Last Updated on December 21, 2023 by Charles Wilson
Woodturning is a versatile craft that allows you to create a wide range of items, from functional pieces to decorative art. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are 35 unique woodturning projects that you can try, plus a great video tutorial I’ve found to go along with it!
Of course for any of these projects, a wood lathe is mandatory! If you’re looking for the best lathe, or a great beginner-friendly wood lathe, I’ve written a couple posts to help you with that.
1. Bowls
Bowls are a classic woodturning project that allows you to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and finishes. They’re not only functional but can also serve as beautiful pieces of home decor. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodturner, creating a bowl offers a satisfying challenge. Here’s a fantastic tutorial that will guide you through the process of turning a simple cherry bowl:
2. Vases
Creating a wooden vase is a wonderful way to showcase the natural beauty of wood. The process of turning a vase allows you to explore various design possibilities, from traditional shapes to more modern and abstract forms. Plus, a handcrafted vase makes a great gift! Check out this video to learn how to turn a big vase:
3. Pens
Handcrafted pens are not only functional but also make great gifts. This project is perfect for beginners as it requires a small amount of wood and can be completed in a short amount of time. Plus, the possibilities for customization are endless! Here’s a tutorial that will guide you through the process of turning a pen:
4. Candle Holders
Turning a set of candle holders is a great way to add a rustic touch to your home decor. This project allows you to experiment with different designs and finishes, making each candle holder unique. Plus, they make great gifts! Here’s a tutorial on how to make tea light candle holders:
5. Wine Stoppers
Wine stoppers are a practical and fun project that’s perfect for wine lovers. They’re a great way to showcase beautiful pieces of wood and make excellent gifts. Plus, they’re a great project for beginners as they’re small and relatively quick to make. Here’s a tutorial on how to turn a bottle stopper:
6. Salt and Pepper Mills
Functional and beautiful, salt and pepper mills are great additions to any kitchen. They allow you to adjust the coarseness of your salt and pepper, enhancing your culinary experience. Here’s a tutorial that will guide you through the process of turning a Crushgrind Mill:
7. Platters
Turning a large platter is a rewarding project that’s both practical and beautiful. It’s perfect for serving food at gatherings or as a centerpiece in your dining room. Here’s a real-time tutorial on how to make a shallow wooden plate:
8. Lamp Bases
Creating a unique, handcrafted lamp base can add a personal touch to your home decor. This project allows you to experiment with different shapes and designs. Here’s a tutorial on how to woodturn a table lamp for your home:
9. Picture Frames
A wooden picture frame adds a warm touch to any photo. This project allows you to create a custom frame that complements your picture perfectly. Here’s a tutorial on woodturning a batch of picture frames:
10. Goblets
Try your hand at turning a set of wooden goblets. This project is a bit more advanced, but the result is a beautiful set of goblets that are sure to impress. Here’s a beginner’s guide on turning a simple goblet:
11. Birdhouses
A fun project that’s great for nature lovers. Turning a birdhouse allows you to create a unique home for your feathered friends. Here’s a tutorial on making a birdhouse on the lathe:
12. Jewelry Boxes
Create a beautiful, personalized box for storing jewelry. This project allows you to create a custom box that’s perfect for keeping your jewelry safe and organized. Here’s a tutorial on turning a jewellery box:
13. Ornaments
Turn unique ornaments for your Christmas tree. This project allows you to create custom ornaments that add a personal touch to your holiday decor. Here’s a tutorial on how to make Christmas ornaments on the wood lathe:
14. Bookmarks
A simple project that’s perfect for bookworms. Turning a bookmark allows you to create a custom bookmark that’s both functional and beautiful. Here’s a video on the making of wood bookmarks:
15. Coasters
Functional and customizable, coasters are a great project for beginners. They protect your surfaces from drink rings and can be customized to match your decor. Here’s a tutorial on woodturning coasters with carbide tools:
16. Doorstops
A practical item that can also serve as a decorative piece. Turning a doorstop allows you to create a custom piece that’s both functional and matches your decor. Here’s a tutorial on turning an acorn door stop:
17. Paperweights
Turn a unique paperweight for your desk. This project allows you to create a custom paperweight that’s both functional and beautiful. Here’s a tutorial on how to turn a paperweight:
18. Letter Openers
A practical item that’s also a great gift idea. Turning a letter opener allows you to create a custom piece that’s both functional and beautiful. Here’s a tutorial on making walnut wood letter openers:
19. Honey Dippers
A sweet project that’s perfect for tea and honey lovers. Turning a honey dipper allows you to create a custom piece that’s both functional and beautiful. Here’s a tutorial on how to make a honey dipper in 15 minutes:
20. Garden Dibbers
Garden dibbers are useful tools for gardeners, helping to plant seeds at the correct depth. Turning your own garden dibber can be a satisfying project, and it makes a great gift for the gardeners in your life. Here’s a tutorial on how to woodturn a garden dibber:
21. Fruit
Turning realistic or abstract wooden fruit can result in a unique centerpiece for your table. This project allows you to experiment with different shapes and finishes, and it’s a great way to practice your turning skills. Here’s a tutorial on making wooden fruit:
22. Mushrooms
Wooden mushrooms can be used as decorative pieces or fun toys for children. This project is a great way to use up small pieces of wood, and it’s a fun project for woodturners of all skill levels. Here’s a tutorial on how to woodturn a mushroom in 10 minutes:
23. Knitting Needles
Turning your own knitting needles is a great project for the knitters in your life. This project allows you to customize the size and shape of the needles, and it’s a great way to practice your turning skills. Here’s a tutorial on how to turn a pair of wooden knitting needles:
24. Chess Pieces
Turning a full set of chess pieces is a challenging project that can result in a beautiful, custom chess set. This project requires precision and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Here’s a tutorial on how to make luxury standard chess pieces:
25. Bottle Openers
Turning a bottle opener handle is a practical project that also makes a great gift. This project allows you to customize the handle to fit comfortably in your hand, and it’s a great way to practice your turning skills. Here’s a tutorial on how to turn a bottle opener handle:
26. Keychains
Turning a keychain is a small, simple project that’s perfect for beginners. This project allows you to experiment with different shapes and finishes, and it’s a great way to practice your turning skills. Here’s a tutorial on how to make DIY scrap wood keychains:
27. Earrings
Turning a pair of wooden earrings is a fun project that allows you to create unique, custom jewelry. This project requires precision and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Here’s a tutorial on how to make bowl earrings:
28. Pendants
Turning a wooden pendant for a necklace is a great project for creating unique, custom jewelry. This project allows you to experiment with different shapes and finishes, and it’s a great way to practice your turning skills. Here’s a tutorial on how to turn a pendant:
29. Bracelets
Turning a wooden bracelet is a challenging project that can result in a beautiful, custom piece of jewelry. This project requires precision and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Here’s a tutorial on turning a bracelet:
30. Rings
Turning a unique wooden ring is a fun project that allows you to create a custompiece of jewelry. This project requires precision and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Here’s a tutorial on how to turn a comfort ring core:
31. Serving Spoons
Turning a wooden serving spoon is a practical project that also makes a great gift. This project allows you to customize the size and shape of the spoon, and it’s a great way to practice your turning skills. Here’s a tutorial on turning a spoon and spatula:
32. Cutting Boards
While not entirely turned on a lathe, creating a wooden cutting board is a great woodworking project that’s both practical and beautiful. It’s perfect for serving food at gatherings or as a centerpiece in your kitchen. Here’s a tutorial on making a cutting board for beginners:
33. Tool Handles
Creating your own tool handles can be a satisfying project, and it allows you to customize your tools to fit comfortably in your hand. Here’s a tutorial on how to make your own woodturning tool handle:
34. Drawer Pulls
Turning your own drawer pulls is a great way to add a personal touch to your furniture. This project allows you to customize the size and shape of the pulls, and it’s a great way to practice your turning skills. Here’s a tutorial on hand woodturning drawer knobs:
35. Fishing Lures
Turning your own fishing lures is a unique project that’s perfect for the fishing enthusiasts in your life. This project allows you to customize the size and shape of the lures, and it’s a great way to practice your turning skills. Here’s a tutorial on turning fishing lures:
That completes the list of 35 woodturning projects. Each of these projects offers a unique challenge and the opportunity to create something beautiful and functional. Happy turning!