Free Woodturning Videos Web Site - Help make it better

Jerry Hall · Jul 24, 2010

300 free videos now - A surprising milestone.
And 54 are new videos dated 1/17/2011 - 5/26/2011[/URL]

Hi All. There are a lot of good useful and free woodturning videos out there in internet land. (Also a lot of less than good ones.) A while back I started to make a list of the ones I liked, and that were useful for mentoring. Then I played with setting up a web site to list and organize them at:
http://woodturningvideos.weebly.com/

Take a look. Let me know what you think, and if this is worth pursuing. I haven't done much with it since January, but decided to spend some more time on it, and maybe get your help.

Maybe this thread can be used to nominate and discuss videos I have missed and that pop up in the future. And based on the comments here I will add them to the site.

Some AAW owned videos are available by sign-on on the http://www.woodworkingchannel.com
I hope they too, and other AAW owned videos, can be made available on the AAW site for members some day, as has been done for all past Journal issues.

The AAW site also has a few videos, mostly snippets here:
http://www.woodturner.org/resources/videos/

I have only included on my little web site videos that are free, and don't require a sign-on or account to view.

Thought this was worth a shot.

pfduffy · Jul 24, 2010

Good JOb!

Jerry, that is one fine effort and there is a ton of great info on those videos -- if people will take the time to watch carefully and learn. Thank you! Phil

Jake Debski · Jul 24, 2010

Thank you Jerry, I agree with Phil's comments.

John Torchick · Jul 24, 2010

Videos

Looks good! I need all the help I can get.

glenkey · Jul 24, 2010

I like it Jerry, already have saved to my favorites. Good job!

James E Gaydos · Jul 24, 2010

Hi Jerry,
This contains some very useful information, excellent job.
I remember when I started to learn to turn, there was no internet, and the local library had two books on turning, both very old and very technical.
This will be great stuff for the beginner, and all.
Jim

John Altberg · Jul 24, 2010

Thanks, Jerry

I think that this is a VERY worthwhile project. I really like how it is organized - very easy to navigate. Looking forward to greater participation and more content. Perhaps you could get the moderators to make this a sticky?

Jason Silva · Jul 24, 2010

Great site. Hope it fills up quickly. It would be nice to have a one stop shop for turning videos.

Thanks for the work you have done so far!

Gretch Flo · Jul 25, 2010

internet videos

Ditto what Jason said. Thanks a bunch

Gretch

Bill Weaver · Jul 25, 2010

Thanks Jerry I put it in my favorites section:cool2:

Mike Stephens · Jul 25, 2010

Way to go Jerry. Looks great keep up the good work.

Thanks,
Mike

Dennis Puskar · Jul 26, 2010

Great job putting this together lots of info for everybody.

Dennis

Jerry Hall · Aug 12, 2010

Here are a dozen more videos

Have added a bunch of videos to the Projects Page, also Techniques, Boxes and Beginning. So I thought I would bring this up again to the top of the forum.

Finding some useful, fun, and innovative stuff out there. Turning globs of paint gets the most creative award this time.

Give me your suggestions too! MustardMonster@gmail.com

see http://woodturningvideos.weebly.com/

New ones are dated 8/12/10. Finger Top with back hollowing and speaker cabinets are among my favorites. But rescuing wood from thrift stores is slick.

Joe Pack · Aug 15, 2010

Thanks!!

Thanks for the work. I really appreciate it.

Don Leydens · Aug 19, 2010

Excellent idea, Jerry. Some good stuff. I hope it grows and grows. I'm currently doing a video on simple coloring of some turned pieces. Maybe it can be added and help someone out?
Don L.

Bernie Weishapl · Aug 19, 2010

Thanks Jerry. Really going to be a go to site I can see already.

Jerry Hall · Oct 8, 2010

9 New Videos Added

We now have 61 total at http://woodturningvideos.weebly.com/ . Always looking for more. If you haven't seen Capneddie's techniques do so. You are in for a treat.

Mike Stephens · Oct 8, 2010

You are doing a fantastic job Jerry.

Keep it up.

Jerry Hall · Nov 22, 2010

206 Total Videos, New Segmented Videos

Over 80 new videos as of 11/22/10
New Segmented page with 26 entries of excellent quality.
We are now at 206 total videos.

http://woodturningvideos.weebly.com/

John Dixon · Nov 23, 2010

Awesome site! Thanks for your hard work.

John

Mike Stephens · Nov 24, 2010

Jerry I love your site. I visit regularly.

Again thank you. Your effort is very much appreciated.

:

Jerry Hall · Jan 18, 2011

44 New Videos Added

http://woodturningvideos.weebly.com/ 44 New videos dated 12/3/2010 - 1/17/2011. Lots of segmented, spin tops, and two very useful videos by Joe Larese on photographing your work (see Miscellany.)

Dave Pannell · Jan 19, 2011

hello jerry, i just wanted to provide you with a link to a video I made yesterday. It's my first video, and there's plenty of bad angles and me mumbling my way through it. But I'm documenting the process of using the lathe as a starting point for more creative ideas to emerge by leaving excess wood in places to be carved.

Here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7OZNmY-cgY

I also created a blog at http://artofwoodturning.blogspot.com/ if anyone wants to follow it.

These accounts are brand new so not much info up yet, but there will be. I'm busy turning every day, and will be posting new videos and blog entries weekly, of not every other day or so.

Thanks for your site, it's nice having everything together, finally!

Jerry Hall · May 28, 2011

300 free videos now - A surprising milestone

And 54 are new videos dated 1/17/2011 - 5/26/2011 at http://woodturningvideos.weebly.com/

For me at least, all 300 of these videos have something to commend them, even though each of our interests vary, and our opinions on turning methods may differ in details.

The efforts of our fellow turners to produce so many videos, and fully share their work and processes is truly amazing. It is also very impressive to me that there is steady improvement in the quality and diversity of these freely contributed videos. Speaking for myself, there is much inspiration and opportunity to grow as a turner by studying these videos.

Please email me any comments or concerns on the videos posted on the site that you feel should be highlighted for others. And of course nominations for new videos are most welcome.

And to you authors, keep those videos coming. It works best if they can be played on demand, without long downloads. Large video files can be broken up and uploaded in YouTube segments and joined as a "playlist" as Bob Hamilton has done for many of his demos.

Jerry

odie · May 28, 2011

Howdy Jerry.......We really do need a site that discriminates between usable information, and complete wannabe creations.

I've seen a few videos that make me laugh.....and some that make me cringe!

The problem, as I see it, is some of the bad information gets out there, and those who are just beginning to turn, and "cutting their teeth", can't really tell the difference between the good and the bad information.

Just hope that someone doesn't get hurt........but, I'm also sure that very thing has happened.......

ooc

Leo Pedersen · May 28, 2011

Jerry, I thank you very much for adding all of those. I just finished my first 20 minute viewing of natural edge bowl. I learn something new every day and hope to continue .
Thanks again.
Leo in AZ.

Jerry Hall · May 28, 2011

Odie, How to evaluate videos (Long, sorry)

Odie,

You have made a very good point. In fact it has been a main point of concern for me in listing a bunch of videos with perhaps implied recommendation to some degree. I definitely do not think the list should emphasize quantity over quality. But what is quality? There are a few angles on that.

I watch every video that is listed. I don't list the majority of ones I see. There are just way to many very poor ones. (That doesn't mean I have found every good one either.) Many that are listed have practices I would not be comfortable with, and are not done by a master turner for sure. But they often have the germ of an idea, or exploration of an alternative that is of some value to me, and I hope to others. Sort of a "some redeeming turning value" standard I guess that makes me want to list them.

I had hoped that this forum, and thread could be a place where comments could be made, as you have started. And encouragement provided to the turners who make the videos to make improvements and keep the videos coming. I do see improvement in the quality over time. Bob Hamilton's pieces IMHO while long, are exemplary, thoughtful, and very helpful for example.

I note that we have all been to club demos (and symposia I dare say) where the practices demonstrated have been all over the place. So I see these videos somewhat in that light.

Many of the videoed projects are of interesting concept when someone is looking for inspiration for something new to turn, but I would surely not do some of them the way they are demonstrated, even if I liked the idea.

So what to do? I am most open to ideas and improvements. Direct comments will not hurt my feelings in the least. But so far, by myself alone, I choose not to set myself up as a judge to filter out everything that is not to an overall near professional standard. I am concerned about not presenting a video that has some significant redeeming value. We would not want to dishearten a contributer who has provided something of potential value.

I just don't know, so I decided to include ones that to me at least had elements that were of some interest. And leave it to the viewer to pick what was of value, and their mentors to improve the process.

I tried to use the rating system to point out the better ones, but I admit that is imperfect and inaccurate. I would surely be willing to add more short comments from different points of view(constructive) to be added to videos. I would appreciate frank feedback on videos that should be dropped as having little or no value or comments and ratings that should be modified. Anyone can email me directly on this and I will respond.

Odie, as I said, you have raised the right issue. I would look forward to practical ideas on how to improve what at best is a subjective process. In the end though we must form our own opinion on what information is of value, good or bad. I suspect there is no one standard that could be used as a filter. Maybe X rated? PG? Buyer Beware? I just don't know. The beginner video page should be of the highest standard, so turners see best practices modeled. The other pages I suspect should be a little more open ended.

More thoughts? I would love to have some help on this. At one time the AAW got started on a committee to "Vet" such videos, but it died out, partly over the concern you raised I suspect. I decided that something is better than nothing, and that a little bit of filtering and highlighting of all the YouTube videos was of value. But it surely could be improved with more time and effort.

A virtual committee from this forum to screen these would possibly be a good thing. But who and how? I have no feelings of ownership of the site and would gladly share (or give up) the responsibility. I just think something should be put out there.

To much rambling.....Thanks again, Jerry

odie · May 28, 2011

jerhall said:
Odie,

You have made a very good point. In fact it has been a main point of concern for me in listing a bunch of videos with perhaps implied recommendation to some degree. I definitely do not think the list should emphasize quantity over quality. But what is quality? There are a few angles on that.

I watch every video that is listed. I don't list the majority of ones I see. There are just way to many very poor ones. (That doesn't mean I have found every good one either.) Many that are listed have practices I would not be comfortable with, and are not done by a master turner for sure. But they often have the germ of an idea, or exploration of an alternative that is of some value to me, and I hope to others. Sort of a "some redeeming turning value" standard I guess that makes me want to list them.

I had hoped that this forum, and thread could be a place where comments could be made, as you have started. And encouragement provided to the turners who make the videos to make improvements and keep the videos coming. I do see improvement in the quality over time. Bob Hamilton's pieces IMHO while long, are exemplary, thoughtful, and very helpful for example.

I note that we have all been to club demos (and symposia I dare say) where the practices demonstrated have been all over the place. So I see these videos somewhat in that light.

Many of the videoed projects are of interesting concept when someone is looking for inspiration for something new to turn, but I would surely not do some of them the way they are demonstrated, even if I liked the idea.

So what to do? I am most open to ideas and improvements. Direct comments will not hurt my feelings in the least. But so far, by myself alone, I choose not to set myself up as a judge to filter out everything that is not to an overall near professional standard. I am concerned about not presenting a video that has some significant redeeming value. We would not want to dishearten a contributer who has provided something of potential value.

I just don't know, so I decided to include ones that to me at least had elements that were of some interest. And leave it to the viewer to pick what was of value, and their mentors to improve the process.

I tried to use the rating system to point out the better ones, but I admit that is imperfect and inaccurate. I would surely be willing to add more short comments from different points of view(constructive) to be added to videos. I would appreciate frank feedback on videos that should be dropped as having little or no value or comments and ratings that should be modified. Anyone can email me directly on this and I will respond.

Odie, as I said, you have raised the right issue. I would look forward to practical ideas on how to improve what at best is a subjective process. In the end though we must form our own opinion on what information is of value, good or bad. I suspect there is no one standard that could be used as a filter. Maybe X rated? PG? Buyer Beware? I just don't know. The beginner video page should be of the highest standard, so turners see best practices modeled. The other pages I suspect should be a little more open ended.

More thoughts? I would love to have some help on this. At one time the AAW got started on a committee to "Vet" such videos, but it died out, partly over the concern you raised I suspect. I decided that something is better than nothing, and that a little bit of filtering and highlighting of all the YouTube videos was of value. But it surely could be improved with more time and effort.

A virtual committee from this forum to screen these would possibly be a good thing. But who and how? I have no feelings of ownership of the site and would gladly share (or give up) the responsibility. I just think something should be put out there.

To much rambling.....Thanks again, Jerry

Some Good thoughts here, Jerry........

Rating systems, comments on the video.....all have positives and negatives......and sometimes of questional value. I do think it's good that you are considering a system of eliminating some videos with potential risk factors, bad information, or just not very helpful. If you can manage some level of integrity, and not let just any video into the site, a positive reputation can be established......good for you, and good for everyone else.

As I was reading your post, the thought occurred to me that you might just post a link to a specific video right here on the AAW main forum for the specific purpose of initiating discussion for just one partcular video, or aspect of the video. Don't have the faintest idea just where that might lead to.....but, it's something to think about anyway. It's possible that an active discussion may raise points of interest, or concern, that may not be noted with the rating/comments......?

I do go to youtube occasionally, but not as much as I did. Main reason is I feel a little frustrated from wasting my time with videos that don't deliver any good usable information.......just don't want to spend all that time searching for that little tidbit that I'd find useful.

I have bookmarked your site, and will refer back........

thank you

ooc

odie · May 29, 2011

Here's a video I liked......on sharpening with a jig I've never seen before, from makers of VB36 lathe.

I am offering this for discussion, if anyone would like to comment.

ooc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjOnXssV9rY

MichaelMouse · May 29, 2011

odie said:
Here's a video I liked......on sharpening with a jig I've never seen before, from makers of VB36 lathe.

I am offering this for discussion, if anyone would like to comment.

Turning by the numbers is great for CNC production. But, since my hand is not numerically controlled, I don't see much advantage to grind angle guides and jigs. Now if I was using a jig while cutting....

My biggest problems with the majority of clips is that, almost without exception, they're cutting at high speed. Once again, the pursuit of numbers rather than shavings. No wonder we have so many reports of work departing the machine in pursuit of the operator. That, and watching so many stick the nose of the tool directly in and often under the work to be sure they pry it up into their face instead of cutting away and along the grain where the tool pushes it in a safe direction.

Jerry Hall · May 29, 2011

Re VB Turning tuition, Sharpening

Odie, Michael,

Re Nominated Video:
Perfect! A good suggestion Odie and a good comment Michael. I think it is a useful video to add to the list of Sharpening Videos. Not because many will get this specialized sharpening system, but because it offers a perspective on most all the "angles" of fingernail sharpening and shows safe practices. Watching it provides a "teaching moment" regardless of the system you use, and perhaps some ideas for those inclined to build their own. There are many such videos on sharpening, and it is good to present a range of choices.

So I will wait a bit for more comments, then post the video and summarize the comments. This is my ideal of what can happen over time.

Re Safety: Based on this discussion I have highlighted the safety and best practices issue on the web site, and referenced the safety guidelines from the AAW, and encouraged using good mentors to develop a personal standard of safe practices. I am thinking of adding standard notes such as:
See Note One: The tool handling practices are of concern. Seek the advice of a mentor in the approach you use for this project.

Perhaps the author of the video will take these concerns to heart and do another version and raise their game.

Re Speed
I suspect that the makers of the video may feel an urgency with the time limits they face on uploads. I will try to add a general caution on this as well. My ideal for calm and appropriate speed are Larry Marley's Videos such as: http://marleyturned.com/Video_Christmas_Bell.html

So my my hope for this endeavor would be for this to be a process where it just gets better over time, but always short of the perfect. Such is life I am told by SWMBO.

Jerry

Jerry Hall · Feb 5, 2012

401 Videos now..

and just as I think we may have run out of good candidates I stumble upon some more outstanding ones. See:woodturningvideos.weebly.com

For example:

Thread Chasing, a series of videos by Sam Angelo (see Techniques)
Crafting a Comb Back Windsor Chair by Curtis Buchanan (see Projects)
Wood Turnings with Poured Epoxy by Brendon Stemp (see Techniques)

As always, I appreciate suggestions on new videos and improved rating and comments on existing ones.

We are getting so many now I am thinking about a keyword system to better organize them, but don't know how to do it technically. Maybe publish a downloadable spreadsheet that people could sort, or find some simple database software that I could use to produce different reports.

Chad Bridges, a young artist and very creative woodturner certainly should give us comfort that a fine generation of young turners is coming along. His videos show up at the end of Projects and Finishing.

Looks like the site has hit the mark with a fair number of turners with an average of about 3600 visits a month to the home page and I am sure a lot more to the subordinate pages.

Keep those cards and letters coming,

Jerry

Cory Norgart · Feb 5, 2012

Thanks,, always looking for new stuff.....

Don O. Jr. · Feb 9, 2012

Thanks for the update!

FYI- the "Aprilis" goblet video has been deleted from Vimeo-Bummer.

Patrick Miller · Feb 9, 2012

well done

Very nice compilation!! Thank you for the effort. Regarding the safety and content issues: It seems like its my responsibility to use with caution anything I see posted on the web, published in print or overheard at a meeting. The fact that this is all gathered to one spot doesn't change that. This just makes it easier for me to scroll through information and decide what applies.
Thanks again for this.

Jerry Hall · Feb 9, 2012

Aprilis Video - Bummer

Don,

Thanks for catching that lost link. I found the guy on You Tube. The video is now titled "The Lord of the Rings" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4xp...xt=C39dbbb9UDOEgsToPDskKw3ANvJ8VOMdyhdMRIPY8P

Here is another one of his fun videos with that great music, herky jerky video. The dog is alive and well too! The video is also of a goblet, but sadly not a gazillion rings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YlxGKJe0ng&feature=player_embedded#!

He is having entirely too much fun IMHO.

Jerry