Turned Back Timber was setup to promote Woodturning as both a hobby and a practical trade that has many uses beyond the traditional, while holding onto a way to appreciate the long line of makers that built up these skills over centuries.
A key focus is to utilise locally salvaged timber alongside recycled exotic hardwoods to minimize the impact of our trade on living forests.
We are aiming to put back more than we use by replanting trees to ensure that future generations have the opportunities to appreciate them as much as we do today.
Our Story
A trade facing a turning point
Woodturning has been an essential craft for thousands of years, however with the rise of automation and synthetic materials the trade is having to change with the times.
With the industrial revolution came many alternatives to handmade wooden products and while this presented new opportunities for the modern craftsman it has come at the cost of many practical skills relied on by the woodturners of the past.
Once again a shift is occurring as we are becoming more aware of the true costs of these modern materials, and we are instead choosing to return to natural products.
Through Turned Back Timber we offer natural and traditional alternatives to the mass-produced and single-use products presently available.
A focus on sustainability
Working with reclaimed and recycled timber helps make the most out of every tree.
Whether it be taking apart a damaged piece of furniture or salvaging a log that came down in a storm, recycling provides a chance to use rare and exotic timbers without harvesting living trees.
As the timber shortages worldwide are currently highlighting there is a growing demand for sustainable solutions.
Turned Back Timber offers a solution by pointing our attention to how we source and use timber.
Our hope is that collectively we can opt to support a more harmonious relationship with our forests.
Modern uses for Woodturning
From kids toys to cooking utensils we are always looking for opportunities to create handmade items that serve a purpose.
Repairing and restoring antiques alongside turning one-off replacement parts can help extend the lifespan of older pieces and bring them back into working order.
Building on & passing down old skills
By teaching woodturning we aim to help others explore this trade, whether as a hobby or something more.
There are many benefits beyond the obvious to be discovered while woodturning as it involves both the mind and body to create something new and unique, posing many creative and practical challenges to solve along the way.
Focusing on the fundamentals laid down over the years as a starting off point there are many different aspects of woodturning that can be explored from there.
turned back timber ethos —
Affordable
By using recycled timber & salvaging after storms we can keep costs down for both you and for our environment.
Thoughtful
With both functional and decorative works there is care and energy put into the design, often referencing natural ratios & base geometric shapes to create pleasing and balanced pieces.
Personal
Bringing you into the creative process through commissioned pieces and tutored works allows open communication and a personal feeling to the finished piece.
Sustainable
Lowering our impact on the world around us through multiple approaches such as purchasing second-hand tools over new, salvaging timber, and replanting new trees to replace those used.
Diverse
Turning a wide range of items and using many different species of timber both native and exotic.
Harmonious
Fostering harmonious relationships with those around us, we're always looking to co-operate and work with others.