John is a woodturner who mainly makes pieces which are mostly functional and sometimes artistic. He works with locally sourced timber that he drys himself, making bowls and platters, lidded boxes, candle holders, table lamps, salt and pepper mills.
John first started woodturning in the mid eighties, but only began woodturning seriously when he retired four years ago. John is a member of The Makers House in Wexford and since joining he describes himself as a semi professional turner.
What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?
I wouldn’t have a typical day as such because of the nature of my work. There are many different aspects to what I do. My process involves sourcing timber, sorting and cutting it with a chainsaw, roughing it out on the lathe, drying it, finish turning a piece and applying a finish. So on any given day I could be doing any one or any combination of those tasks, depending on demand at the time.
Every piece of wood is different and you never know what colour or grain pattern you will find.
John Sinnott
Woodturner
What do you like most about your work?
I think the most enjoyable thing about woodturning is putting a raw piece of wood on the lathe, cutting into it and discovering what lies beneath the bark. Every piece of wood is different and you never know what colour or grain pattern you will find.
What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?
Do a few courses with an experienced woodturner and learn good habits and practices from the start.
