What is the meaning of the furniture term Turning?

Answer:
Turning is a technique used in woodworking that has been around for centuries. It involves using cutting tools to shape and smooth the surface of a rotating piece of wood. This process can be done by hand or with the help of a lathe machine.

The basic principle of turning is to secure a piece of wood between two points, allowing it to rotate freely. The wood is then carefully carved using various cutting tools such as gouges, chisels, and skew chisels. As the wood spins, the craftsman applies these tools to shape and refine the object being turned.

One of the main advantages of turning is its versatility. It can be used to create a wide range of wooden objects, from simple cylindrical shapes like table legs and bowls to more complex forms like decorative vases and spindles. Additionally, turning allows for intricate and delicate detailing, making it a favored technique for creating ornamental pieces.

Turning requires skill and precision, as the craftsman must carefully control the cutting tools while the wood is spinning. It also demands a deep understanding of the woods characteristics, as different types of wood have varying textures, grains, and hardness levels, which affect the turning process.

Despite its ancient roots, turning is still widely practiced today and has evolved with advancements in tools and technology. Modern lathes and cutting tools have made the process faster and more efficient, but the essence of turning remains the same—working with the rotating surface of the wood to create beautiful and functional objects.

Turning is one of the most ancient woodworking processes, done by application of cutting tools to the rotating surface.
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