woodturning content
👍 Like if this helped your turning journey
My Social Links:
Facebook:
📍Me: facebook.com/msabansmith
📍Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool
📍Club: facebook.com/woodturning360
Instagram:
📍Me: instagram.com/msabansmith
📍School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool
#Woodturning #WoodLathe #Woodworker #Hampshire #ProfessionalTurner
The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015-2025. All rights reserved.
In this episode of Turner’s Journey, Martin takes us through a packed week in the workshop. From shaping and finishing balloon projects for the book, to teaching beginners and reflecting on progress, this update is full of hands-on woodturning, community energy, and honest behind-the-scenes insights.
Buy the Woodturning Form and Formula Book:
Signed Copies: msabansmith.com
Your Local Amazon Store (from 24th October '25):
Softback: Search for ASIN 1068358106
Hardback: Search for ASIN 1068358114
⏱️ Key Moments
00:00 – Opening music
00:12 – Returning to the lathe after a club meeting
00:18 – Turning the balloon-shaped “Object D” for the book
00:25 – Photographing for instructions and reflecting on the process
00:36 – Workshop atmosphere: Jonathan on a lampstand, Les sorting tools with the work experience student
01:01 – Showing the finished balloon shape: hollowed, colored, and with a sycamore body and leadwood accents
01:38 – Preparing photos for the book and applying satin lacquer
01:56 – Wednesday progress: new book piece completed and instructions drafted
02:20 – Lots of lacquer and polish – sycamore body with leadwood top and base
02:33 – Workshop tidy-up and prep for upcoming October rearrangements
03:10 – Getting ready for a two-day beginners’ class
03:30 – Thursday: five students learning the basics of woodturning at a steady, unrushed pace
04:10 – Midday reflections and prep for the afternoon session
05:02 – Friday wrap-up: successful class with lots of laughs and great results
05:24 – Prepping for the one-day experience class and more weekend projects
05:36 – Re-doing a book project due to a photography issue
05:46 – Planning for bank holiday Monday: admin and more turning
05:55 – Heading home with a smile after a fantastic week
06:18 – Saturday morning: preparing for another one-day experience class and considering improvements
This episode highlights the balance of creating, teaching, and documenting that fuels the Turner’s Journey. You’ll see Martin’s balloon-shaped project come together, students building their first woodturning skills, and the workshop buzzing with collaboration.
Stay tuned for more progress on the book, behind-the-scenes workshop life, and inspiration for your own creative journey.
📍 Workshop Location: Four Marks, Hampshire (next to South Downs National Park)
🔔 Subscribe for weekly woodturning content
👍 Like if this helped your turning journey
My Social Links:
Facebook:
📍Me: facebook.com/msabansmith
📍Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool
📍Club: facebook.com/woodturning360
Instagram:
📍Me: instagram.com/msabansmith
📍School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool
#Woodturning #WoodLathe #Woodworker #Hampshire #ProfessionalTurner
The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015-2025. All rights reserved.
