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Hi I’m Ian Brown

Joined
Feb 18, 2026
Messages
1
Likes
2
Location
Chugiak, AK
Hello everyone, my name is Ian Brown, I live in Chugiak Alaska. I have dabbled in different arts and just about every trade throughout my life. I was building my wood working shop when I bought my first lathe almost exactly a year ago last February. I was actually in the middle of refurbishing an old family Singer sewing machine. I haven’t touched it since. I bought a bench top wen lathe from marketplace and have since traded up 4 more times. I ended up with a Vicmarc VL300 long bed and a delta steel bed made in USA lathe.
I seemed to have taken to turning like a duck to water. Last August I was shocked when I brought home 6 ribbons from the state fair including 3 First place. I’ve since had a first Friday exhibition and have a spot in a local gallery. There doesn’t seem to be a limit to what I will try on the lathe. I enjoy making everything from bowls to functionally useless but beautiful art pieces to spindle work for handles and everything in between. I am almost entirely self taught from YouTube videos including lots of Mr. Richard Raffan. I have to give a TON of credit to my local Club AWA!! The guys there have also been instrumental in my growth as a turner. Lots of great advice, tools, wood and mostly camaraderie amongst fellow craftsman (turners)!! I will include a few photos of me and my shop. I feel like I’ve finally found my calling and my community!
I have uploaded several dozen videos of my wood turning escapades to the large social media platforms. Much to my surprise they seem to be gaining traction. Some with tens of thousands of views or more. I’m not sure where this wood turning journey is going to take me but I have a good feeling about it all!!
I’m goofy and fun and like to enjoy life to the fullest. This is the first official forum I’ve ever joined so I will try and keep up. I spend a lot of time zoned out in the shop and don’t touch the phone for long periods at a time. ( Hours not day) I will do my best to respond in a timely manner!

Turn on!!

Ian Brown
 

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