Mullins Woodworks

14/08/2023

We Have Spots Open!

I have openings for the Beginner Bowl Turning II class this weekend, August 19 & 20 at our Cyrus location.

This 2 day class is an in-depth beginner class with tons of great information and hands-on learning.

You'll learn about wood bowl turning tools and equipment, how to sharpen turning tools, how to select bowl turning wood, how to process logs into bowl blanks and all the correct bowl turning techniques.

Using a bowl gouge is essential in this class, and you'll learn how to use it correctly. You will also learn how to sand and finish your wood bowl.

Don't Miss Out! Visit www.mullinswoodworks.com to learn more about this class or to book a spot.

29/05/2023

Happy Memorial Day!

14/05/2023

Happy Mother's Day! Treat mom to a special gift this year. Purchase a gift card, enjoy a bowl turning class with mom or gift her a unique one-of-a-kind bowl from Mullins Woodworks.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

12/05/2023

When it comes to safety, a general rule we follow in my classes is: turn the lathe off before adjusting the tool rest or banjo. This will ensure that you are aware of the placement of your hands and fingers. As you grow in your wood turning journey, you'll be able to determine your confidence level in your technique and decide weather to turn the lathe off or not. However, giving yourself an extra few seconds will best.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

11/05/2023

Needing a last minute gift for mom?

Purchase a gift card from https://www.mullinswoodworks.com and surprise mom with a unique experience!

Come join the fun!

08/05/2023

A bowl's base is key when it comes to design. Let's take a look into why a concave bottom is beneficial as opposed to a flat bottom.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

01/05/2023

Looking for something unique to add to your May Day basket? Head an over to https://www.mullinswoodworks.com to purchase a gift card or to learn more information on wood bowl turning.

Come join the fun!

24/04/2023

What is an inboard bowl scraper and what is it used for? It is a dedicated tool for scraping the bottom interior of a bowl. Read more about how and when to use it.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

16/04/2023

You're wondering if a lightweight lathe will work for bowl turning. The short answer is yes, but you'll most likely be disappointed by the performance. I recommend a lathe with a 1 HP motor for bowl turning, which will include most midi lathes. Take a look at this week's to learn more and my recommendations on midi lathes to consider.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

14/04/2023

Part 1 of this article was about understanding what the pith in a log is and why we need to remove it. If you haven’t already, go back and give it a read. Today, in part 2, I’ll discuss how to correctly process a log and remove the pith.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

12/04/2023

One of the first things you should do when selecting logs for bowl turning is looking at the end of the log and locate the pith. The location of the put and the quality of the wood surrounding it will determine how usable the log is. To better understand why this step is so important, let's take a closer look at what the pith actually is and what it haas to do with bowl turning.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

09/04/2023

Happy Easter! Christ has risen!

03/04/2023

If you’re going to process bowl blanks from log wood, you’ll need a chainsaw. Take a look at the pros and cons of gas vs. electric help you decide which one to get.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

01/04/2023

Happy April fools' Day!

There's no fooling that you'll have a good time and learn something new during a bowl turning class at Mullins Woodworks.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

29/03/2023

To continue our discussion on scrapes, let's talk about vertical scrapes. Tear-out from twisted, gnarled or other uncooperative wood grain can be tamed using this
technique.

Again, here are also some examples of photos of what a vertical scrape looks like.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

23/03/2023

I started Mullins Woodworks in 1985 as a side business to my construction career. It was a way to share my woodworking craft with more people and make extra money. I made furniture and home decor that sold locally. Later, I added a wood lathe, and soon after, became addicted to bowl turning.

My wife and I spent several summers attending art festivals and craft fairs in the region selling my work. While attending these venues over the years, many people would come to our booth and ask if I would ever consider teaching woodturning. At first I dismissed the idea, thinking I wouldn’t have the patience to be a teacher. But the seed was planted in my mind, and later I decided to give it a try.

To my own surprise, I discovered that I do have the patience and that I enjoy teaching very much. The rest, as they say, is history and brings us to today. I teach bowl turning at my shop in rural Cyrus, MN and at the Milan Village Arts School in Milan, MN. I also sell my work locally and around the world through my Etsy store.

20/03/2023

Sometimes, the most obvious safety aspects of wood turning can be overlooked. Take a look at some of my safety tips when it comes to operating a lathe.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

17/03/2023

Happy St. Patrick's Day! "May today be better than yesterday, but, not as good as tomorrow" - Irish Proverb

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

16/03/2023

In part 1 of this article I mentioned a few things to consider when thinking about bowl size, whether you're gifting your work or selling it. Here are some things I’ve learned over the years.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

15/03/2023

This week's will be a two part series that will focus on details to consider when determining your bowl size. Tonight's tip focuses on what questions you should ask yourself before you start turning your bowl(s).

Check back tomorrow for part 2.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

14/03/2023

Happy International Pi Day! I enjoy a good pumpkin or apple but won't turn down a French Silk pie! 😋

What's your favorite pie?

11/03/2023

Tonight we 'spring ahead' but don't let Daylight Savings hinder you from losing out on learning something new. Head to our website to see our upcoming class schedule.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

08/03/2023

A few weeks ago I gave an overview on scraping. Tonight we're going to delve into one of the two techniques used - horizontal scrapes. The horizontal scrape is used most often and works great to refine the outside of the bowl - removing small ridges and other tool marks left behind from shaping.

Take a look at some photos of examples of horizontal scrapes.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

02/03/2023

Often times during class I will hear the word 'mistake' but, I like to tell my students: “It’s not a mistake, it’s a design change opportunity.” The wood we work with isn't perfect and thus we may have to modify the shape or design that we had originally planned. Even as a professional, I have opportunities for design changes while I'm turning wood.

If a student is presented with an opportunity while in class, I like to work one-on-one to help them decide how to proceed. It's important for me to understand how they wanted the piece to turn out and what the next steps might be. I can share what has worked (or hasn't worked) and show examples of bowls.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

02/03/2023

Often times during class I will hear the word 'mistake' but I like to tell my students: “It’s not a mistake, it’s a design change opportunity.” The wood we work with isn't perfect and thus we may have to modify the shape or design that we had originally planned. Even as a professional, I have opportunities for design changes while I'm turning wood.

If a student is presented with an opportunity for design change while in class, I like to work one-on-one to help them decide how to proceed. It's important for me to understand how they wanted the piece to turn out and what the next steps might be. I can share what has worked (or hasn't worked) and show examples of different bowls.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

28/02/2023

Today is the last day to redeem a 10% discount on any future (Cyrus location) class booking for two people.

Enter code 'love' at checkout.

We're celebrating Valentine's Day early AND through the end of the month!

This year, skip the chocolate and flowers. Instead, give your valentine (or mom, dad, sister, cousin, best friend) a unique experience they won't forget. Book ANY upcoming class at our Cyrus location for two people and receive 10% off your total booking price, now through the end of the month!

Enter code 'love' at checkout.

Please note that this offer cannot be used on the purchase of a gift card.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

27/02/2023

I frequently get asked 'Can I use my spindle turning tools for bowl turning?' The short answer: only some of them. Below is a list of spindle turning tools and how they can (or cannot) be used for bowl turning.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

24/02/2023

What might seem like a simple, straightforward task the biggest challenge for me is getting a consistent supply of good logs in varied species. Are you or someone you know cutting down trees, have down trees in your yard from the storm earlier in the year? Message me, if so!

Typically, I work with walnut, maple, boxelder and hackberry.

21/02/2023

Let's talk about where to get log wood for turning. Here are some helpful places and people to consider when looking for wood.

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!

18/02/2023

As an instructor, it's very rewarding to have positive feedback on the classes taught. But, don't take my word for it - come see for yourself! Visit our website to find next available classes!

For information on wood bowl turning or about our classes, visit: https://www.mullinswoodworks.com

Come join the fun!